MayaWorks

MayaWorks' mission is to empower low-income indigenous women to end their cycle of poverty and improve their lives. MayaWorks trains artisans to transform their traditional weaving skills into a means of financial support for their families. Volunteers in the U.S. sell artisan products creating a market for the traditional arts of Maya women. This collaboration creates an opportunity for Maya women to achieve economic security and for North American women to participate in economic justice.

MayaWorks
1732 W. Hubbard St, Suite 1A
Chicago, IL 60622
United States
(312) 243-8050
http://www.mayaworks.org

Executive Director

Jeannie Balanda

Management Team

Jeannie Balanda, Mirian Otzin, Naomi Czerwinskyj, Mirna Roquel

Board of Directors

Trudis Heinecke, Mary Beth Danielson, Elizabeth McKay, Rachel Stark Inch, Pat Ehlert, Phyllis Smith Nickel

Project Leaders

Jeannie Balanda

Mission

MayaWorks' mission is to empower low-income indigenous women to end their cycle of poverty and improve their lives. MayaWorks trains artisans to transform their traditional weaving skills into a means of financial support for their families. Volunteers in the U.S. sell artisan products creating a market for the traditional arts of Maya women. This collaboration creates an opportunity for Maya women to achieve economic security and for North American women to participate in economic justice.

Programs

MayaWorks has three principle programs that serve the needs of low-income indigenous women in Guatemala: 1. Economic Development Program - builds economic security by providing work to Maya artisans 2. Microcredit Program - grants low interest microloans for alternative income generating projects 3. Education Program - provides literacy, leadership and technical training for artisans as well as scholarships and academic support for their daughters