education Archives - MAIA

Education That Drives Change

Katy Samayoa — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:36:58 +0000

Education that drives change

We are a force for change rooted in quality education

January 22, 2026

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and dreams every day. We are also talking about communities that know education can open the door to greater opportunities.

At MAIA, educating means accompanying learning processes with intention, clarity, and purpose. We believe transformative education begins when every learning experience has meaning, direction, and a deep connection to the lives of those who learn.

As Celena Cuy, Administrative Co-Director of The MAIA Impact School, explains: “A class at MAIA has a clear and purposeful objective, and educators follow a defined instructional pathway that allows them to know exactly which topics Girl Pioneers need to learn and master.”

This pedagogical leadership—from planning to implementation and conceptual understanding—is what makes it possible to develop real skills and competencies in each Girl Pioneer.

A Day of Classes at The MAIA Impact School

A day at the Impact School begins at 8:00am and ends at 3:40pm. The school day is organized into five subjects, a mid-morning break, and lunchtime. Girl Pioneers move from classroom to classroom, and in each space, they are welcomed warmly, reinforcing a sense of belonging.

Each class begins by recognizing prior knowledge—building on the ideas Girl Pioneers already bring with them—and encouraging the use of an empowered voice. Collaborative work is central, not only as a teaching strategy, but as a way to strengthen collective learning and shared responsibility.

As Vilma Saloj, Director of Strategic Partnerships, describes: “The Girl Pioneer is the protagonist of her own learning.” Educators serve as guides, orienting the process and facilitating access to knowledge, while Girl Pioneers actively construct their own learning.

In every class, three levels of thinking are intentionally developed: literal—understanding what is explicit; inferential—deducing what is implicit by connecting prior knowledge; and critical—evaluating, judging, and forming well-founded opinions.

This journey is supported by methodologies that optimize time, promote deep understanding, and strengthen knowledge retention through games, dynamics, and integrative activities.

Sustainability and Replicability

Our experience at The MAIA Impact School demonstrates that a different kind of education is possible when Girl Pioneers are at the center. “Our teaching is not based exclusively on content, but on a holistic vision of academic, personal, and social impact, with intentional and consistent practices that place the Girl Pioneer at the center of her learning,” Celena Cuy explains.

The outcomes we see with Girl Pioneers reflect a model with strong potential to be sustained over time. The strategies with the greatest impact are those deeply connected to local context: using everyday commercial situations to teach mathematics or integrating students’ mother tongues into literacy activities. These practices remind us that education becomes more meaningful when it is rooted in daily life.

Scaling Our Impact

At MAIA, we understand that transforming education also means strengthening those who teach. “MAIA has an internal educator training strategy made up of a diverse set of professional development opportunities; this ensures higher-quality outcomes in the classroom,” shares Andrea Coché, CEO of MAIA.

From this conviction, we desire to share what we learn. As Andrea reflects: “What would happen if we brought together our best practices with those of other organizations also working to improve educational quality?”

This question also responds to needs identified within the public education system. In the words of Víctor Chumil, Educational Supervisor in Sololá: “Within the Ministry of Education, we have significant weaknesses in mathematics and communication and language. We are seeking to raise learning levels, which is why we reached out to civil society organizations that can help us achieve this goal.”

In 2024, we co-founded the Voces para la Educación network, working alongside nine organizations: Glasswing International, Child Aid, Puerta Abierta, School the World, Tierra Nueva, Limitless Horizons, Population Council, COED, ADGN Education, and local education authorities, to reimagine teacher training in Sololá. In 2025 together, we trained nearly 100 educators from 25 communities in literacy, mathematics, and classroom management, with the support of 25 facilitators from partner organizations.

When our practices are shared and placed at the service of the collective, education moves beyond the transmission of knowledge and becomes a force capable of transforming realities.

Learn more about how we are transforming education in the department of Sololá through Voces por la Educación network, in the following video:

When our practices are shared and rooted in community, education moves beyond knowledge. It becomes a force for change that expands opportunities and transforms realities.

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

STEM: an engine for transformation How mathematics, logic, technology and science open new possibilities for Girl Pioneers At MAIA, we believe learning goes beyond acquiring knowledge—it’s about developing the ability

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

A celebration of courage, dreams, and change

Katy Samayoa — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:05:37 +0000

A celebration of courage, dreams, and change

Here’s to the 5th class of graduate Girl Pioneers

November 24, 2025

We believe in the power of saying “Yes.”

