Education & Empowerment for Girls in Guatemala

Girl Pioneer Adela: Leading in her community and beyond

Fueled by a deep passion for environmental causes that underpins every step she takes, Adela stands out as a beacon of targeted support. In May, she brought that passion to center stage at Ixcanul’s Foundation screening of the ‘Guardians of the Lake’ film. As a moderator and cultural translator, she wove her Maya Kaqchikel heritage in a spirited dialogue about water protection with filmmakers and community attendees. That same environmental drive powers her role with the Latin American Youth Climate Scholarship (LAYCS) where Adela is serving as a youth mentor leading the design of climate-adaptation toolkits and virtual sessions where young change makers across Latin America work collaboratively to develop project initiatives and discuss climate resiliency. 

Later this year, Adela will travel to Bonn, Germany, for LAYCS’ Youth Climate Adaptation Forum where she will have the opportunity to engage with her mentees, as well as climate policymakers and researchers. Through every dialogue she sparks and toolkit she builds, Adela proves that her passion for climate sustainability can bridge and inspire collective action from Guatemala’s Highlands to global forums.

Elvira’s journey: From Pioneer to Trailblazer

Elvira’s journey is a testament to the power of education and MAIA’s unwavering commitment to unlock the potential of young, Indigenous girls. Since joining MAIA in 2017, she has embodied resilience and leadership. Today, she is a rising junior at Syracuse University in New York, majoring in International Relations. As the first person in her community to pursue higher education in the United States, stories like Elvira’s prove that opportunity and support can transform individuals and communities.

In May 2025, Elvira took center stage at She is the First 15th Annual Gala in New York City, sharing with an audience of over 150 girl champions and supporters, which included Chelsea Clinton and Opal Vadhan, how her journey at MAIA’s Impact School set her on a path to success. Elvira spoke about how barriers dissolve and new opportunities emerge when Indigenous girls receive quality education, holistic mentorship, and a strong support network. In celebrating her ‘firsts’ she remarked that her voice represents that of countless Indigenous women in Guatemala striving for change, proving that empowered women can uplift entire communities. From being one part of the first cohort of Girl Pioneers at MAIA to standing on a global stage during the She is the First Gala, Elvira continues to amplify her voice and redefine what is possible for Girl Pioneers. 

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