At MAIA, we are a dedicated and passionate team that blends traditional values with progressive thinking. Our staff is 79% Indigenous Maya, and 87% are female. This alignment of race and gender ensures critical empathy and cultural relevance at every juncture.
ANDREA COCHÉ
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Meet Andrea, a remarkable Maya Tz’utujil woman from Santiago Atitlán. Holding a social work degree and nearing completion of her master’s degree in social enterprise management, Andrea’s journey with MAIA began in 2012 as a mentor. Progressing through the organization, she served as MAIA’s Director of Monitoring and Evaluation until assuming the role of General Director. She became Co-Executive Director in 2023.
As the first in her family to graduate from university and one of the few women in her community pursuing higher education in social work, Andrea stands as an inspiring example to our Girl Pioneers, showcasing the limitless potential and possibilities that lie ahead.
BEVERLY TECÚN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Allow us to introduce Beverly, a talented Maya Kaqchikel woman from San Andrés Semetabaj, Sololá. Holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration, she is deeply committed to advancing her personal and professional growth by learning English. Beverly’s journey with MAIA commenced in 2016 when she joined as a mentor, responsible for selecting incoming students for the Impact School. Later, she assumed the role of Program Coordinator for the University Scholarship Quetzal Fund. As of 2021, Beverly has taken on the position of Director of Operations, where she oversees all administrative, financial, and operational teams in Guatemala. Her remarkable progression serves as a shining example of the power of dedication and continuous learning.
VILMA SALOJ
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Meet Vilma, a resilient Maya Kaqchikel woman and one of six children, still residing in her birth village. Her remarkable journey with MAIA began in 2010 as a mentor, and she has since risen to become the school’s first director when it opened in 2017. Proficient in three languages, Vilma’s dedication led her to the US to shadow school leaders in 2016. Currently, she is in the final semester of her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in secondary-level education. Vilma’s influence extends beyond MAIA, as she represented the organization at the UN and the Zayed Sustainability Prize in Abu Dhabi. Her unwavering commitment exemplifies the potential of young women to make a global impact.
ROSELIA TOJ
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DIRECT SERVICES
Meet Roselia, a determined Maya Kaqchikel woman from Cojobal, Patzun, who holds the distinction of being the first in her family to earn a university degree. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, she embarked on her journey with MAIA in 2011 as a mentor and has since ascended to the role of Director of Impact. In her current capacity, she oversees the selection of new Girl Pioneers and manages MAIA’s Launch Year program. Roselia’s inspiring journey vividly illustrates the transformative power of education and dedicated mentorship.
SILVIA NAZ
DIRECTOR OF SOCIEMOTIONAL PROGRAMS
Silva is a talented Maya Quiché woman from Chichicastenango, Quiché. She holds a degree in Social Work and is currently finishing her master’s degree in social enterprise management. Silvia began working at MAIA in 2016 as a New Horizons Coach, later becoming a Mentor. She took on the role of high School Mentorship Coordinator, followed by Coordinator of Health and Leadership. In 2025, she will step into the role of Director of Socioemotional Support.
She is the eldest of five siblings and the mother of a 2-year-old girl. In this new role, she expects to create spaces for the team to express their ideas and strengthen their commitment to meeting MAIA’s empowerment goals.
CELENA CUY & CELESTINA POZ
MAIA IMPACT SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Celena and Celestina are both Maya Kaqchikel women from Sololá, Guatemala.
Celena is currently studying for a Master’s in University Teaching at USAC University. She graduated from Estrella de Mar (formerly MAIA) in 2012. That same year, she began working at MAIA as a mentor. In 2017, she transitioned to becoming an educator in entrepreneurship and productivity, design thinking, and social sciences at the MAIA Impact School. In 2021, she became the school’s Administrative Coordinator. She is the third in her family to graduate from high school. In her new role as the Administrative Director, she wants to contribute to the integral development of young women.
Celestina holds a degree in Education. She began working at MAIA in 2012 as a mentor and later became an educator in 2017. In 2022, she was promoted to the school’s Academic Coordinator. She is the first daughter in her family to graduate from high school. In her new role as the Academic Director she will innovate to continue providing quality education to the MAIA Girl Pioneers.
MARITZA ORTÍZ
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
From an early age, Maritza understood the power of education—a lesson from her mother that shaped her path. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she studied psychology and sociology at Emory University, later earning a Master’s in Professional Counseling. However, her true passion lay in expanding educational opportunities for underserved communities.
Fifteen years ago, she moved to Guatemala, where she developed a deep connection to the country. After a decade of work in education, she found MAIA—an organization that aligned perfectly with her belief in education as a catalyst for change. Inspired daily by the resilience of the Girl Pioneers, Maritza is honored to be part of a movement creating lasting impact for generations to come. Maritza lives in Antigua, Guatemala, with her daughter and their many pets.
JENNY DALE
US EXECUTIVE COUNTRY DIRECTOR
Jenny joined MAIA in 2019 as the Coordinator of Grants and Communications and assumed the role of US Country Director in 2022. In this capacity, she oversees the organization’s resource development, finance, and operations as a non-profit entity in the United States. Jenny brings over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector, with a focus on education, immigrant rights, and women’s empowerment. After nearly a decade of living and working in Guatemala, she relocated to Chicago, where they currently reside. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Latin American Studies from Grinnell College.
Disclaimer: Job opportunities at MAIA are published only on MAIA’s official digital platforms and done by the HR team at MAIA. We do not charge any fees or ask for any payments.
MAIA USA
Tax Identification Number (EIN) 68-0652444
Asociación MAIA
Tax Identification Number (NIT) 6896913-9.
Guatemala Office:
Km. 137, Caserío Xolbé,
Cantón El Tablón, Sololá, Guatemala
US Office:
1031 33rd Street, Denver, CO 80205
Every year at the MAIA Impact School, we welcome a new generation of Girl Pioneers. It is a transformative journey that changes the trajectory of the future of their lives, families, and the broader community.
With your investment, these remarkable young women will break cycles of poverty and build a brighter future.