In a country where Indigenous girls often hear countless “no”. No to education, no to opportunity, no to dreaming big. But today, we are celebrating a resounding “Yes!” that comes from leadership, from courage, and from the dreams that drive transformation.

Today, we can’t wait to introduce you to the 5th class of graduates. Each one of them represents what happens when possibility meets determination, when a “Yes” opens doors to new futures.

“Being a Girl Pioneer changed my life. My grandmother and my mother had their first child at 18. I am 18 now, and I’m breaking that cycle—my dreams are big. I will begin my university studies next year, and I hope to join community groups where I can use my voice in shaping decisions.”

Ana, MAIA Graduate

At MAIA, we know that inequity in Guatemala is inherited. The path for Indigenous women and girls is often shaped by systemic barriers: poverty, limited access to education, and early motherhood. But together, we are rewriting this story.

As we celebrate this milestone for the newest graduating class, we are reminded that our mission is more than education. It’s about empowering girls to become leaders, shaping communities, and proving that with support, guidance, and opportunity, change is possible.

“At MAIA, I learned how to use the power of my voice. Now I am an inspiration for my entire family, especially my younger siblings, because they ask me to teach them the things I’ve learned. Carrying that responsibility is meaningful, and it fills me with pride. I want to keep studying and grow into a leader who expands and strengthens educational opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous leaders.”

Dulce, MAIA Graduate

Just like Ana and Dulce, there are 40 more dreams, goals, and hopes for transformation being nurtured every day. Each graduating Girl Pioneer represents an infinite array of new opportunities and a collective “Yes” to creating the systemic change we all envision, being a force for change.

You can be part of that “Yes.”

By investing in education, leadership, and empowerment, you are directly contributing to a future where Indigenous women and girls lead with courage and transform their communities.

Join us in this celebration of saying “yes” by watching the graduation ceremony HERE. And don’t miss the speech from our keynote speaker: Jayro Bustamente, Award-winning movie director and Human Rights activist from Guatemala.

We are proud, we are inspired, and we are energized because this is only the beginning! Let’s be witnesses to the next generation of leaders.

Together, we are a force for change.

Keep an eye on what’s coming next!

In the next stories, you’ll meet the people who keep this force alive—the girls who lead with courage, the families who believe in new futures, and the team who walks alongside them. Their journeys remind us what is possible when we choose to move forward together.

We are a force for change!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

18 Years of Shaping Women Leaders

Katy Samayoa — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:22:44 +0000

18 Years of Shaping Women Leaders

Transforming realities through quality education

October 10, 2025

This October 11th, 2025, the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, and for us at MAIA, it’s a double celebration: our anniversary!

In 2026, we are celebrating 18 years of transforming realities through education and empowerment. Together, we have built opportunities and accompanied generations of young Indigenous women who now inspire others to believe in their own power.

Eighteen years ago, we emerged from a powerful question:

“How far could an Indigenous woman go if she had access to quality education and became a leader?”

That dream became reality with the creation of MAIA. Our first steps took shape through mentoring programs, which later evolved into scholarships. Yet we knew that wasn’t enough. We dared to dream bigger and innovate until we made it happen: we developed a unique holistic model—a space where every girl can discover her potential and transform her life.

Leading the Change

Today, the Girl Pioneers are the reflection of that dream come true. They lead with empathy, vision, and commitment—in their classrooms, families, and communities. Meet some of the young women who are leading change:

Sandra, MAIA Girl Pioneer: “I’ve taken on leadership roles in my family, school, and church, where I’ve organized different activities and supported my group by offering guidance, motivation, and ideas. Leadership is not just about directing—it’s about inspiring, encouraging others, and listening.”

Eleany, MAIA graduate: “Through student leadership, I’ve influenced other youth to embrace a spirit of collaboration and participation. In the future, I see myself leading a program focused on mental health, helping people find emotional balance through connection with nature.”

Ángela, MAIA graduate: “Through my Instagram account, I invite young women to participate in digital activities. We build alliances and join monthly meetings with the Tejiendo Redes de Infancia organization. I love inspiring other young women to become leaders, to believe in themselves and not be afraid to face challenges—always seeking to learn and grow.”

Linda, MAIA Graduate: “MAIA gave me guidance and safe spaces where I lost the fear of raising my voice and could share my opinions. I received valuable tools for my personal growth. Now, I lead youth activities, and I feel proud that people trust me to guide them. I’ve been able to influence the role of women in education and local activism.”

