https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUf0Dj7M8gw

Dear Friends,

We are excited to share with you important news about the evolution of Friendship Bridge. We are also delighted to present our new brand that better reflects who we have become.

Over the years, Friendship Bridge has become internationally recognized as a leader for our commitment to social impact.[1] We have built one of the highest quality microfinance portfolios in all of Central America and the Caribbean.[2] We have evolved over the past 20 years since we started in Guatemala and it is time our brand catches up.

Few organizations are as committed to women’s financial and social well-being as we are. In 1998, we were one of the first microfinance organizations in Guatemala. Now, people living in poverty have many other options to borrow money. However, we are still the ONLY microfinance organization serving 100% women and ensuring every product and service we offer is created with a gender lens, designed to meet the needs of our clients and their families. As a result, our clients recognize us as an institution that truly cares about her well-being; and we enjoy very high client satisfaction and client retention.

In the marketplace, we need our client-driven mission to rise above the rest to truly reflect our unique and impactful products and services. A new and exciting marketing strategy, along with our new identity incorporating our Guatemalan roots and a visible commitment to women, will kick off next month. This is an exciting time for Friendship Bridge!

As you will see, this exciting new brand preserves the bridge of our original logo while emphasizing our commitment to women and adding the beautiful colors and meaningful Mayan patterns that resonate with our clients.

We are so grateful that you are part of this journey!

Sincerely,

[1] “Truelift Recognizes Fundación Paraguaya and Friendship Bridge as Global Leaders in Pro-Poor Performance”

[2]  2018 REDCAMIF Report on Portfolio Quality.

We would like to introduce you to Paula Gomez Farrell Ph.D. She is the newest member of Friendship Bridge’s Board of Directors. Paula’s professional background includes over 35 years of experience leading and working with nonprofit and government organizations. Her experience has largely involved work with and in organizations that served underrepresented and disenfranchised individuals and families. She frequently worked as an advocate and organizational leader for people with developmental disabilities, individuals with severe mental illness, victims of domestic violence, people who were homeless as well as adults and teens who were unemployed. In the early 90s she was Director of the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Planning Council under Governor Romer. Her mid-career focus was on the deinstitutionalization of people with disabilities and mental health concerns. She also worked in organizations focused on reducing racial disparities in income and access to healthcare. During the recession between 2007 and 2010, she was the Director of the Division of Workforce Development under Mayor John Hickenlooper.

In 2015 she became a Social Entrepreneur when she opened an art gallery to benefit local artists and nonprofit organizations. Paula ran the gallery for two years.

We asked Paula a few questions to get to know her better:

Friendship Bridge: Why did you choose the career path you took?

“I chose to dedicate my professional career to leading organizations that served people with life challenges because of my own personal challenges related to poverty and lack of natural supports as a child and young adult.,” said Paula. “I became a high school dropout. I was able to overcome many of my early life challenges by serving in the United States Air Force and earning my Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. degrees while I worked.”

Friendship Bridge: What drew you to Friendship Bridge?

“I first heard about Friendship Bridge about nine years ago through members of the Genesee Circle. The more I heard, the more I wanted to become involved. I thought it would be a good way for me to contribute my skills globally,” Paula said. “After decades of working with government and nonprofit organizations in the U.S., I thought this would be a good organization to support. The first time I saw the Guatemalan women in person and the way they worked hard, cared for their families and each other, I knew I would make Friendship Bridge a focus of the next phase of my life.”

Friendship Bridge: If you could meet any female historical figure, who would you meet?

“It is hard to pick just one. As a girl, I devoured biographies about successful women. I wanted to meet Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman, Babe Didrikson, Eleanor Roosevelt, and many others. Helen Keller really struck a chord with me because, she like all of the other women, found ways to overcome many barriers and do tremendous things for other people. As an adult, I still enjoy reading about women with integrity, tenacity and a commitment to making the world a better place for all of us.”

We are happy to have Paula join the Friendship Bridge Board, and look forward to working with her!

In Mayan tradition, Nawals are the spirits or energetic archetypes that represents a certain day of the month. In the Mayan calendar, there are 20 days in a month, and 18 months in a year. Similar to the more commonly known European astrology, every person has a specific Nawal based on the day of their birth.

