More About Our Team

Directors

Anne Kraemer / Chief Executive Officer

Anne is an anthropologist and a co-founder of Maya Health Alliance | Wuqu’ Kawoq. She has served as Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer since 2009. Her passion is amplifying the voices of women and girls to foster community-driven, high-impact, culturally and linguistically appropriate programs that promote health and reproductive rights in underserved indigenous Maya communities. Anne trained as a cultural anthropologist at the University of Kansas, where she received her master’s degree and completed doctoral coursework. She received a Fulbright scholarship in 2007. Anne lives in Guatemala with her daughters. She speaks Kaqchikel and Spanish.

Waleska López Canu / Chief Medical Officer

Waleska is originally from Patzún, Chimaltenango and is proudly Kaqchikel Maya. She received her medical doctorate from the Autonomous University of Mexico and completed her clinical training at the University of San Carlos in Guatemala. Waleska has worked extensively in Mexico and Guatemala for Ministry of Health programs to extend coverage to rural areas. Her previous leadership experience includes managing a large team of healthcare providers serving in dozens of rural communities in the Department of Chimaltenango. She originally worked with Wuqu ‘Kawoq in 2010-11 and returned to our team in 2014.

Marfa Castillo / Financial Director

Marfa became Director of the Wuqu’ Kawoq Finance Department in August 2023. She is originally from Salamá, Baja Verapaz. Marfa worked for more than 11 years at WINGS/ Alas de Guatemala Association, first as an accounting assistant and then as a general accountant. She is inspired by the opportunity to contribute to improving her country and help those in need through her work. She aspires to use her knowledge to strengthen Wuqu’ Kawoq’s financial department to help the organization realize its mission and vision.

Jill Hodges / Chief Communications and Development Officer

Jill joined in 2020 to lead our communications and development efforts. She has worked as a reporter, producer, analyst, and communications strategist in media, government, non-profit, and higher ed in a variety of locations in the US and internationally. Before joining Maya Health | Wuqu’ Kawoq, she was Communications Director at the Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society at the University of California, Berkeley. She has a master’s in public health from the University of Washington School of Public Health and a master’s in law from Yale Law School. She thrives on connecting people and ideas to advance health equity.

Peter Rohloff / Chief Science and Innovation Officer

Peter is a co-founder of Wuqu ‘Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance in 2006 and he splits his time between Boston, where he is on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, and Guatemala, where he serves as our Chief Science and Innovation Officer. Peter received his MD / PhD from the University of Illinois and completed residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. Peter’s interests lie at the intersection of indigenous language support and global health delivery in Guatemala, and he leads our large team of researchers and clinicians in conducting innovative mixed methods research. He speaks Spanish, Kaqchikel, and K’iche ‘.

Team Leaders

Lily Ajú / Nutrition Program Manager

Lilian manages the thriving Family-Centered Nutrition Program. She started with Wuqu’ Kawoq in 2015 as an interpreter for Kaqchikel-speaking patients. She served as a research assistant and coordinator before becoming a program manager. She takes joy in earning the trust of patients who have lost confidence in the health system. Lilian is very adventurous and loves to go on excursions with her family. One of her greatest inspirations is her mother, a small business owner in Tecpán.

José Calderón / Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

José is a sociologist, lover of social sciences, and committed to his country. He is oriented to learning and continuous improvement, and sees personal growth as an extension of professional growth. He has had the opportunity to work in different contexts and adapt to different situations, environments, and people, which has enriched him as an individual.

Merida Isabel Coj / Human Resources Manager

As Human Resources Manager in this organization, Mérida has led initiatives to strengthen the professional development of employees. Her management is characterized by implementing inclusive policies that promote both individual and collective growth. Outside of work, she is a loving mother who spends time with her son riding bicycles, attending soccer matches, or watching movies.

Enma Carolina Coyote Ixén / Mobile Maternal & Infant Health Manager

Enma originally worked with Wuqu’ Kawoq in 2015 as program coordinator and then as manager until 2020 and returned to our team in January 2024. She currently serves as manager for the Mobile Maternal & Infant Health Program. She is from Patzún, Chimaltenango. Enma has studied nursing. Her favorite pastime is being in an environment surrounded by nature and engaging in outdoor activities. She admires the commitment and dedication of Wuqu’ Kawoq in seeking solutions to address the health needs of the most vulnerable communities in Guatemala and the way that services are provided in a culturally appropriate manner.

David Flood / Staff Physician

David is a physician who helps coordinate our clinical, research, and training initiatives, especially those related to chronic diseases and malnutrition. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, his master’s degree in international health policy from the London School of Economics, and his training in internal medicine and pediatrics from the University of Minnesota. In addition to his role at Wuqu ‘Kawoq, he is a doctor and researcher at the University of Michigan. He speaks Spanish and Kaqchikel.

Magdalena Guarchaj / Child Development Research Program Manager

Magdalena is one of our Investigations Managers. She also is a nurse practitioner and manages our diabetes lifestyle and community outreach programs. She is K’iche Maya. In 2020, she represented Wuqu’ Kawoq in the El Colectivo committee, which joined forces to bring information on health, education, violence prevention, and Covid-19 prevention to rural communities via radio. She has experience in working with children, families and communities.

