In the rural hills of Salquil Grande near Nebaj, Chajul’s Ixil neighbor, Odilia Cedillo’s journey began in a family and community deeply affected by the atrocities and lingering effects of the Guatemalan Civil War. A Maya Ixil woman from modest beginnings who grew up helping her family with farming, house chores and herding sheep, Odi—as she is affectionately known—has emerged as a trailblazer, reshaping educational opportunities and empowering those around her. Today, as the Co-Director of Limitless Horizons Ixil and Director of Colegio Horizontes, she embodies resilience, innovation, and hope.
Odi’s path to leadership was anything but easy. Growing up in a society where education for girls was often dismissed, she faced significant challenges. “As a girl,” Odi recalls, “I always dreamed of making an impact in a space where I felt committed and passionate. Not just any leadership role, but one aligned with my vision and purpose of life: humanitarian causes.” She became the first woman in her family to graduate from university, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy and Educational Administration with a focus on the environment, as well as a Bilingual Intercultural Education Teaching Certificate. Along the way, she earned accolades for her academic excellence, including a prestigious academic distinction medal.
Despite personal hardships and systemic barriers, Odi’s determination propelled her forward. “Now, at this stage in my life, I am confident in my capabilities as a Maya Ixil woman and leader,” she shares. “It’s not an easy path, but I am committed to being an example of perseverance and breaking stereotypes.”
In 2019, Odi joined Limitless Horizons Ixil as the Director of Colegio Horizontes. The school has transformed the educational landscape for indigenous girls who historically had limited access to quality education. Under Odi’s leadership, Colegio Horizontes is not just a school—it’s a haven for critical thinking, cultural identity, and vocational readiness. “Our education is different,” Odi explains. “We educate students to be critical thinkers, to visualize their future, and to plan their lives. We’re forming responsible citizens and committed professionals who will drive change.”
Now as Co-Director of Limitless Horizons Ixil, Odi’s leadership goes beyond the classroom. She is deeply committed to fostering systemic change within Chajul and the Ixil region. “Access to opportunities that were once a distant dream for girls has been transformative,” she says. “First, we focused on one student, then on a family, and that contributes to systemic change in the community. Entire families are improving their health, nutrition, and overall quality of life. That’s the power of education.”
Looking ahead, Odi is excited about the future of Limitless Horizons Ixil.
“With our programs, we’re already seeing professionals thriving in businesses and organizations in Chajul,” she shares. “With our high school, this impact will accelerate. We’re equipping students with the skills to be decision-makers and opportunity-seekers, all while staying rooted in their community.”
Odi’s leadership exemplifies how perseverance and purpose can redefine possibilities. Her commitment to breaking barriers and fostering systemic change is setting a new standard for education in Chajul. As she guides Limitless Horizons Ixil into its next chapter, Odi stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of education, guiding the school, staff, and community toward a more gender-equitable future.
This giving season, support Odi and Limitless Horizons Ixil’s work towards a more equitble future.