Empowering Indigenous women to thrive
At MAIA our mission asks us to contemplate: With the right support and example, how far can she go? We often say, “If she can see it, she can be it,” and we ensure that the Girl Pioneers have multiple examples of Indigenous women women who come from the same context as they doleading the way.
It is with that ethos in mind that we want to share that after seven years at MAIA, Martha Lidia Oxí Chuy, who is currently Co-Executive Director – External Relations, will be leaving to run the first Guatemala-based arm of the organization, World Connect. Lidia has earned this opportunity through her hard work, ambition, and fearless pursuit of change. As a director at World Connect, she will be in charge of allocating funds to grassroots organizations across the Guatemalan Highlands, quite literally creating a rippling impact in Indigenous communities.
We are extremely proud of Lidia for taking on this challenge and continuing to model for the Girl Pioneers the breadth of what is achievable for their futures. While we celebrate Lidia and her bold new trajectory, we are also sad to say goodbye. Luckily, we are thrilled to announce that she has accepted the unanimous vote of the MAIA Board of Directors to join the Board as a director emeritus. Her experience, knowledge, and personal connections will continue to benefit us even as she shifts her professional responsibilities.
With Lidia’s departure from her current position, Andrea Coché, current Co-Executive Director – Direct Services – will become MAIA’s Chief Executive Officer, streamlining the current co-leader structure.
Andrea has been part of MAIA since 2012, and our organization is strong and thriving under her leadership. She has modeled “pioneering” in a multitude of ways during her tenure and welcomes this new opportunity to manage all aspects of the organization. Andrea is ideally suited to this role, our Board of Directors, allies and everyone at MAIA, have complete confidence in her ability to lead us in this next phase of organizational evolution.
This transition for both Lidia and Andrea demonstrates—again and unequivocally—what it is to be a female Indigenous leader and just how far they can go.
MAIA is an organization that seeks to generate systemic change by empowering Indigenous women and youth in Guatemala. We emphasize our commitment to empowering women and girls through a unique
At MAIA, we are a team of committed, enthusiastic, and brave women and girls. We are determined to redefine our and families trajectory , we believe that a profound change
Appropriate that my first blog in MAIA relates to my departure. This communication will hopefully help you understand the intricacies of MAIA’s most recent leadership transition.
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.