Yoli Juarez / Manager, Health for Life Program

Yoli is Manager of the Health for Life | Salud para la Vida Program. She is a registered nurse and expert in leading community health programs. She initially worked in our Family-Centered Nutrition Program for two years before focusing on women’s health. She has led the expansion of the Salud para la Vida program since 2019, and now oversees a team of 28 spread across the Highlands of Guatemala. Prior to joining Maya Health Alliance, she worked in the Ministry of Health for more than a decade on programs to extend health coverage to rural areas.Yoli’s family is the center of her life. Her daughters inspire her to work hard every day to give them and her patients a bright future. She loves it when her family gets together for a movie or Christmas dinner.

Sandy Mux Xocop / Trainer

Sandy learned about Maya Health Alliance through a nurse who visited her town every week to work with people with diabetes. After hearing about the organization and its philosophy, she decided to apply for a position. She now works as a Trainer in the Women’s Health program. Every day, she feels she can make a difference in society and change people’s lives.

Eva Ordoñez Tuiz / Child Development Research Program Manager

Eva is a professional nurse who manages our community efforts in chronic kidney disease and early childhood development.

Irma Yolanda Pilo / Mobile Monitoring Doppler Ultrasound Study (MoMDUS) Coordinator

Irma is originally from Sololá, and currently lives in Tecpán. She is an Early Childhood Education Teacher and professional nursing technician. She studied nursing in college she started working as a Nutrition Technician and recruiter for the Saqmoló team, managed the Maternal and Infant Health team and now is the coordinator for the Mobile Monitoring Doppler Ultrasound Study. She admires the respect, regardless of language and origin, that the team offers in supporting rural communities in rural Guatemala.

Eddy Roquel / Operations Manager

Eddy is an agronomist who worked on our landscaping project. He passes his knowledge on to rural Guatemalan families, helping them find healthy and affordable food options. Eddy loves the outdoors, especially the Boca Costa area and the lush, forested areas of the Altiplano. He is also a loving father and has a close relationship with his son. Now Eddy is helping us with logistics and operations.

Nelly Analuisa Sequén Gómez / Awards and Partnerships Manager

Nelly is from Chimaltenango, but she lives in the surroundings of La Antigua Guatemala. She is professional in the field of International Relations, degree obtained from the Galileo University; she also has two masters, one in International Law from Universidad San Carlos, and double major in Management of International Cooperation Projects by International Iberoamerican University of Mexico and from The European University of the Atlantic of Spain. Nelly has extensive work experience in the non profit area in Guatemala, experience that she treasures while she continues to work with love and care towards the people Wuqu’ Kawoq serves.

Carol Teleguario / Diabetes Program Coordinator

Carol is a free spirit who enjoys spending time in the Guatemalan countryside and visiting natural wonders such as Semuc Champey. She is also passionate about social justice issues and holds a degree in Indigenous Rights along with her nursing license. This combination of interests has made Carol a perfect fit for Maya Health Alliance, where she works as an educator in our diabetes program helping local Maya patients manage their illness.

Team Members

Angel Josue Ajin Macario / Nutrition Program Driver

Originally from Tecpan, automotive mechanic and graphic designer, Pilot Nutrition Program in the institution of Wuqu Kawoq. Something of great admiration in the institution is the responsibility, the great mutual respect without discrimination by religion or language

Brenda Bal / Junior Programmer

Brenda Bal is originally from Comalapa, Chimaltenango. She is a self-taught individual who is passionate about the field of data science and appreciates the ways in which data can streamline processes and decision-making. She has completed a curriculum in Systems Engineering and is always open to learning new technologies that can enhance her work. Brenda is excited to work at Wuqu’ Kawoq because it is an organization that empowers women and provides them with a platform to build a career using technologies that are in demand in the market.

Werner Bala Umul / Sexual and Reproductive Health Counselor

Werner joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in January 2024. He is originally from El Tablón, Tecpán, Chimaltenango. He currently works with the Women’s Health team as a sexual and reproductive health counselor. Werner has a Bachelor’s degree with a focus on medicine from San Francisco College in Panajachel. He has also studied to become a nursing assistant at ENAEQ (Escuela Nacional de Auxiliares de Enfermería de Quetzaltenango), and for professional development as a male nurse. He is currently studying nursing at Rafael Landívar University. He enjoys reading, and he feels very happy and excited to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Jenny Bartolomin / Regional Deputy Manager

Jenny is a Supervising Nurse in the Health for Life Program. She has a Bachelor of Nursing and has been part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team since 2017. She works in Chimaltenango and Quiché. She is married and has an 8-year-old daughter.

Glendy Rosibel Batzibal Calí / Women's Health Technician

Originally from the community of Panimacoc, she graduated as an accountant with an orientation in computer science and professional midwifery technician. She is very adventurous and loves to practice yoga as well as collecting medicinal plants, she currently holds the position of women’s health technician. What she admires the most about the institution of wuqu’ kawoq is the opportunity for empowerment for rural areas, especially the importance Wuqu´Kawoq gives to the languages and cultures.

Liria Carina Batzibal Calí / Care Navigator

Liria is from the village of Panimacoc in the municipality of Tecpán. She is a bilingual intercultural primary school teacher and a social work technician with a focus on sustainable development. Currently, she works at Maya Health Alliance as a Care Navigator. She admires the organization for the quality care it provides to patients regardless of their background or language.