These are just a few examples of the many Girl Pioneers who through quality education, mentorship, and empowerment have transformed their own realities.

Over the past 18 years, we have grown as an organization and impacted more than 2,000 people across 40 communities, including the Girl Pioneers, their families, and our team. Our work has been recognized globally: MAIA was named among the Top 10 Schools in the World for overcoming adversity, was recognized by the Obama Foundation, and has had our graduates and team members represent Guatemala and Indigenous women on international stages.

Today, we celebrate every success story, every step forward, and every voice raised—a reminder that change doesn’t just happen; we lead it together.

Eighteen years later, we can proudly affirm that with education, guidance, and opportunity, women are creating an infinite impact.

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Maximize and amplify the transformative power of women

web-maiaadmin — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 17:36:49 +0000

Maximize and amplify the transformative power of women

MAIA’s Strategic Plan 2025-2029

February 1, 2025

At MAIA, we constantly innovate and adapt to the changes the world requires. Through a collaborative design process that brought together a diverse range of voices— our staff, the board of directors, Girl Pioneers and their families, allies, partners, and donors— we have created our Strategic Plan 2025-2029.

This new Strategic Plan 2025-2029 clearly outlines our strategies for achieving long-term impact and systemic change in the communities we serve.

“This new strategic plan reflects our passion for service and our dream of changing and redefining the history of women in our communities, generating an infinite impact. We know that we cannot achieve this vision alone. MAIA’s journey has always been powered by the collective efforts of our Girl Pioneers, staff, families, partners, donors, and allies. Together, we are proving that systemic change is possible when we combine our strengths and resources.”

Andrea Coché, CEO of MAIA

Our vision and mission statement

In this new stage of MAIA, our mission is to maximize and amplify the transformative power of women. Our vision is to create a society with equity and opportunity.

A female leadership model

At MAIA, we believe that women and girls are the solution to creating a better world. That is why we remain girl- and women-centered, and steadfast in our commitment to empowering and giving Indigenous girls access to education—unlocking their potential to lead choice-filled lives and transform their communities.

Over the next five years, we will also invest in the organizational culture, structures, systems, and resources needed to sustain our core work and become one of the best institutions to work at in Guatemala.

We will formalize and expand our model to enhance staff leadership and strengthen our work as accelerators of underrepresented female leadership. Our impact already extends to Girl Pioneers and their families, and over the next five years, it will also extend to our staff members who have founded, led, and joined mission-driven organizations across Guatemala, showcasing the broader influence of our model.

“As an Indigenous woman who works at MAIA, this plan represents an opportunity to empower ourselves and pushes us to go beyond, demonstrating our high capabilities. As an Indigenous social scientist from a rural community, I am very satisfied to contribute to MAIA by ensuring the existence of data, analysis, and dissemination of the impact achieved, as this is a key pillar of the new Strategic Plan. Only in this way can we know that the Strategic Plan is maximizing the potential of women.”

Mayra Choc, Technical Coordinator of Monitoring and Evaluation

Join us in this next chapter — be part of a movement that ensures every Indigenous woman and girl can live a choice-filled life and lead lasting change in her community. Together, we can amplify the infinite impact of our model.

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Leadership Transition at MAIA

web-maiaadmin — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:38:09 +0000

Leadership Transition at MAIA

Empowering Indigenous women to thrive

November 4, 2024

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.

As an organization, we nurture and cultivate female talent with intentionality so that our transformative impact ripples beyond the Impact School, creating waves in the broader community, the country, and the world, and setting the stage for systemic change.

Lidia Oxí, creating a rippling effect beyond MAIA

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.

Andrea Coché leading us
in the next phase

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.

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

MAIA: maximizing potential through education!

web-maiaadmin — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:06:41 +0000

MAIA: maximizing potential through education!

The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story

January 29, 2024

MAIA is not your typical organization. Led by Indigenous women for Indigenous girls, MAIA’s mission is to connect talent with opportunity, maximizing the potential of young women to lead transformational change. We believe that with quality education as their tool against adversity, these bold trailblazers will be reshaping their futures, uplifting their communities, and creating a better world for all of us.

Why Indigenous Girls?

We work in Sololá, one of the poorest regions of Guatemala. Here, most girls are forced to marry or become mothers before they turn 18. Access to education is a privilege. We embarked on this journey with a powerful question driving us: How far could these young women go if they had access to the education they deserve?

