Indigenous Girls Archives - MAIA https://www.maiaimpact.org/tag/indigenous-girls-2/ MAIA is a nonprofit organization empowering Indigenous girls in Guatemala through education, leadership, and community development programs. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:55:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.1 https://www.maiaimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/512-150x150.jpg Indigenous Girls Archives - MAIA https://www.maiaimpact.org/tag/indigenous-girls-2/ 32 32 18 Years of Shaping Women Leaders https://www.maiaimpact.org/bloging/18-years-of-shaping-women-leaders/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:22:44 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=8886

18 Years of Shaping Women Leaders

Transforming realities through quality education

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.

]]> Maximize and amplify the transformative power of women  https://www.maiaimpact.org/bloging/maximize-and-amplify-the-transformative-power-of-women/ Sat, 01 Feb 2025 17:36:49 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=8259
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Maximize and amplify the transformative power of women 

MAIA’s Strategic Plan 2025-2029

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.

Read our Strategic Plan 2025-2029 HERE!
]]> Girls’ vision for the future https://www.maiaimpact.org/bloging/girls-vision-for-the-future/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:28:07 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=6600
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Girls’ vision for the future

Celebrating MAIA Girl Pioneers on the International Day of the Girl

Today, October 11th, we join the global celebration of the International Day of the Girl, honoring the potential and vision of girls everywhere. This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” highlights the bold dreams and aspirations that young women are shaping for themselves, their communities, and the world.

At MAIA, we witness the transformational power of education and empowerment firsthand through the Girl Pioneer graduates, who are charting bold new trajectories in higher education, professional careers, and social activism. Their stories demonstrate what can happen when young women are given the tools and opportunities to lead. As we celebrate this day, we are proud to share the inspiring journeys of Azucely, Yesenia, and Ana Miriam, three Maya Kaqchikel young women from Sololá, Guatemala, and Girl Pioneer graduates whose futures are as bright as their visions.

Azucely: A Journey of Advocacy and Empowerment

Azucely has just embarked on an exciting academic journey as a first-year student at the University of Minnesota, thanks to the SHE-CAN scholarship. With aspirations of studying International Relations, Azucely is committed to leveraging her education to advocate for human rights and social justice. Raised in a small community surrounded by nature and rich traditions, she learned early on about the challenges many women face in accessing education. Now, as she navigates her first year at university, Azucely reflects on the weight of her aspirations.

I feel a sense of social responsibility, and while it can be overwhelming, I know I have a purpose that I must pursue. I want to be a voice for change, showing that education is not just a privilege but a right that should be accessible to all women.

Azucely, MAIA Girl Pioneer Graduate
Throughout this journey, Azucely recognizes the importance of her support network, which includes educators, mentors, and peers at MAIA, along with family and friends, all of whom have contributed to her academic and professional development. Her journey is not just about personal success; it is a testament to the power of education in creating a more equitable world for future generations. Now, as she embarks on this new chapter, Azucely’s vision for the future is becoming a reality.

Yesenia: A Journey of Growth and Resilience

Yesenia has transformed her journey from feeling uncertain about her future to embracing a path of growth and empowerment. In 2023, she completed her internship at Intercop RL as a management assistant and is currently thriving in the same role.

After graduation, Yesenia felt hesitant and unsure of her next steps. However, the support and unique training she received from MAIA’s staff through the Launch Year program played a pivotal role in her transformation. Through workshops and hands-on experiences, Yesenia gained confidence in her abilities and realized the potential she had to succeed.

But that is not all of her story. Yesenia is also pursuing a degree in business administration, where she applies her skills and fosters critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

My goal is to prepare myself professionally to help society and prove that we can achieve our dreams with determination and resilience. Every day, I strive to overcome challenges in my studies and work. I feel grateful for the support of my parents and especially MAIA, which has helped me recognize my abilities through various courses. I aspire to empower more girls to reach their goals just as I have.

Yesenia, MAIA Girl Pioneer Graduate

Her journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and support, anything is possible.

Ana Miriam: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

Ana Miriam has overcome countless challenges with courage and resilience. In 2023, she won a full scholarship through the AFS Exchange Programs and completed her senior year of high school in Ontario, Canada—an opportunity she had dreamed of since she was a little girl.