Vilma Borón / Data Collector

As a data collector in our early childhood development research program, Vilma helps children in rural Guatemala grow up and develop to be happy and healthy. She enjoys home visits where she gets a chance to connect with families and see the results of her work firsthand. She loves to run and visit the nearby town of Antigua, where she has many fond memories of times with her grandparents.

Doroteo Boron Socop / Driver

Doroteo Boron Socop works as a driver and helps different teams from Wuqu’ reach patients who live far away. He also delivers essential products across the country. His life is focused on the things that make him happy: work, family, church, and sports. In his spare time you can find him playing soccer, taking a long bike ride up a mountain, or spending time with his family.

Reyna Auralina Caniz Gutiérrez / Field Nurse

Reyna has been with Wuqu’ Kawoq since October 2023. She is from the Aldea San Juan Argueta, Sololá, and currently works with the Health for Life team as a field nurse. Reyna has studied for a university technician degree in nursing with a focus on primary care, and she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her family. She is happy to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Silvia Marisela Cano Arroyo / Field Nurse

Silvia Cano joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in November 2023. Originally from San Bernardino Suchitepéquez, she currently works with the Health for Life team as a field nurse. Silvia studied at the University of Occidente, where she obtained a degree as a Nurse Technician. Her favorite hobbies include spending time with her family, listening to music, and dedicating time to her pets. She feels happy and proud to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Ana Gabriela Canú Ajqui / MoMDUS Field Technician

Originally from Tecpán, Ana joined the Wuqu’ Kawoq team in January 2024. She currently works with the Mobile Monitoring Doppler Ultrasound Study (MoMDUS) team as a field technician. Ana has studied to become a bilingual intercultural early childhood education teacher and subsequently a nursing assistant accredited by the Ministry of Health. Her hobbies are spending time with her family and learning to cook desserts. She feels grateful to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Meylin Yahayra Canú Xinico / Programming Analyst

Meylin is from Chimaltenango. She is an expert accountant with a focus on computers. She is studying Information Systems Engineering and Computer Science. She held the position of Programmer Analyst for the development of advanced applications for the Android platform. She currently has the Java programmer certification (SDK -J2EE), Mobile APP Development certification, Front End Web Developer certification, and Introduction to Azure certification. She is passionate about learning new technologies to continue earning certifications and diplomas. She admires the work, effort, and dedication that Wuqu’ Kawoq devotes to each person.

Esteban Javier Castro Aragón / Medical Researcher

Esteban Castro joined the Wuqu’ Kawoq team in January 2024. He is originally from Chimaltenango. He currently works with the Mobile Maternal & Infant Health team as a medical researcher. Esteban has a degree in medicine from Rafael Landívar University and has done medical rotations in Colombia, Chile, and the United States. He enjoys practicing yoga, and he feels grateful to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Elida Charuc / Field Nurse

Elida is of Kaqchikel origin, and lives in the municipality of San Pedro Yepocapa in the department of Chimaltenango. She joined Wuqu Kawoq in May 2017 and is a field nurse in the Chimaltenango area.

She enjoys spending time with her family. She feels very blessed and grateful to God for the opportunity to be part of the great Wuqu’ Kawoq family. Her motivation is to continue helping many women in need and giving her children the education that she could not access due to lack of financial resources.

Blanca Chiroy / Women's Health Technician

Blanca is a Nurse who works in our Women’s Health program. She is passionate about women’s health and very much enjoys visiting the women she works with. Blanca is also very close to her family and takes frequent trips with them to the countryside or the coast. She is also a competitive athlete who dreams of being a soccer champion!

Isabel Chiroy / Nurse with Friendship Bridge Partnership Program

Isabel is a nurse with our Women’s Health program in partnership with Friendship Bridge. She is a compassionate professional who enjoys connecting with her patients and seeing the look in their eyes after receiving excellent service. Isabel loves to sing and dance. She also has ambitious travel goals, hoping one day to make it to the US or Israel.

Brenda Vicenta Chavajay Méndez / Field Nurse

Brenda is from San Pedro la Laguna, Sololá, where the community speaks the Tzutujil Maya language. She is currently studying at university and works at Wuqu’ Kawoq as a Field Nurse, attending to patients in mobile clinics, conducting follow-up visits, and educating the population about chronic diseases and their prevention.

Aroldo Chocojay / Warehouse Manager

Aroldo is our Warehouse Manager. He speaks Kaqchiquel as his mother tongue and Spanish as a second language. He graduated from GALILEO University as a middle school teacher in mathematics and physics and worked in public schools teaching elementary school children before joining the team. Aroldo is very excited to be part of an organization that focuses on helping people who have been marginalized because he likes to be part of development in Guatemala.

Karyn Choy / Coordinator for Bioethics and Research

Karyn obtained her business degree in the United States and now works as a Coordinator for Bioethics and Research. Her ambition and hard work are motivated by her son Santiago, who gives his mother the confidence she needs to change the world. In her free time, Karyn enjoys watching movies and spending time outdoors with friends.