We call MAIA’s students Girl Pioneers – because many are the first in their families to continue their education and begin to break cycles of generational poverty.

How do we do it?

We are all about empowering Girl Pioneers to unlock and maximize their full potential!

Our flagship program is the MAIA Impact School, which is changing the game for education in Guatemala. We serve approximately 250 Girl Pioneers in grades 7-11 through a unique educational approach that focuses equally on academics, socio-emotional intelligence, family engagement, culture, vocal empowerment, student well-being, and sexual and reproductive health.

Once they graduate, Girl Pioneers can continue to the Launch Year Program during which they gain access to vocational orientation, university preparation, workplace readiness training, and valuable internship experiences in the formal economy through our network of local allies.

“Accessing education at MAIA is an opportunity for Girl Pioneers to transform their own lives to receive the quality education they deserve to develop their full potential.”

Vilma Saloj, Director of the MAIA Impact School

How do we know that it works?

Over the years, we have witnessed significant impact and growth of our model and Girl Pioneers. Our approach is based on evidence, and we invest in professional development to continuously improve and refine our programming.

We have seen firsthand the positive changes that have taken place in the lives of Girl Pioneers, from improvements in academic performance to increased confidence and leadership skills. Girl Pioneers are becoming leaders in their communities, breaking down barriers and taking charge of their futures.

We are delighted to welcome 88 new Girl Pioneers to the MAIA Impact School in 2024. These brave young women hail from 45 rural communities in Guatemala and are the eighth generation of future female leaders. They are ready to ignite a ripple effect that will lead to a better world for all of us!

When I applied to the MAIA Impact School, I was a bit insecure about the schedule, and the school is a bit far from my house. But I was sure that I would receive a quality education. I got so excited that I won the scholarship. My dream is to become a pediatrician and help families with limited resources. I will achieve this with perseverance and determination.

Fatima, MAIA Girl Pioneer

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Introducing the new leadership at MAIA

web-maiaadmin — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:20:00 +0000

Introducing the new leadership at MAIA

November 1, 2022

At MAIA we have long said our goal was to structure MAIA so that Girl Pioneers could one day hold any position in the organization. This leadership transition signifies that we have completed this task.

We are thrilled to break through yet another barrier by introducing a new co-leadership model featuring two powerful women poised to lead MAIA into our next stage: Andrea Coché and Martha Lidia Oxí.

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Diana and Lucero raise their voices for all of Guatemala to hear!

web-maiaadmin — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 20:49:00 +0000

Diana and Lucero raise their voices for all of Guatemala to hear!

CLOSING THE GAP IN STEAM DISCIPLINES

August 3, 2022

For the second consecutive year, Girl Pioneers from the MAIA Impact School won at the CIMAT fair, an event in Guatemala for students between 8th and 12th grade meant to recognize and provide seed funding for projects in the areas of science, engineering, mathematics, arts, and technology.

In this year’s edition, Diana and Lucero, two 12th-grade Girl Pioneers, were awarded first place in the category of Arts with their project Raise Your Voice.

“The song Raise your Voice challenges the different stereotypes women face at different stages of their lives,” share Diana and Lucero. “It was born as a result of seeing, living, and feeling what women face every day. Women and adolescents who have had a terrifying past, who suffered, who live in silence,” they continue.

“The goal of this song is to empower women, sharing their voices with the world without fear. To carry an inspirational message that breaks paradigms and creates a positive impact in the world,” conclude Diana and Lucero.

“Girl Pioneers are very active and have a strong social conscience. Participating in the CIMAT fair is a great opportunity to recognize the different needs that exist in the communities and respond to them through innovative ideas and projects in one of the five areas. Thus they begin to generate a positive change,” shares Yolanda Yaxón, Academic Coordinator of the Impact School.

Once again, Girl Pioneers are demonstrating that they are not the problem, they are the solution!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Project Impulso – A program to unlock girls’ transformational power!

web-maiaadmin — Wed, 25 May 2022 22:30:00 +0000

Project Impulso – A program to unlock girls’ transformational power!

The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story

May 25, 2022

“In our context [rural areas of Guatemala], it is often the case that when a young woman graduates from primary school, she will not continue studying in middle and high school,” shares Roselia Toj, Director of Success Programs at the MAIA Impact School.
Structural barriers, limited economic resources, discrimination, and a culture of machismo threaten girls’ ability to continue studying and achieve their goals.

