Leer en español Our new pod advisors program was launched recently with three experienced alumni partners who are sharing their perspectives with us. We’re pleased to introduce Elvia Raquec, our first advisor. Stay tuned in the coming months for profiles on our other two advisors, Joshua Machinga and Wendo Aszed. Elvia Raquec is the program director for Women’s Justice Initiative (WJI), from which she oversees an array of women’s rights programs in indigenous Guatemalan communities. She has broad experience working in rural communities on projects related to human rights, reproductive health, local development, among other issues, all of them aligned...[ Read More ]

Recientemente inauguramos nuestro nuevo programa Pod advisors, en el cual tres expertas asesoras, pertenecientes a organizaciones que en el pasado fueron nuestras socias, nos comparten sus perspectivas. Nos complace presentarles a Elvia Raquec, nuestra primera asesora. Estén atentos en los próximos meses para conocer los perfiles de nuestros otros dos asesores, Joshua Machinga y Wendo Aszed. Elvia Raquec es la Directora de Programas de la Iniciativa por los Derechos de la Mujer (IDM), desde la cual supervisa una variedad de programas sobre los derechos de las mujeres en las comunidades indígenas guatemaltecas. Cuenta con amplia experiencia trabajando en comunidades rurales en proyectos...[ Read More ]

In 2021, Pangea committed to gaining greater perspective and depth to our grantmaking process through identifying trusted leaders from our alumni partners and known local experts. This commitment has coalesced into our new pod advisers program, through which we have identified three wonderful leaders and long-time friends of Pangea to help us think through our grant making, serve as our eyes on the ground as we support current partners and help provide context for the latest developments in the regions where we fund. In July, we welcomed Elvia Raquec, Programs Director for Women's Justice Initiative, as our first pod adviser....[ Read More ]

Until I was invited to participate in Community Advocates Program, I didn’t communicate with anyone, much less have any leadership, considering we women barely have the chance to participate in meetings or any public spaces. It was difficult for me to speak up or express my opinion, as I was afraid others would tell me that I was wrong, but little by little I began to change. And now I’m no longer afraid to express myself. I’ve learned how I can share information with my community so that more women can become leaders and make decisions in the community. This...[ Read More ]

Often these days we focus on the case for immigration reform and the plight of migrants trying to cross the border to make a life here in the United States. This conversation continues to grow in pertinence as recent months have seen a steep increase in individuals apprehended or deemed “inadmissible” at the U.S. - Mexico border. On May 16, Pangea Giving joined with local partners Seattle International Foundation (SIF) and Global Washington to sponsor an educational event that looked at youth migration from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador from a different angle. Why do youth from these countries leave,...[ Read More ]

   

In January 2018, five Pangea women landed in Antigua, Guatemala to the familiar textile rich AirBnb where we have stayed before, five rooms around a lovely garden which lent itself to gathering in the evening to debrief the day. The site visit, a mere seven days, seemed much longer as we dove deep into the culture. ~Betsy Hale This was a visit of deepening our knowledge about and connection with four grant partners that we have funded from 2 to 7 years. In addition to visits to known and trusted organizations, we learned about the ever-changing political, social, and economic...[ Read More ]

Pangea Giving site visits are taking place this week in Guatemala, January 14-21. To start, the group of five Pangea members are basing out of Antigua, for day trips to three Pangea Giving grantees: Asociación Comunidad La Esperanza, Women’s Justice Initiative, and ASOGEN (Asociación Generando Equidad, Liderazgo y Oportunidades). The team kicked off the week yesterday with a day of context meetings and presentations by various English-speaking expats who are well versed in the Guatemala non-profit world, as well as the history of political and other violence which have restricted human rights. Pangea’s grant to AC Esperanza, now in its...[ Read More ]

On Sunday, November 4th, we made the long trek to Salama to spend the night before our visit with FNE in Rabinal.  FNE's school was not in session but a number of parents, students and teachers were at the school to share their experiences. Sandra Lopez, ED, and Antonio, school director, gave a tour and overview of the program. Their programs are interactive with a strong focus on local tradition and culture and the recent history (late 1980's) of massacres in the Rabinal communities. Curriculum is both in the classroom and practical. Students work side by side with their tudors...[ Read More ]