In January 2024, I started working for Limitless Horizons Ixil, an incredible indigenous women-focused organization in Chajul, Guatemala. From years of working in development, I knew that the mission was amazing and that it was something I could stand behind - how could I not get excited about providing access to education for indigenous girls in a rural area as a way to improve their long-term opportunities?! I was in.

In February, I drove 6 hours through the mountains to visit Chajul. From the moment I walked into Colegio Horizontes and met the incredible students & staff, I was blown away. I witnessed young indigenous women who had only recently learned Spanish debating with one another and making their voices heard. I got to hear the stories of staff members, the first in their families to graduate from high school and college. I observed engaging classes in literature, science, and math, with teachers that were encouraging critical thinking and classroom participation. And I sat in families' homes, grateful that they opened their doors to me and shared a meal. These experiences cemented my commitment to Limitless Horizons Ixil.

Limitless Horizons Ixil creates opportunities for the indigenous youth, women, and families of Chajul, Guatemala, to develop the academic and professional skills needed to effect change in their lives and community. We provide access to quality education through our revolutionary middle school, Colegio Horizontes, which opened in 2022 and is at full capacity with 7th-9th grades this year. We serve indigenous youth (two-third girls, one-third boy allies) and our staff is local (primarily indigenous women). Additionally we have a community library that is open to all kids and youth.

This year, we are expanding Colegio Horizontes to include a joint high school to ensure that the students who have already experienced the transformative power of our middle school can seamlessly continue their educational journey with an equally life-changing high school experience.

At this exciting moment in our growth, I want to invite YOU to join our capital campaign and partner with us as we expand Colegio Horizontes and prepare our students for academic excellence and professional success. No gift is too small. Help us to make this high school a reality for young women who are breaking traditional gender norms and generational cycles of early marriage and child-rearing. These girls are creating better lives for themselves and setting an example for those around them - support them today by donating to our high school capital campaign.

For more information on the school and our mission, check out this video.

To see the high school construction so far, visit Chajul and take a tour!

Here are some pictures I took on my recent trip to Chajul: