Deepening Our Connections: U.S. and Guatemalan Governing Boards Discuss Long-Term Vision
Last month, the U.S.-based Board of Directors and the Guatemalan Junta Directiva, the two governing groups of the Kateri Fund’s nonprofits, met for a joint gathering over Zoom. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss long-term plans and goals for the organization and to ensure the future sustainability of the Fund’s programs.
Members of both Boards had the chance to introduce themselves so that everyone could learn more about each other. After that, members of the Guatemalan Directiva gave presentations about the current organizational structure and programs.
All of the women who sit on the Guatemalan Directiva are themselves former participants in one or more Kateri Fund programs, and they reflected on this when expressing their hopes for the Fund’s future.
“The day that I learned about Kateri, it really was a light that lit the path for me to be where I am today,” shared Catarina Atz, a member of the Junta Directiva. She explained that she had spent four years out of school, without the means to return, before she discovered the scholarship program. "Without Kateri, I wouldn’t have been able to study.”
Rosa García Quiná, who sits on both Boards, echoed a belief in the impact of these programs. ”There are many women who have been empowered and who currently have had a change in their lives,” she said. “The dream is to grow and to continue moving forward.”
In addition to overarching goals, the group discussed some concrete steps that can be taken in order to strengthen the Fund and continue reaching more people.
This month, the conversation will continue as Board member Melissa Vlach travels to Guatemala, where she will meet with members of the Directiva, as well as Marta Xicay of the Board of Directors. The gathering will allow further discussion about future plans and collaboration.
Directiva member Emilsa Peren summed up the determination of the leadership team, saying, “All of us who have received scholarships… we believe that Kateri should continue and for that we need the support of all of you in the United States and also commitment from us here in Guatemala."
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