Lilian Anita Cocón Pérez / Care Navigator

Lilian joined the Wuqu’ Kawoq team in January 2024. She’s originally from Patzún, Chimaltenango. She currently works with the Mobile Maternal & Infant Health team as a care navigator. Lilian has studied Childhood Education at the Dr. Pedro Molina Rural Normal School. Her favorite hobby is creating her own clothing, and she feels blessed to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Melvin Colorado / Operations Assistant

Melvin has been part of Wuqu’ Kawoq since May 2021. He is originally from Tecpán, where he began his journey in this organization as a driver. Currently, he works with the team as an Operations Assistant. He feels happy because here he has found the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while contributing to the well-being of his community.

Mardoqueo Colorado Matzer / Driver

Mardoqueo was born in Tecpán. He studied waiter courses at INTECAP and worked as a waiter at Katok y Paulinos Restaurant. He joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in 2019 as a driver and is very happy to be part of the team.

Ana Cristina Cap Ixén / Mobile Health Assistant

Ana Cristina has been part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team since January 2024. She is originally from Patzún, Chimaltenango. She currently works with the Mobile Maternal & Infant Health team in the role of assistant. Ana is an educator and has completed her degree in social work with an emphasis on development management at Rafael Landívar University. She enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and friends. She feels joyful to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Dina Ester Cotiy Ecoquij / Field Nurse

Dina has been a part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team since October 2023. She is from the town of Chuamango, Guineales Village, Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán, Sololá.

She works with the Health for Life team as a field nurse. Dina has studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Literature with a focus on medicine, as well as a University Technician degree in nursing. Her favorite pastime is embroidery. She is proud to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Luisa Cuc Ixjotop / Health Educator

Luisa “Wicha” was a co-founder of Wuqu’ Kawoq in 2007 and has continued to work with the organization since then. She hails from Santiago, Sacatepequez. Wicha speaks Kaqchikel and recruited the initial four patients to be treated at her home. She subsequently learned how to draw blood and measure sugar and glucose levels in the patients. Currently, she is part of the Diabetes team, conducting home visits for patients. Her favorite pastime is agriculture, and she enjoys spending quality time with her mother, Feliciana, and her three siblings, relishing in a good Pulique (Guatemalan stew consisting of beef, garlic, tomatoes, onions, guaque chile peppers, and chicken ).

Alicia Cuc / Rotational Nurse

Every day, Alicia visits patients in their homes, establishes personal connections, and provides excellent care. She is compassionate and always motivated to help as many people as possible. One of her favorite places in Guatemala is the mountainous shores of Lake Atitlán.

Quetzalí Ixmucané Cujcuj Xico / Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant

Quetzalí joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in September 2023. She is originally from Chimaltenango. She currently works with the Administration team as an assistant for monitoring and evaluation. Quetzalí holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is currently in her first year of a Master’s in Business Administration. Her favorite hobby is nature photography. She is excited to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Yojana Hermelida Gabriel Oxi / Accounting Assistant

Originally from San José Poaquil, Yojana joined the Wuqu’ Kawoq team in January 2024. She is an accounting assistant with the Finance team. Yojana studied at the National School of Commercial Sciences Leonidas Mencos Ávila. Her hobbies are reading, playing soccer, and going for walks. She feels proud to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Rubí Gaitán Barillas / Executive Assistant

Rubí was born in Antigua Guatemala and joined the Wuqu’ Kawoq team in August 2023. Rubí has studied psychology and has worked in mental health and education in non-governmental organizations and private institutions focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through education. Her goals include contributing her knowledge to help reach more people, strengthening health programs, continuing efforts in vulnerable communities, and promoting mental stability as part of comprehensive health. Her favorite hobbies are hiking in nature and running.

Alejandrina Garcia / Rotational Nurse

Alejandrina’s greatest inspiration is her mother, whom she admires for her strong sense of perseverance. She strives to follow this example while working with women and families through our partners at Friendship Bridge. She is also a music enthusiast and particularly loves the piano.

Yendis González / Field Nurse

Yendis was born in Colonia Santa Adelaida, Santa Bárbara, Suchitepéquez. Currently she is finishing her studies as a professional nurse. She has worked as a field nurse at Ingenio Pantaleón during sugarcane harvesting seasons. Achieving her personal and academic goals inspires her, and she aims to build her career within Wuqu’ Kawoq.

Sara Hernández / Child Development Research Assistant

Since she was little, Sara wanted to work with young children, so she always wanted to be a teacher. Her motivation for a career in education led her to study a Bachelor’s degree in Psychopedagogy at the Universidad del Istmo. At the same university she also obtained a Professorship in Special Education, a Professorship in Primary Mathematics and a Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2017, she landed a job researching the effects of Zika on children’s neurodevelopment at the University of Colorado. The investigation led her to work and live in a village in southwestern Guatemala. Here, she had the opportunity to learn about the reality of childhood in the country, including malnutrition and its effects on a child’s development. Since then, child development has been her greatest interest. She has worked in a variety of positions focused on children and adolescents in vulnerability. In addition, she started a learning center for parents, where she provided workshops on Child Development and Timely Stimulation. She is currently in a Master’s program studying Child and Adolescent Development Management at Rafael Landívar University. She is excited to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team, due to the diverse and culturally appropriate work they do for the health and development of children, as well as their mothers.

Evelyn Abigail Hernandez / Nurse Supervisor

Evelyn joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in February 2023 as a Field Nurse for the Health for Life program now she is the Nurse Supervisor. She is from Chicacao, Suchitepéquez. Evelyn studied at the University of the West of Mazatenango, Suchitepequez. She likes to spend time with her daughter and go for walks. She feels motivated by being part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Sucely Hernández / Field Nurse

Sucely joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in July 2022 as a Field Nurse on the Health for Life team. She’s originally from El Asintal, Retalhuleu. She is studying for a bachelor of Nursing degree. She likes reading and sharing time with the people she loves. She’s very happy and grateful to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Mérida Anavely Jiatz Sincal / Cleaning

Anavely “Ana” Jiatz helps with office cleaning. She is from Tecpán Guatemala. She started at Wuqu’ Kawoq before the pandemic and never imagined that she would be working in an organization like this. She believes that the work that Wuqu’ Kawoq does is very important and essential to many people, and she is grateful to be a part of it. Outside of work, you can find her sewing beautiful blouses or creating colorful huipiles.

Duglas López / Programming Analyst

Duglas López García is originally from Chimaltenango. He is an accounting technician and a high school teacher in computer science. Currently, he has completed the coursework for a university degree in Information Systems Engineering and Computer Science. At Maya Health Alliance, he works on the Mobile Applications project. He enjoys learning about new technologies that help address people’s needs through the implementation of computer systems and applications.

María Adelaida López Pérez / Nurse

María Adelaida López Pérez was born in the village of El Rincón and studied nursing at the FUNDAP School. Her goal is to work and learn more. She is happy that Wuqu’ Kawoq is for and within indigenous communities in their same language and culture, since that gives confidence to the people who need the services. She wants to help her family, which includes eight people.

Libni Margarita Meletz Cumátz / Field nurse

Libni joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in July 2022 as a Field Nurse for the Health for Life program. She is from San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá.

Libni studied for a Nursing Technician career at Panamerican University. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, reading, riding a motorcycle, and playing soccer. She feels happy and lucky to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Lucrecia Morales / Nutrition Technician

Originally from San Andrés Semetabaj, Sololá department, Lucrecia is a professional in Business Administration with a focus on computer science. She works at Wuqu’ Kawoq as a nutrition technician. She enjoys the organization greatly because everyone works together to provide care and support to children and patients with chronic illnesses.

Laura Marina Morales Pérez / Mobile Health Coordinator

Originally from the village of Las Canoas, San Andrés Semetabaj, Sololá, Laura joined the Wuqu’ Kawoq team in January 2024. She currently works with the Mobile Maternal & Infant Health team in the role of coordinator. Laura has a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a focus on Biological Sciences and is completing studies to become a nurse technician. She enjoys knitting and spending time with her family. She feels fortunate to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team and enjoys caring for, serving, and assisting the indigenous population of Tecpán.

Aura Aida Ortiz / Field Nurse

Aura joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in February 2023 as Field Nurse for Health for Life. She is from Samayac Suchitepéquez.

Aura studied at the Samayac Adult School, Ineb Institute, then at the Western University, UDEO, with a degree in nursing. Her favorite pastimes are being with her son, going to church, and playing soccer. She feels very grateful to the organization for giving her the opportunity to take part in the health of patients.

Helena Patal / Human Resources Assistant

Helena is an Indigenous Kaqchikel woman from Patzún and joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in June 2023. She currently works with the team as a Human Resources Assistant.

She has studied Teaching of Intercultural Bilingual Early Childhood Education in Kaqchikel – Spanish and is currently a Social Work student at the Regional University of Guatemala. In the future, she hopes to have the opportunity to contribute to the organization as a mediator in the Maya-Kaqchikel population area, implementing projects and programs that help the development of Guatemalans.

Rafael Peñate / Research Coordinator

Rafael is originally from Jutiapa and currently lives in Palín, Escuintla. He is a professional nurse. He studied for a university technician degree in nursing with a focus on primary care at Rafael Landívar University. He currently works as a research coordinator at Wuqu’ Kawoq. Rafael is excited to work at Wuqu’ Kawoq, helping people and bridging the gap of inequality and lack of access to health services. His main motivation is his family, and he enjoys spending time with his friends and creating good memories.

Leslie Yesenia Quino Tián / Care Navigator

Originally from the village of Las Canoas Altas, San Andrés Semetabaj, Leslie joined the Wuqu’ Kawoq team in January 2024, She is currently a navigator for the Mobile Maternal & Infant Health team. Leslie completed a Bachelor’s degree in Science and is a professional nurse. Her favorite hobbies are reading and learning new things every day, as well as deepening her knowledge of Maya culture. She is very happy to be part of the organization as it allows her to help others by providing the quality health care they deserve.

Edlyn Maria Alexandra Ramos Alvarado/ Medical Researcher

Edlyn, originally from Guatemala City, joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in August 2023. She currently works as a medical researcher on a project focused on detecting hypertension, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction to prevent infant deaths and complications at birth. She holds degrees in Nutrition and Medicine from Rafael Landívar University, and a Master’s in Medical Sciences specializing in Gynecology and Obstetrics from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. She has taught at the university level and worked as a resident and specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at hospitals affiliated with the Guatemalan Social Security Institute. Passionate about public health, education, and research, she enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures. She regards women as crucial pillars in society, deserving quality healthcare without social or cultural inequalities. She is grateful to be a part of Wuqu’ Kawoq and for the opportunity to help Guatemalan women grow as individuals and professionals.