Though adjusting to life in Canada was challenging due to language barriers, Ana Miriam persevered. She improved her academic performance, shared her Guatemalan culture with classmates, and delivered a speech on The Power of Language, which earned the admiration of her peers. 

Today, Ana Miriam is back in Guatemala, working at Cemaco in Quetzaltenango through the Guatemala government’s Beca Mi Primer Empleo (My First Job Scholarship).

I am a woman with a strong desire to care for others and create a more transparent world. I want to motivate the new generations to become agents of change in their communities and countries.

Ana Miriam, MAIA Girl Pioneer Graduate
Read more about Ana Miriam’s journey here!

The stories of Azucely, Yesenia, and Ana Miriam are powerful testaments to what is possible when girls have access to education, mentorship, and the opportunities they deserve. They are not just dreaming of a better future—they are building it. Their visions extend far beyond personal success; they are shaping a more equitable, inclusive world for everyone.

As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl, we are reminded that investing in girls’ education is investing in the future. These Girl Pioneers prove that when we empower young women, we unlock their potential to transform their own lives and the lives of others.

Let’s continue celebrating and supporting these bold trailblazers who are creating a brighter future for all.

Empower Girls, Transform Futures!

Your support will change the lives of girls like Azucely, Yesenia, and Ana Miriam. Invest in their future today.
Donate Now!
]]> Investing in women to accelerate progress and equality  https://www.maiaimpact.org/bloging/investing-in-women-to-accelerate-progress-and-equality/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:01:06 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=4619

Investing in women to accelerate progress and equality 

International Women’s Day

On this International Women’s Day, our commitment resounds with a powerful global call to action: Invest in women and accelerate progress. This day is momentous for action, celebration, and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead to achieve gender equality. At MAIA, we envision a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to unleash her full potential, is empowered to empower, and becomes a catalyst of progress.   Join us in this celebration not just of womanhood, but also of the transformative power that investing in women holds.

Powerful and resilient voices

At MAIA, over 250 Girl Pioneers and 63 female staff members stand as living proof that women’s empowerment is not just a concept; it is a reality. Today, staff members and Girl Pioneers are making a stand for women’s and girls’ rights. In their voices, you’ll hear echoes of strength, resilience, and unwavering determination to forge a path towards equity and opportunity for all!

Will you join these powerful women and become an Ally for Girls' education?

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]]> Girl Pioneers graduate from high school and unlock the power of the Girl Effect https://www.maiaimpact.org/bloging/girl-pioneers-graduate-from-high-school-and-unlock-the-power-of-the-girl-effect/ Thu, 17 Nov 2022 23:02:00 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=7398
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Girl Pioneers graduate from high school and unlock the power of the Girl Effect

Introducing the Second Generation of MAIA Young Female Leaders

41 Girl Pioneers achieve a milestone on their trajectory to success and become the second class of graduates to earn a high school diploma from the MAIA Impact School.

It is with great happiness and pride that we present the second generation of Girl Pioneers who are graduating TODAY from the MAIA Impact School: Jaquelin, Sara, Ofelia, Yesenia, Glendy, Blanca, Gloria Marina, Lidia, Dilma, Iris, Rosalinda, Katherine, Jennifer, Margarita, Wendy Marisol, Adela, Gloria Estela, Renata, Elvia, Amelia, Andrea, Diana, Azucely, Florinda, Aura, Marta, Estefany, Jessica, María Elena, Zoila, Brenda, Lucero, Ana, Magdalena, Wendy Aracely, María Isabel, Rosalia, Glenda, Heidy, María Gloria, and Ana Cristina.

These bold young women joined the MAIA Impact School in 2018, full of enthusiasm and dreams, with the ambition to become young professionals, to learn, and, above all, with the great desire to continue studying to create a positive impact for themselves, their families, and their communities.

“I will remember them with those dreams and goals they wanted to achieve and with that passion with which they prepared themselves to generate positive changes,” shares Mentorship Coordinator Irma Tzay on this special occasion.

 

Rigoberta Menchú, Nobel Prize winner and Indigenous and women rights activist, also join the MAIA graduation ceremony as godmother of this second cohort of MAIA young leaders. She shares a message of hope and strength: “A woman needs to envision a purposeful and proactive agenda. Make your life plan so that you can take transformative actions.”