At MAIA, we are committed to identifying outliers, girls at risk of ending their education after primary school, who will shift paradigms and set a bold new standard of expectations when provided with concrete opportunities to learn and grow. We call these young women Girl Pioneers. “The meaning for MAIA is that change begins with them — they are pioneers because they become an example and role models for other girls and young people in their community,” continues Roselia.

After the selection process, these ambitious young women join a year-long preparatory program: Proyecto Impulso. “The main goal of this initiative is to respond to the low quality of education in Guatemala by accompanying and leveling the academic preparation of every new generation of Girl Pioneers to build the knowledge and tools they need to succeed,” explains Roselia.

The pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, and in Guatemala, public education has been interrupted for nearly two years, widening the existing gap. “When joining the MAIA Impact School, Girl Pioneers do not have the basic skills they need to be able to start secondary school. For this, we focus specifically on strengthening and developing their abilities in literacy, mathematics, English, and technology,” says Celestina Poz, Coordinator and Educator in mathematics.

Along with building a strong academic foundation, mentors consistently work alongside Girl Pioneers and their families to create a common vision of their future centered around her education. “When a Girl Pioneer begins her journey of empowerment through Proyecto Impulso, families and girls experience many fears and doubts,” states Roselia. Through different strategies, tools, and techniques, the team of mentors provides personalized support and guidance in developing transversal skills to manage their emotions and resolve difficult family situations.

Celestina sends a message to all Girl Pioneers: “You ALL are the present and future of Guatemala. When embarking on a bold new trajectory, you will ignite change in your communities and the world!”

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Ruby, a Girl Pioneer who is changing her path

web-maiaadmin — Wed, 25 May 2022 18:21:00 +0000

Ruby, a Girl Pioneer who is changing her path

The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story

May 25, 2022

“How to use a computer is my favorite thing I have learned since I joined the MAIA Impact School,” says Ruby, a 14-year-old Indigenous girl. She is the oldest of 4 siblings and one of the 16 members of her family (including her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and siblings) who live in the same house in a rural community in Sololá.

After the selection process, in 2022, Ruby is a Girl Pioneer part of Proyecto Impulso, MAIA’s year-long preparatory program. She has been learning how to speak English and use a computer, specifically how to write and use the keyboard. She practices both skills at home with her youngest brothers and her mother.

Before MAIA, she used to study in the public school system of Guatemala, and for her, “it was very hard to understand most classes.” Her main tasks were focused on doing house chores: cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her younger brothers and baby sister. Today, her main task is to do her homework and practice her English with her family.

“For me, it’s very important to have the support from my family and especially from my mother. She was the one who encouraged me to study and apply to MAIA.”

“I’m happy here at MAIA, and I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.”

education Archives - MAIA

Education That Drives Change

Education that drives change

A Day of Classes at The MAIA Impact School

Sustainability and Replicability

Scaling Our Impact

A celebration of courage, dreams, and change

A celebration of courage, dreams, and change

You can be part of that “Yes.”

Together, we are a force for change.

18 Years of Shaping Women Leaders

18 Years of Shaping Women Leaders

“How far could an Indigenous woman go if she had access to quality education and became a leader?”

Leading the Change

Eighteen years later, we can proudly affirm that with education, guidance, and opportunity, women are creating an infinite impact.

Maximize and amplify the transformative power of women

Maximize and amplify the transformative power of women

Our vision and mission statement

A female leadership model

Leadership Transition at MAIA

Leadership Transition at MAIA

Lidia Oxí, creating a rippling effect beyond MAIA

Andrea Coché leading us in the next phase

MAIA: maximizing potential through education!

MAIA: maximizing potential through education!

Why Indigenous Girls?

How do we do it?

How do we know that it works?

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

Introducing the new leadership at MAIA

Introducing the new leadership at MAIA

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

Diana and Lucero raise their voices for all of Guatemala to hear!

Diana and Lucero raise their voices for all of Guatemala to hear!

CLOSING THE GAP IN STEAM DISCIPLINES

Project Impulso – A program to unlock girls’ transformational power!

Project Impulso – A program to unlock girls’ transformational power!

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

Ruby, a Girl Pioneer who is changing her path

Ruby, a Girl Pioneer who is changing her path

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

Andrea Coché leading us
in the next phase