For example, actress Susan Sarandon, who endorsed Friendship Bridge last year in this video, has the Nawal of the Eagle, which signifies someone who is wise, could easily be famous and has a wide view of society. It’s easy to see how she fits this description with her fame, social activism, and charisma.

This year our Building Bridges Stay-At-Home Gala is on April 6th. This day has the Mayan sign of the Earth. People related to this sign are very great dreamers. This is perfect for the day of our celebration, as our theme for this year’s Gala is “From Dream to Reality: 20 years in Guatemala.” Not only are we celebrating our 20th anniversary of when we first brought our Microcredit Plus services to Guatemala, but we are also celebrating the accomplishments of our clients, who brought their dreams into manifestation through working with Friendship Bridge.

Candelaria is one of these clients. She has worked with Friendship Bridge for almost twelve years, but just recently joined the Artisan Market Access Program. A few months ago she came into the Friendship Bridge office in Panajachel to work with Maya Colop-Morales, our Artisan Program Manager. Maya was ending a very long, tiring day of working with clients on product development. Candelaria was the last client of the day, and Maya was exhausted and ready to be done. Candelaria approached Maya and told her “I had a dream a long time ago, that one day I would be here working with you to sell my products in the United States. Today my dream has come true! You must feel so lucky to work with women like me to help our dreams come true!” Maya was deeply touched by Candelaria’s story and felt the joy in her words. Maya also felt a renewed sense of purpose in her work, as she recognized through Candelaria’s story the important work Friendship Bridge does for women in Guatemala!

You, too, can help women’s dreams become reality by joining us for our Building Bridges Stay-At-Home Gala on April 6th. You can celebrate in the comfort of your own home, or join one of the many Gala parties happening across the country. There will be videos to watch, and games to play about your Mayan sign. All ticket sales go to support our Microcredit Plus programs in Guatemala and can be purchased here. Standard tickets include a gift of handmade coasters created by our artisan clients. VIP ticket-holders also receive a beautiful Dream scarf, handwoven by Candelaria. Candelaria shared with us the intention in her design of the Dream Scarf.

“The ikat color I used comes from our nature, and the figure is a woman. For me, as a Mayan woman, we have the same rights as men. We can earn our own money with our talent that is why we have to value ourselves as women. The message of how important women are in the world is what I’m weaving in the ikat design of the scarf.”

So we ask you, what are your dreams? Have they come true? How do they relate to your Mayan sign? To find out what your sign is, you can calculate it here. We look forward to exploring our dreams further on the night of the Gala! You can purchase tickets below.

Purchase Gala Tickets Here

by Marta Julia Ixtuc Cuc

In the rural areas of Guatemala, family members are very close to each other and it is unusual for any member to leave home unless there is an extremely important reason. However, due to the scarcity of employment and painfully low wages, many Guatemalans decide to pursue the “American Dream” and make the long, dangerous journey to the United States. Some aim to improve the quality of life of their families, to build a house, to have some savings, and then return to Guatemala to their families and start a business. Some of them succeed, but some others do not.

Rosa is someone who is living this reality. She is 39 years old and lives in a rural community in the western highlands of Guatemala. Due to the limited financial resources of her family, Rosa only attended school through the 6^th grade. She married at the age of 16 and had three children. Her children are now 21, 17, and 15 years old.

Due to the poverty that reigned over their home, Rosa’s husband despaired every day. He was frustrated at not being able to make his dreams come true. He worked as a day laborer, which did not give him enough income to support his family. In addition, he only had a small house built from adobe with a sheet metal roof, with no running water or electricity services. That is why 13 years ago, he decided to migrate to the United States. Rosa recalls that it took them four years to pay off the $20,000 smuggler fees for her husband’s trip.

