“I am achieving my economic independence, and for me, that is the same as achieving my dreams since that will give me some economic resources to fulfill my own needs as a woman”, Claudia said.

Claudia is a young indigenous woman of 24 years of age that currently lives in “Las Canoas” village, township of San Andrés Semetabaj, department of Sololá. Unlike many indigenous women, she had the opportunity to graduate high school with a diploma in Business Administration while living in a place where the opportunities are scarce. 

The lack of jobs and education have forced hundreds of young members of her community to migrate to other places, both within the country and overseas, but Claudia dreamed of putting her knowledge into practice in the place where she was born, so she joined various activities and developed leadership skills that today allow her to provide opportunities for growth for both herself and others. 

One of the activities she joined was the Commission for Women, which is part of the structure of the developmental community council of her village, where they promote actions in favor of women’s rights. Her participation has allowed her team members to feel supported to actively participate, and her leading skills at such a young age are a model to the other women.

She currently leads a group of women that works on various productive activities. “St. Michael the Archangel” (San Miguel Arcángel) is integrated by both men and women between fourteen and twenty-five years of age, that share the same dream as Claudia: To generate opportunities for their community.