MANY CHALLENGES OVERCOME

From day one, Indigenous girls and women face four challenges in their lives (they live in poverty, they live in rural areas, they are women, and they are Indigenous), on top of high levels of discrimination and inequality. However, this new generation of leaders overcame each of these challenges through their empowerment and access to high-quality education. They walked steadily on the path to building a society without stereotypes, violence, or inequality.

In addition, the global COVID-19 pandemic posed another obstacle that in various ways impacted Girl Pioneers and their families, as well as all our team of educators, mentors, directors, and MAIA collaborators. However, this did not stop us but instead brought us closer together. We continue to work as a team to make visible the achievement of each one of them and systemic change.

“After seeing their journey, I see them as young women with their own identity and a unique life project,” says Mayra Choc, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator.

At MAIA, we witness how Girl Pioneers are unlocking the Girl Effect and their empowerment. They took a courageous bet and decided to change their lives through education—now, they use their empowered voice and leadership to transform their context with equity and justice.

This second generation of Girl Pioneer graduates will continue at the university the following year, carry out professional internships, or even enter the formal economy. Nothing stops them on the way to reaching their full potential. They are the solution and the future.

EDUCATION IS A TOOL THAT INDOGENOUS GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN IN GUATEMALA NEED TO CHANGE THEIR REALITIES AND BUILD THEIR OWN FUTURES.

Find out soon how you, too, can be part of the solution on the path to empowering the new generations of Girl Pioneers.

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

]]> International Day of the Girl: their education, our future https://www.maiaimpact.org/bloging/international-day-of-the-girl-their-education-our-future/ Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:27:00 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=7418
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International Day of the Girl: their education, our future

Girl Pioneers assert their rights and the future they want

October 11 is the International Day of the Girl, and for all of us at MAIA, this day and the entire month is a key moment to come together to raise up Girl Pioneers and all girls’ voices, even more so this year as it marks the anniversary of the new installations of the MAIA Impact School and the 10th commemoration of this international day.

Despite the increasing attention on issues that matter to girls, investments in girls’ rights remain limited, and they continue to confront a myriad of challenges to fulfilling their potential. This is especially true for girls and women of Indigenous ethnicity, which make up one of the largest portions of the population in Guatemala.  

Day in and day out, Girl Pioneers demonstrate that they are capable of drawing incredible talent-driven trajectories and succeeding. When they have access to education and empowerment opportunities, they will ignite transformational change.

Girl Pioneers are imagining and innovating the way ahead, evidencing the power of the Girl Effect. When one girl is empowered to make different choices that change her life, it inspires others to do so, too. She starts a ripple effect that impacts her family, her community, and her country.

Girl Pioneers’ time is now and they are ready for a decade of acceleration, shaping the world they want for ALL girls and women. 

For us, it is time to stand accountable – with and for girls – harnessing the power of community and collective action to support girls around the world to claim their rights, advance their education, and unlock their boundless potential.

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

]]> We are Girl Pioneers: Bridges To Empowerment to transform the world https://www.maiaimpact.org/stories/we-are-girl-pioneers-bridges-to-empowerment-to-transform-the-world/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:36:00 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=5575
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We are Girl Pioneers: Bridges To Empowerment to transform the world

The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story

In Guatemala, just 1 in 10 young Indigenous women complete high school. This leads to predictable cycles of early and frequent pregnancy. Coupled with entrenched discrimination and lack of education, it creates shackles of poverty and exclusion.

This is what we call arrested talent.

At MAIA, we are committed to identifying girls who are at risk of ending their education after primary school but have the power and tenacity to shift paradigms and set on a bold trajectory toward empowerment and opportunity. We call these young women Girl Pioneers.

Girl Pioneers are capable of igniting change within themselves and for themselves. They are their own heroes.

Listen to Amelia, Andrea, Angela, Diana, Estefany, Ixq’anil, Karen, and Lucero, Girl Pioneers of the MAIA Impact School. They are raising their empowered voices today and serving as examples for future generations by becoming a Bridge to Empowerment.

Become a Bridge To Empowerment and opportunity, and TOGETHER we will catapult these brave young women from the shadows and into a future of endless possibilities!