Rosa is a weaver and she makes huipiles (traditional blouses worn by Guatemalan indigenous women), shawls, napkins, and other various products. Two years after Rosa’s husband left, she needed financial capital for her textile business. That is when she joined Friendship Bridge. Rosa is very grateful to the organization for providing her financial capital for the past 11 years. During this time, she has faced severe challenges from being alone while caring for her three children. Rosa’s life has not been easy. When her husband left, negative rumors spread about her through the community and made it to her husband in the US. As a result, he did not send her money for three years. In this time, she worked completely alone to take care of her family. She found tremendous support through Friendship Bridge. With access to working capital and moral support in each monthly training session, she was encouraged to feel more empowered and make better decisions. Rosa was able to grow her business, keep her kids in school, and take care of the home. After three years, Rosa’s husband realized what people were saying about her were only false rumors, so he started sending money again. Rosa used the extra finances to build the house where she currently lives with her children.

Thanks to the good management of her business, she now has five employees. The Friendship Bridge Microcredit Plus Program is making a direct impact on Rosa and her family, but an indirect impact on five other families in the community. With her profits, she keeps some savings for any unforeseen emergencies, and she wishes to one day buy a piece of land.

In Rosa’s own words, “it is difficult not to have my partner to raise my children, but now I feel courageous and capable of being a role model for my children”. It takes time for Friendship Bridge members to understand this concept. This can be achieved only with empowerment. Usually, after a year or two of monthly Trust Bank education sessions, the women begin to realize that they have a voice, and they and their husbands can work together as a team.

Today Rosa’s husband is still in the US. Thanks to technology, she can communicate with him on video calls frequently. He intends to continue working in the United States until their other two children, aged 17 and 15, complete high school. He is eager to return with his family and make up time with them.

Finally, Rosa encourages every Guatemalan woman that gender, ethnicity and school level are not impediments for women who want to improve themselves through their own business and break traditional oppressive paradigms.

Friendship Bridge, with its Microcredit Plus program, seeks to support its clients’ development, along with their families, so they can make a change in their communities. Friendship Bridge offers options to families so they can have access to financial capital, to develop their small businesses, and to receive education on topics such as family, business development, women’s rights, and health. Friendship Bridge believes that education is the basis of development.

During each monthly training, Friendship Bridge facilitators educate clients with a focus on social issues that affect their family and society. For January this topic was about migration. The objective of these sessions was to raise awareness about the risks of traveling illegally to the United States. These risks include kidnappings, extortion, rape, robbery, deportation and, even more serious, death. Clients were reminded that Friendship Bridge gives them opportunities to create improvements for themselves, their families, and their communities at home. The risks for traveling to the US are continuously increasing, so facilitators encourage clients to stay home with their families, and do not let their children or husbands travel with a coyote (smuggler) in order to avoid such dangers.

According to statistics released by the Guatemalan General Directorate of Migration (DGM), between January and August of 2018, the US immigration authorities deported 34,508 Guatemalans. This was 81.56% more than the same period of 2017, where 19,006 Guatemalans who returned. These people, when returning, need to reintegrate into the society and look for ways to survive. Friendship Bridge offers its Microcredit Plus Program, which means access to financial capital for small businesses, non-formal education, preventive health program.

Marta Julia Ixtuc is the Communications Coordinator in Guatemala. Based in Sololá, she continues seeking to support the development of Guatemalan women in search of their own ways out of poverty.

by Kyra Coates

I’m a strong woman. I was blessed with an inherent sense of self-confidence from an early age, which has been a great gift as I’ve grown, traveled, and searched for opportunities for myself. It’s made it easier for me to face the challenges of life knowing I can count on myself to do whatever I set my mind to. I’ve recognized that for many women this isn’t something that comes as easy for them. Especially in rural Guatemala, where machismo culture reigns, and traditional family roles limit women from exploring opportunities beyond what society has assigned to them.

I was fortunate to travel to Guatemala recently and spend a week meeting with Friendship Bridge clients, visiting Trust Banks, Health Clinics, and getting an intimate view of what their lives are like. There was one client in particular who’s story touched me deeply. Her name is Claudia. Claudia is 28 years old, has a fourth grade education, and is a mother to three kids. She lives in a beautiful home with her parents, and grows flowers to earn a living for her family. Claudia welcomed us into her home on a sunny day. She had tables set-up around the room where she was putting together gifts for children in her church. I didn’t know much about Claudia before we began talking, only that her husband had left for the United States several years ago.