Dominga Ramos Ciprián / Field Nurse, Health for Life Program

Originally from Barrio Central in the municipality of Joyabaj in the department of Quiché. Profession is Secretary and Clerk and Professional Nurse, currently working as a Field Nurse in the Health for Life program in the institution Wuqu Kawoq. Her goal is to continue to be part of the team to support our indigenous community, something she admires is the priority given to patients in rural areas, as they are provided health services in their native language, see the satisfaction of patients and understand and appreciate the services provided to them.

Yolanda Raquec / Field Activities Coordinator

Yoli is a nurse, who has been in our Women’s Health and Nutrition programs. Now she is the Field Activities Coordinator in the Aflatoxin Exposure, Growth Faltering, and the Gut Microbiome among Children in Rural Guatemala project. She travels every day to small rural communities, bringing expert care and guidance to her patients. Her six-year-old son and family motivate Yoli to follow her passion and set new goals for herself every day. When she does have time to relax, Yoli enjoys listening to music and watching action movies.

Irma Robles / Miller Clinic Coordinator

Irma works in the Bocacosta region. Her work includes a mix of visiting patients in their homes and at our clinics. Her favorite part of her job is being able to spend time with kids and talk with moms about nutrition. Originally from the Bocacosta, she studied to become an elementary school teacher at the Insitiuto Profesional de Educación. In her free time, she loves to listen to Christian music. She speaks Spanish and K’iche.

Hans Roche / Chemist Biologist

Hans joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in July 2022 to lead the Wuqu’ Kawoq microbiology lab in Santiago Sacatepéquez. He is from Guatemala City.

He studied Biological Chemistry at the University of San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC). He works as a Microbiology assistant at the Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy USAC, as well as a Quality Supervisor at Alimentos Maravilla, an Analyst in the Virology Area at the National Health Laboratory, and a Consultant at the MSPAS-HIV Grant Logistics Management Unit.

He is inspired to help people in need. He is grateful to be a part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team, and to put his knowledge and effort into practice and work to achieve the vision of this organization. He speaks Spanish and English. He is interested in learning science and technology to help people and the environment.

Wendy Rodríguez / Affiliated Physician

Wendy joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in April 2023. She is originally from Guatemala City. She is an affiliated physician with the Aflatoxin Project team. Wendy studied at the University of San Carlos de Guatemala, specializing in Pediatrics and in Neurodevelopment and Research. She has studied Diabetes Mellitus at the University of Mariano Gálvez and Occupational Medicine at the University of the Isthmus. Her favorite pastimes are reading and going for walks. She feels happy and looks forward to learning, training, and sharing knowledge by being part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Karen Romero / Nutrition Technician

Karen is originally from the municipality of San Juan Ostuncalco. She lives in the village of San Juan Ostuncalco, where many men work as potato and milpa farmers, exporting their products to El Salvador, and women are weavers. She is a pre-primary education teacher and enjoys working with children. At Wuqu’ Kawoq she has appreciated learning about malnutrition and nutrition and how to help mothers whose children are experiencing malnutrition. She works in Aldea Nueva Concepción as a Nutrition Technician. She is motivated by supporting the physical and mental development of children through healthy nutrition.

Blanca Romero / Nutrition Technician

Blanca ives in San Juan Ostuncalco. She is a teacher of Intercultural Bilingual Early Childhood Education. She is working as a Nutrition Technician in the Nutrition Program with children between six months and two years of age. She loves children, and likes to embroider and make crafts.

Ashley Rocío Salazar Juárez / Nurse

Ashley was born and raised in Santa Cruz Balanyá Chimaltenango, where she currently lives. She is a primary education teacher and a university technician in Nursing. She previously worked as a teacher training of nursing assistants. She currently works for the Wuqu’ Kawoq Health for Life program as a field nurse. She is grateful for the opportunity to work in the communities and to provide services to help patients improve their health. She is committed to continue learning and strengthening her knowledge to provide patients with quality care. She enjoys spending time with her family and with patients and walking outdoors.

Olga Marina Saloj Chiyal / Field Technician

She is currently working as a Field Technician in our Aflatoxin Exposure, Growth Faltering, and the Gut Microbiome among Children in Rural Guatemala project in Patzún, Chimaltenango.

Yesenia Serech Ajquijay / Patient Care Coordinator

Yesenia joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in February 2023. She is originally from San Andrés Semetabaj, Sololá. She is currently a Patient Care Coordinator with the Complex Cases team. She has a Master’s Degree in Nursing. She enjoys walking and watching sunsets. She’s happy to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team!

