The success of our work at Maya Traditions is made possible through the constant support of volunteers. Here, we introduce volunteer Emily who is currently supporting our work in Guatemala:

¡Hola a todos! My name is Emily and I am excited to be a volunteer in the garden with Maya Traditions for the next few months. I am a Massachusetts native but spent the last six years living and studying in North Carolina. I have worked on several vegetable, dairy and medicinal herb farms as well as community gardens working to promote food security. During college I spent four months in India where I learned how women’s agricultural and textile cooperatives were promoting self-sufficiency and female empowerment through artisanal value-added products. I most recently served as an AmeriCorps volunteer for two years as an elementary school garden educator. I love engaging people of all ages in the entire growing process and connecting them with the importance of sustainable agriculture.

I came to Guatemala last year to visit my sister who is a teacher in Panajachel and fell in love with the vibrant colors and culture of Lake Atitlan. I was amazed by the incredibly intricate huipiles and cortes I saw everyday and knew I wanted to learn about the lives of the women behind this art. Similarly, as I discovered Maya Traditions, I realized I wanted to learn more about natural healing traditions and how medicinal plants are still used in indigenous cultures today. I’m delighted that my position here allows me to “weave” together my interests in agriculture, textiles and female empowerment. I’m looking forward to learning more about the cultural significance of medicinal plants in Guatemala as well as use of plants as natural dyes throughout the weaving process.