Claudia sat across from me, smiling softly as I asked her some basic questions about her children, her parents, and life in general. Throughout my week in Guatemala, I noticed most rural women were very timid to speak and answer questions. This was a symptom of generally having no voice of their own in their lives. However, when I asked Claudia about her husband, she began to speak with a determination I wasn’t expecting, recounting a story that hit me like a kick in the stomach.

Claudia and her husband married when she was 18 years old. They both came from very poor families, and his parents in particular had a difficult time, as his father is an alcoholic. Claudia and her husband lived with them for seven painful years, and then left after the situation became too abusive. They moved in with Claudia’s parents who lived in a beautiful home, built from money her father earned in the United States when he lived there for several years when Claudia was a child. After many years of struggling to make ends meet, her husband decided to go to the United States as well, hoping the salary he could make working on the farms there would give him a savings to finally give his young family a home of their own. Her brothers also took the journey with him, and they ended up in California.

Two months after their arrival, they had already secured work on a farm so things were looking promising. Then Claudia’s husband began to experience tremendous pain in his legs and feet. He went to the hospital for an exam and they found nothing that could explain his pain. Nevertheless, very quickly he lost the ability to walk, which was a complete mystery to the doctors. He spent the next six months in a hospital bed, completely immobile. The doctors tested him for everything they could. They even did a complete blood transfusion, thinking maybe there was virus or something they couldn’t detect. Treatment after treatment, they had no luck in discovering what was ailing him.

Claudia’s eyes glistened with tears as she told me her story. Her gaze locked with mine, unblinking, as my eyes welled up also at her words and her emotion. She didn’t turn away. Her voice didn’t falter. I put my pen down, just listening, unable to look away. She had a story to tell, and she made sure I was hearing what she had to say.

When her husband was in the hospital, Claudia learned about Friendship Bridge from her mother-in-law. She was struggling to keep her family afloat, she had no money coming in from her husband, he had outrageous medical expenses, and they were near starving. The generosity of her family and her community helped them scrape by. But Claudia knew she needed to do something. She formed a Trust Bank with her mother-in-law and used the loan money to expand her parent’s property and grow flowers. Claudia came from a family of farmers. With her loan from Friendship Bridge, not only could she support herself and her children, she could contribute to her family’s business and help everyone who helped her.

After six months in bed, Claudia’s husband woke up one day and had regained the use of his legs. He was able to take a few weak steps. They called it a miracle of God as no medical treatment had worked, and yet mysteriously he improved on his own. It would be another year before he could leave the hospital, and to this day the doctors have no idea what exactly happened to him. Now he is able to walk, but not with much strength. He works when he can, and thankfully has the company of Claudia’s brothers to take care of him. His meager earnings cover his basic expenses, but nothing is left to save or send home to Claudia. He has decided to stay another year in the United States, hoping his time here can amount to some form of financial boost for his family. .

Meanwhile, Claudia has successfully grown her business. Through her earnings, she has been able to pay for an expansion on her parents’ house, upgraded their kitchen, and has purchased more land to grow on. She is able to send all her kids to school. Her brother also purchased a property next door, and she has plans to expand her farming further on his property with her next loan cycle.

Claudia’s voice was strong and clear. “Friendship Bridge is what has sustained us. They’ve helped me with so much. And it’s by the grace of god we have been given this gift. I thought differently when I was single. Then I got married, and my husband has had so many problems. I didn’t have strength then to handle it all. But now I fight for my children and I know I’m strong. The family is the fundamental basis for society. A united family with deeply rooted values ​​will achieve bright and successful future. Thanks for being part of my life, Friendship Bridge!”

As I sat and listened to Claudia, I felt her emotion. I felt the pain and fear she had for her husband. I sensed the relief she experienced with his recovery. But above all, I felt her gratitude. Her life has been extremely challenging, yet what came across so strongly was that she felt blessed. She felt that in spite of it all, God is on her side, and everything she has is a gift. And with that gift, she found her voice, and a story to share.