Emily Magali Roxana Serech Cuxil / Maternity Technician

Emily has been a member of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team since September 2023. She hails from Panabajal Comalapa, in the municipality of San Juan Comalapa. Currently, she works with the Mobile Monitoring Doppler Ultrasound Study (MoMDUS) research team as a maternity technician. Emily completed her high school education at Bless School and pursued her university studies at Universidad Galileo, where she obtained a degree as a university technician in nursing. Her favorite pastime is watching movies and spending quality time with her family

Dorcas Sicaján / Salud Para la Vida Management and Logistics Assistant

Dorcas Sicajan is an indigenous Kaqchikel woman from Patzún. She speaks Kaqchikel, Spanish, and English and graduated as a Bilingual Secretary. She joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in May 2023. She feels incredibly inspired and honored to be part of a team of people who are doing their best to improve health in indigenous communities. She sees her work as an opportunity not only for personal growth but also for professional development. She enjoys learning new things and watching TV series, and currently she is learning to play the piano.

Elsa Marina Sebaquijay Iquic / Maternity Technician

Elsa joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in December 2023. She is originally from San José Poaquil, Chimaltenango. Currently she collaborates within the Mobile Monitoring Doppler Ultrasound Study (MoMDUS) team as a maternity technician. Elsa studied at Rafael Landívar University. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her family. She feels fortunate to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Rosibely Sut Serech / Assistant

Rosibely was born in the village of Chuatzunuj, Tecpán. She started her professional career at Maya Health Alliance as a Care Navigator, and later served as a Mobile Health Promoter. She now holds a different position in the same program, where she works with 40 midwives.

Johana Raquec Teleguario/ Nutrition Technician

Johana was born in Patzún, Chimaltenango. She is an accountant and speaks Kaqchikel and Spanish. She started working at Maya Health Alliance with the Research team, but now she works as a Nutrition Technician.

Neldrick Tichoc / Warehouse Assistant

Neldrick, a resident of Santa Cruz Balanya in the department of Chimaltenango, graduated as an expert accountant with a specialty in commercial computing. He is currently pursuing a degree in public accounting and auditing. His has worked as a purchase manager for the municipality of Santa Cruz Balanya, and as an accounting teacher for Runawal Balamya. He is active in his church. At Wuqu’ Kawoq, he is a warehouse assistant. He appreciates the environment and the opportunities that are given to each person to be part of Wuqu’ Kawoq without discrimination.

Scott Tschida / Research Assistant

Scott joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in 2020 as a researcher and works on diabetes and early childhood development projects. He received his B.S. in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon and his MPhil in International Community Health from the University of Oslo. Scott’s interests include using implementation science frameworks and mixed-methods to understand how contextual factors impact an intervention’s success.

Jeany Tzoc / Nurse Supervisor

Jeany works in our Friendship Bridge program in the Quiché department. She loves the area where she works for its rich traditions and friendly people. When Jeany is not in the field, she enjoys being at home with her baby, who inspires her to continue working to meet the basic needs of other families.

Luisa Florinda Tzunux Joj / Field nurse

Luisa has been a member of the Wuqu’ Kawoq organization since September 2022. Originally from Santa María Chiquimula in the department of Totonicapán, she is currently working on the Health for Life team in the position of Field Nurse.

Luisa studied at Rafael Landívar University on the Quetzaltenango Campus. In April 2022, she completed her studies in Nursing Technician with Primary Care Orientation. Her favorite pastimes are playing soccer and going for a run in the mornings. She feels happy to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Lesvia Vasquez / Nurse Supervisor

Lesvia is a Nurse Supervisor in a program managed in partnership with Friendship Bridge. In her daily work, she enjoys venturing into the rural areas of Guatemala and assisting women who are overcoming social obstacles to receive medical care. Family is at the center of Lesvia’s life; she has a close relationship with her brother, whose positive attitude she admires and applies to her work in the field.

Vivian Scarleth Velásquez Díaz / Nutritionist

Vivian has been a member of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team since November 2023. Originally from San Pedro Sacatepéquez, San Marcos, she currently works with the Nutrition team as a nutritionist. Vivian has studied for a degree in nutrition, is learning Kaqchikel Maya, and is also a professional makeup artist. Her favorite hobby is watercolor painting. She feels fortunate to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Irma Yolanda Velasquez Matias / Lead Navigator

Irma is a Lead Navigator, she likes to be part of the Maya Health Alliance team because it is an opportunity to help rural communities in her country. Her favorite food is pepián and stew. She is married and enjoys spending her free time with her two sons and two daughters.

Floridalma Betzaida Vicente Poz / Regional Deputy Manager

Floridalma joined Wuqu’ Kawoq in 2022 as the Health for Life team Supervisor at the Santo Tomás la Unión agency now she is currently the Regional Deputy Manager. She is from Santo Tomás Suchitepéquez.

She is currently completing her nursing degree. She enjoys playing soccer. She feels very satisfied to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Cindy Villalobos / BioChemist in Wuqu’ Laboratory

Cindy is originally from Cobán, Alta Verapaz, where she grew up and lived until she was 18 years old. She studied Biological Chemistry at the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and later earned a Master’s in Public Health with an emphasis in Epidemiology from Universidad Rafael Landivar. She also has a diploma in Microbiology and Bioinformatics. She worked in the Vector-Transmitted Diseases Program with the Guatemala Ministry of Health for three years and the National Health Laboratory for a year and a half. Her family inspires her, and she aims to become better every day for them. Her goals at Wuqu´ Kawoq are to support and learn from different projects, both in research and the laboratory. She strives to carry out her work with excellence and quality to be able to help others.

