Odilia grew up in the village of Salquil Grande, Nebaj, where she completed middle school. In 2009, she was able to convince her father to enroll her in high school, a three-hour bus ride from her home. After graduating in 2011, against all odds, Odilia was able to study in university, where she was awarded a medal of academic excellence. In 2019, she finished her associate’s in pedagogy with a middle school teaching certificate, and she completed her bachelor’s in pedagogy and educational administration in 2023. Odelia is acutely aware that access to quality education is very limited, especially in the Ixil region, but is convinced that anyone can defy societal expectations and become a changemaker if they have access to education and pursue their dreams with conviction and purpose. Odilia’s story is featured here.

Zuliana was raised in Uspantán as one of four siblings. Although her parents never had the opportunity to study, they instilled in their children a desire for learning and encouraged them to attend school. From an early age, Zuliana was both a great student and athlete, and at 15 she was offered a full scholarship to study physical education and play on the handball team at a boarding school. After graduating from high school, she studied sports massage therapy before earning her law degree. She has worked as a supervisor for a government initiative that built homes for Guatemalans displaced during the civil war, a university administrator, and a counselor. Zuliana is passionate about helping to empower women, children, and families to overcome societal barriers. Zuliana’s story is featured here.

Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Social Work from San Jose State University. She began working in Chajul, Guatemala in 2003 and has since spent significant time collaborating with local educators, families, and leaders to support education and community development initiatives. Her work is rooted in long-term relationships and community-led approaches to expanding educational opportunities.

David grew up in Chajul as one of eight siblings. His parents could not afford to send him to middle school, but he was able to continue his studies with the support of Limitless Horizons Ixil. Thanks to his hard work and resourcefulness, David graduated with a high school diploma in primary education. As a student, David frequently completed his work-study and service hours in our library. David joined the staff in 2014 and has been instrumental in shaping the Saber Sin Límites Community Library into a cornerstone of education in Chajul. David has completed the coursework for his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering. David’s story is featured on our blog here.

María Elena is from Nebaj and is the third of five siblings. From an early age, she discovered her passion for working with the most vulnerable populations in the Ixil region. To support her dream of empowering local youth, María Elena is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology. From her early career as an education facilitator to her current role, she is grateful that her work has allowed her to positively impact young people and contribute to meaningful change in Chajul.

Enrique is from Nebaj. Despite the fact that neither of his parents studied beyond elementary school, they sought resources to support him in his studies. Enrique graduated with a bachelor’s degree in pedagogy and educational administration with a specialization in environmental studies in 2017. While in school, Enrique worked as a waiter, a pharmacy sales associate, an education facilitator for Save the Children, and as a high school teacher. He is currently pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics to provide the best education possible to his students.

Michelle is committed to community development and has over a decade of experience in education. After studying psychology and Spanish at the University of Georgia, she cofounded Real LEDGE Honduras, a nonprofit that aims to develop communities through entrepreneurship. Michelle served as the executive director for three years, and has experience leading trainings with teachers, professors, deported migrants, Indigenous women, middle school through college-aged students, and community leaders. She was then awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue her master’s degree in education in Finland. Upon returning to her home state of Georgia, Michelle was a high school marketing and entrepreneurship teacher for two years and worked as a 4-H Youth Development Agent at the University of Georgia.

Erin Treinen, originally from Minnesota, earned a degree in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in 2003. She first came to Guatemala as a volunteer with the Peace Corps in 2006 and has lived in the country ever since. She joined Limitless Horizons Ixil in 2024, drawn by a strong commitment to education as a pathway to individual empowerment and community transformation. Erin brings over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and is known for building strong relationships with partners and supporters to advance organizational impact. She lives near Antigua Guatemala with her husband and two children.