Now Claudia teaches several classes at her church, because she wants her story to be heard. She wants people to have faith in God, and have faith that life can get better. She is forming a new Trust Bank in January to bring the blessing of Friendship Bridge to more women in her community. And as I left her home with my co-workers, with my belly full of the black bean sandwich she prepared for us in the kitchen she paid for, I reflected on my own life. I have a home of my own. I have my partner by my side. I have a great education for my children that doesn’t cost me much, and an amazing job with Friendship Bridge that gives me the chance to meet women like Claudia. Yet sometimes I forget to be grateful. Sometimes I whine, and feel inconvenienced by life. In those moments, I will think of Claudia and the gratitude she chooses every day for the gift of life despite the pain she has endured. The smallest step, whether it be one from a hospital bed, or one towards financial security, is one to celebrate. And I will remember that, in hearing Claudia’s strong voice, that gratitude is one of the most powerful, contagious forms of empowerment we can have.

Kyra Coates is the US Marketing Coordinator at Friendship Bridge. She is a passionate advocate for Women’s Empowerment and has worked for years to promote equality. Outside her Friendship Bridge working hours she is an artist and gallery owner, a mother of two fierce and fabulous daughters, and a typical Colorado outdoorsy athletic girl.

A Trust Bank meets for their monthly loan repayment in the community of Santa Clara. 

by Julia Barrero

This time of year inspires us to give thanks. This year, in addition to my health, my loved ones, my home, and my job, I’ll be giving thanks for something I realized during my summer volunteering with Friendship Bridge. This something lies at the center of Friendship Bridge’s work and has the potential to change lives. It’s the gift of empowerment.

To explain, I need to tell you a story. The story starts with América Chiyal.

América Chiyal is the Artisan Coordinator for Friendship Bridge’s Artisan Market Access Program, but when she first started in the organization, she was a client facilitator. She guided groups of anywhere from 7 to 25 women in the initiation and repayment of a shared, group micro-loan. (Learn more about how this Grameen-style model of microcredit works at Friendship Bridge.) Every month, she would meet with her group, or “Trust Bank,” leading women in a training session on health, business finances, or personal development, and ensure that each member was on track for her payment.

América (left) introducing two women (center and right) from Friendship Bridge’s Artisan Access Program to a visiting group of students from Indiana University.

One day, at the end of that month’s repayment meeting, América asked one of the women in her group if she would deposit their collection at the bank. The woman took the envelope sheepishly, and América rushed off to visit her next Trust Bank for the afternoon. Two hours later, América came back through town, passing by the bank. Outside the doors stood the same woman, holding the same envelope.

América approached her. “What’s wrong?” she asked, “Why are you standing out here?” The woman explained that she had never been to the bank before, but she was too ashamed to tell América when she gave her the job of depositing the money. She made her way to the bank, but was too scared to take the next step. The doors were unlocked, but the woman couldn’t bring herself to push them open and step inside.

When América told me this tale, I realized something. I had grown up believing that I can be anything I want to be. I’ve walked through open doors without thinking twice. The woman in the story reminded me that I am not the norm, I am lucky. So many others, near and far, do not waltz through thresholds with a sense of confidence and control. They come up against closed doors, and they have to push their way through. From this story, I realized why organizations like Friendship Bridge aren’t just nice, we need them. Masses of people around the world need them.

With América’s help, that woman took a step toward empowerment, toward control, and made her first visit to the bank. Through Friendship Bridge’s work in 2017 alone, almost 27,000 women around Guatemala have been coached in health, business, and personal development lessons, giving them greater authority over their own lives.

As for América? She grew up near Friendship Bridge’s Guatemalan headquarters surrounded by examples of women with limited opportunities. They didn’t get a good education and they stayed confined to their parents’ or husbands’ homes.

América, however, carved out her own path. Now she’s got her dream job as the Artisan Market Access Program Coordinator, helping artists and artisans develop the skills they need to be independent entrepreneurs in global markets. América offers other women a different model of what’s possible.

In this way, Friendship Bridge’s empowerment work comes full circle. A sense of pride and ownership from within the organization begets the same traits in the women and the communities that Friendship Bridge serves.

I’m carrying América’s story with me this holiday season. As I give thanks, I’ll be thinking about Friendship Bridge. I’ll be thinking about the thousands of women who have gained more control over their lives. I’ll be thinking about all the doors that Friendship Bridge has helped open, both for its clients and for me.