Brenda Yolanda Xico Ajsivinac / Health for Life Nurse

Originally from the municipality of Patzicía, Brenda currently lives in La Aldea el Caman. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Nursing Technician and is currently studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She works as a Field Nurse for the Salud Para la Vida team. She admires the dignified treatment given to each of the patients that we serve in their mother tongue. She also appreciates the quality and warmth of the services provided in rural communities that otherwise cannot count on timely healthcare.

Silvia Xoquic / Nurse, Friendship Bridge Partnership Program

Silvia is a nurse with our women’s health program in partnership with Friendship Bridge. She is a loving mother and is inspired every day by her baby to help other women live healthy lives. In particular, she strives to overcome the language barriers that prevent many Guatemalans from receiving quality care. In addition to work, Silvia is also passionate about soccer and plays regularly in her free time.

Carlos Román Yax Muy / Concierge

Carlos Yax Muy provides cleaning and security services at Wuqu’ Kawoq’s Boca Costa location. He joined the organization in 2021. His previous jobs have included security work. He feels happy watching over Wuqu’ Kawoq and keeping it clean.

Vilma Esperanza Yaxón Guit / Women's Health Technician

Vilma joined the Wuqu’ Kawoq team in September 2023. She is originally from the town of Xibalbay, Sololá. She’s currently a health technician with the Women’s Health team. Vilma has studied technical nursing and is pursuing a nursing degree at Rafael Landívar University in Quetzaltenango. Her favorite pastimes include cycling, studying English, and singing. She feels very happy and proud to be part of the Wuqu’ Kawoq team.

Andrea Enriquez Guzmán / Communications and Development Assistant

Andrea joined the Maya Health Alliance team in March 2024 as Communications and Development Assistant. Originally from Guatemala City, she now resides in the Antigua area, where she enjoys the serene and picturesque environment.

Andrea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Communication Sciences and has been part of communication, public relations, and digital marketing teams for over seven years. Through her work, she seeks to connect people and ideas, crafting narratives that influence the perceptions and actions of target audiences. Her fluency in Spanish and English allows her to communicate easily in multicultural environments, facilitating collaboration in various international contexts. At Maya Health Alliance, her vision is to use her skills to promote the organization’s mission through diverse platforms, events, and fundraising strategies. She is excited about the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives through her work.

Flor Marie Lopez Car / Health Programs Manager

Flor Lopez joined the Maya Health Alliance team in April 2024 as Program Manager. She is originally from San Juan Sacatepéquez and currently works at our headquarters in Tecpán. She is a physician and general surgeon with experience in telemedicine, occupational health and safety, and general medicine.

She is happy and excited to be part of the Maya Health Alliance team and contribute to improving the health and well-being of the communities served by the organization. Her deep knowledge and extensive experience position her as an effective leader to ensure the quality and effectiveness of our services.

Evelyn Selena Garcia Santizo / Accounting Assistant

Evelyn joined in March 2024 as an Accounting Assistant on the Finance team. She is originally from Patzicía, a municipality in the department of Chimaltenango, where she resides with her family.

She studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Public Audit at Universidad Mariano Gálvez and has gained experience working as an accounting assistant in recent years. In her role at Maya Health Alliance, Evelyn is committed to ensuring the financial integrity of the organization and contributing to its mission. She aims to apply her accounting skills to ensure that resources are used efficiently to benefit the communities served by the organization. She feels fortunate to be part of the Maya Health Alliance team and to contribute to its important work.

Elsy Amarilis Riquiac Ignacio / Secretary

Since April 2024, Elsy Riquiac has served as a Secretary for the Maya Health Alliance team. Originally from Vista Hermosa, in the village of Paraxquin, Elsy is a proud speaker of Kaqchikel and Spanish.

Elsy’s studies in accounting equip her with the necessary skills to ensure harmony and efficiency in all her daily administrative activities. Elsy feels joy and gratitude to be part of the inspiring Maya Health Alliance team and contribute to our shared mission.

Alicia Marisol TojinTipáz/ Field Nurse

Alicia Tojin joined the Maya Health Alliance team in April 2024 as a Field Nurse in the Health for Life program. She is from Santa Cruz, Quiché, where she took her first steps as a community health advocate.

She holds a strong background as a Nursing Assistant and Accounting Technician. Currently, she is also a student of auditing at the Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala. Her previous experience includes working as a nurse in the community sector, particularly in vaccination programs. In addition to her dedication to the healthcare field, Alicia enjoys spending time with her family and swimming. She also loves hiking in nature to connect with her surroundings and recharge her energy for her work. Alicia feels deeply happy and grateful to be part of the Maya Health Alliance team.

Isaac Borón Socop / Driver

Since March 2024, Isaac Borón has been part of the Maya Health Alliance team, where he currently is a Driver. Tecpán, his place of residence, plays an essential role in the daily operations of this organization.

As a driver at Maya Health Alliance, Isaac plays a crucial role in the timely delivery of medical supplies, as well as in transporting staff and patients to remote communities. His dedication and skills are essential to ensure that healthcare services reach those who need them most. He is deeply motivated to be part of the team and to contribute to improving the health and well-being of the communities served by the organization.