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

]]> Ruby, a Girl Pioneer who is changing her path https://www.maiaimpact.org/stories/ruby-a-girl-pioneer-who-is-changing-her-path/ Wed, 25 May 2022 18:21:00 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=5508
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Ruby, a Girl Pioneer who is changing her path

The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story

“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.”

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

]]> Girl’s education and empowerment is a climate solution! https://www.maiaimpact.org/bloging/girls-education-and-empowerment-is-a-climate-solution/ Wed, 20 Apr 2022 20:11:00 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=7456
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Girl’s education and empowerment is a climate solution!

Evidence from Girl Pioneers and the MAIA Impact School

With increased urgency, political and national leaders around the globe are coming together to discuss the threats posed by climate change and strategies to adopt before some of the changes become irreversible. Yet, they often fail to recognize that the climate crisis is gender-sensitive. Taking care of the environment requires more equitable leadership and innovative opportunities for ALL women and girls.

Extensive research suggests that when we provide girls with access to quality education, free of biases and discrimination, we lay the foundation for more vibrant and sustainable communities. In addition, it tackles the underlying inequalities that increase girls’ vulnerability to climate change and helps reiterate its root.

Learn about the intersectionality between girls’ education and climate change here!

Fuelled by the urgency of re-establishing harmony with the natural environment and certain that empowering women helps address climate change, MAIA and Girl Pioneers are not just standing by, but are taking action to ignite positive change.

Q’anil Family Gardens

 

 

Marisol, Girl Pioneer at the MAIA Impact School, hones her leadership skills to design and implement a family garden initiative to combat malnutrition and promote empowerment among the mothers in her community.

“The project taught me to face my fears and that as a young woman, I am capable of achieving anything.”

SUSTAINABILITY AND WELLNESS DAY

Once a month, Girl Pioneers, implement practicas sostenibles to reconnect with the environment, the natural elements, and the intersectionality between humans and the Earth by working in the MAIA organic garden.

These activities are also meant to guarantee Girl Pioneers’ wellness by fostering connection and exchange of experiences.

MAIA IMPACT SCHOOL

For this International Earth Day, let’s remind ourselves once again that girls are not the problem, they are the solution!

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

]]> Girl Pioneers Unite Their Voices to Celebrate Their Power and That of All Women https://www.maiaimpact.org/bloging/girl-pioneers-unite-their-voices-to-celebrate-their-power-and-that-of-all-women/ Thu, 06 Jan 2022 23:58:00 +0000 https://www.maiaimpact.org/?p=7547
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Girl Pioneers Unite Their Voices to Celebrate Their Power and That of All Women

Introducing the hymn of the MAIA Impact School.

The MAIA Impact School is an innovation hub and education learning laboratory where Girl Pioneers are asked to take a courageous bet and blaze a bold new trajectory for themselves, their families, their community, and their country!

Born and raised in a country where gender stereotypes are deeply entrenched, Girl Pioneers believe that solidarity, collective participation, and equity are fundamental to ignite action and pave the way for ALL present and future generations of girls.

“Pioneers weaving a web of sisterhood and equity, they fight for those of today and for those to come.”

Starting this past July, these young leaders embarked on a journey to create and compose the hymn of the MAIA Impact School that will welcome all new generations of Girl Pioneers and send a message of strength and unity to all their hermanas around the world.

Girl Pioneers started a beautiful creative journey with local Guatemalan artist Ch’umilkaj to explore their personal history, their challenges, and their wildest dreams. They went further, tying their experiences to that of all girls and the societal barriers that impede these rising stars from reaching their full potential and generating positive impact.

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“Women creating paths of opportunity, women creating paths of freedom.”

Women have proven time and time again that when given the opportunity, they can rise to the occasion and lead with strength, respect, and empathy. However, due to entrenched societal norms, girls, especially those of Indigenous ethnicity, are not recognized for their talents and innovation. Girl Pioneers know this—and the hopes, broken promises, and hardships that young women all over the world face every day—all too well.

 

Today and every day, they are unifying their voices in plurality to change this – “Pioneers embrace their culture with strength and dignity, [..] transforming their reality like the dance of the sacred fire.”

Having more women in positions of leadership will not only help to bring about a world where gender equality is the norm, but it will also illustrate a future of endless possibilities!

Click below to see and hear the full hymn!

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

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