Julia Barrero was Friendship Bridge’s Field Writer and Kiva Intern, traveling throughout Guatemala collecting testimonials from the inspiring women in the microcredit, artisan, agriculture, and health programs. For as long as she can remember, Julia’s favorite line has been, “Tell me a story.” She’s been chasing stories ever since. Julia graduated with a B.A. in History from Stanford University and also discovered her love of journalism on The Farm. After graduating, she combined her passion for people and stories with a knack for business as a marketer in the San Francisco startup scene. As a native Spanish-speaker with Colombian and Cuban heritage, she was thrilled to be spend 3 months in Guatemala, her first experience abroad in Central America. 

Rebecca climbing Mt. Yale in 2017

Rebecca Cueto is a long-time supporter of Friendship Bridge, former employee, and campaigner for this year’s Health for Life Challenge!  What makes Rebecca’s campaign so inspiring is that she knows first-hand the importance of having healthcare access. In November of 2017 she was diagnosed with cancer, which then began the fight for her life. She had to quit her job with Friendship Bridge and devote every waking moment to beating her cancer. Now, less than a year later and nearly cancer-free Rebecca is challenging herself to support the Health for Life program for women in Guatemala! We asked Rebecca to share her story with us.

Friendship Bridge:  Rebecca, you are battling your own health issues right now. Why have you decided to support the Health for Life program with everything you are dealing with yourself?

Rebecca Cueto: In November 2017, I was diagnosed with acinar cell pancreatic cancer, caught early thanks to a visit to my Primary Care Physician (a.k.a., my Preventive Care Physician). I have been through chemo, radiation, surgery, and more chemo. I’ve had tremendous success (i.e., few or, hopefully, no cancer cells left in my body) thanks to the early diagnosis, plus the dedication, talent, and availability of my healthcare team. I am supporting Friendship Bridge and their Health for Life program because I can’t imagine what my condition would be had I not had access to health services early in the journey. My health goals this month are to be diligent in taking care of myself every day and to do what I can at this stage of the journey, so I’m helping myself while helping Friendship Bridge, too.

FB: How has your view of health changed since facing your own health crisis?

Rebecca with her Health for Life Challenge team in 2017

RC:  One can do everything they can to be healthy; however, there is no guarantee illness won’t strike. When I was diagnosed, I was in complete disbelief that this could happen. I’d always tried to take good care of myself. I climbed a 14er for last year’s Health for Life campaign! And now this year I’m doing simple physical therapy exercises. It’s quite humbling and can happen to anyone. Therefore, it’s extremely important not to take your health for granted. Yes, do everything you can to stay healthy, but enjoy life too.

FB:   What does women’s empowerment mean to you?

RC: I believe it’s vital for both women and men to be able to make their own decisions or at least have a say in what happens in the major areas of their lives, such as healthcare. Men typically have this power; however, women often do not. An empowered women is able to take control of what is going on in her life and have the confidence and authority to make decisions. It is a responsibility that requires education, dedication, and also support from significant others within the family and community who must recognize that women are capable and actually in the best position to make such decisions.

FB:  What message would you like to tell other campaigners and supporters of this Health for Life program?

Rebecca with Karen Larson, President and CEO of Friendship Bridge

RC: I worked for Friendship Bridge for five years and I know first hand how hard the entire staff works in order to create opportunities that empower the clients. The Health for Life program is highly successful and the clients love it! It helps the women take control of their healthcare through education on health topics and annual visits with a healthcare professional who comes to their village and speaks their language (overcoming two big hurdles for clients trying to access the Guatemalan health system). I am confident the funds raised through this campaign will be effectively spent to expand this highly impactful program to benefit more clients, which in turn helps their families as well. I feel great about donating to the program myself and have not been shy to ask others to do the same.

We want to thank Rebecca for all her incredible dedication to supporting Friendship Bridge and the women in Guatemala, even in the face of such difficult challenges. We wish her the best and many years of happiness and health!

If you would like to donate to Rebecca’s Health for Life campaign you can follow the link below.

Donate to Rebecca’s Campaign  

Navith Caban is a native of Guatemala, currently living in Miami, FL. She reached out to Friendship Bridge several months ago asking to join our team, and has since come on as our newest Social Media Intern! She is the first native Guatemalan to intern with us here in the United States. We recently sat down with her to get her story and learn about why she has chosen to work with Friendship Bridge.

(Friendship Bridge) “How old were you when you came to live in the US from Guatemala and how long have you lived here?”

(Navith Caban) “I had been visiting Miami since I was 7 years old after my father passed away, but we finally moved when I was 16 years old. I have been living in US for almost 13 years.”

(FB) “What was your first impression of the US compared to life in Guatemala?”

(NC) “Security was my first impression when I moved to US. In Guatemala it wasn’t so safe to travel around if you don’t have a car, and even then it’s a little dangerous. You would avoid wearing anything flashy when you would go to certain places. Don’t get me wrong Guatemala is a beautiful country and they have cleaned up a lot of the areas! The tourist areas are very important for the locals to increase their business traffic. The other thing that I remember and that I try to forget, is about the men being so disrespectful towards women. It is not surprising because we are still fighting for our rights around the world.” 

(FB) “What opportunities do you have here that you didn’t in Guatemala?”

(NC) “Freedom to do anything without looking over your shoulder. It took me a while to feel this empowered and to take more chances in life. Back in Guatemala it was more like following culture rules. I really believe that if I hadn’t moved to US my grandmother would have married me and my sister off at early age, because in her mind men provided. My grandmother was from Retalhuleu with no education because her mother put her to work at an early age.”

(FB) “What do you miss about Guatemala?”

(NC) “Even though I’m vegan now, I would definitely say I miss all the traditional foods (the ones I liked such as  ‘Pepian’ or ‘Jokon’) and my favorite fruit Green mango ‘mango verde’. The ‘mango verde’ is not like we see in every tree down here in Miami because the Guatemala mango is small and bitter. You can add anything to it from chilli, lemon, salt and Pepita (a grayish powder) made out of the pumpkin seeds.”

(FB) “How did you find out about Friendship Bridge?”

(NC) “I was looking for organizations about helping women grow emotionally and financially. I never thought I would find something close to my heart, my country, and about empowering women!” 

(FB) “What made you decide to work with Friendship Bridge?”

(NC) “The clients and their stories. I want to help them see that with a little bit of education greater goals can be reached. Any dream can be accomplished by working hard and smart. Women can be very strong and independent too.”

(FB) “What do you hope to see happen in Guatemala to give women more opportunities?”

(NC) “A safer way of transportation for women and children to help them reach their destinations. They need to be able to see more of Guatemala, not only their birth place. I was never able to really see Guatemala. The only place I remember to visit is Esquipulas, Antigua and San Lucas. My life was home to school, school to home. I would like to see more sexual health education too. Guatemala is a very religious country and sometimes this becomes a big problem in every teenager girl. I was raised by my grandmother because my mother had to work more after my father passed away. In my grandmother’s mind you couldn’t talk about the topic and you have to wait to have sexual relationships until marriage. I don’t blame her but I’m glad my private school offered a one time class for those who parents allowed them to attend it. I think is very important for every young girl to learn about their bodies and to be safe without being scared to talk about it.”

(FB) “What do you hope to gain personally working with Friendship Bridge as an intern?”

(NC) “I want to get in touch with my roots because writing about Guatemala brings back memories some good others not so much.”

(FB) “How will this help your personal and career goals?”

(NC) “My personal and career goals work together because I want to be able to get out of my comfort zone. I want to take more chances in life and learn from all theses women that started their businesses from nothing. I want to grow mentally and professionally.”

(FB) “Is there anything you would like US supporters of Friendship Bridge to know about us?”

(NC) “A little help can make a big difference in Guatemala! It’s a beautiful country and Friendship Bridge shows what they are capable of. The Guatemalan women are very hard workers and humble. Friendship Bridge wants to build more bridges between every women, together we are stronger than ever.”

We want to thank Navith for all her hard work and dedication, not only to Friendship Bridge, but to her country of Guatemala. It’s because of interns and volunteers like her Friendship Bridge is able to do the important work we do of creating opportunities that empower Guatemalan women to build a better life. If you are interested in becoming an intern or volunteer with us, please call us at (303) 674-0717, or email info@friendshipbridge.org.