Today is video day. I have two videos to share, both of which show in images versus words what courage looks like – no, check that – what courage IS.
The first is a one-minute video of Vilma Saloj, a young Mayan woman born into poverty in rural Guatemala, giving an empowered and moving speech at the MAIA Impact School annual event in Denver, CO. This video is worth every second of your time spent watching it. For context, most Mayan girls in rural Guatemala are lucky to make it to 6th grade and to learn limited Spanish. Vilma is seen here presenting like a pro, in English, with a bold vision of being part of systemic change in her country. #maiaimpact #wearethesolution
The second is also only one-minute long and features Kendra Smith: kickboxer, stuntwoman, former pro-wrestler, personal trainer, and athlete. She travels to Guatemala every year to teach self-defense and kickboxing to the girl pioneers at the MAIA Impact School. She is currently working on a program to incorporate self-defense as a regular part of the school’s curriculum. #warriors #girlpower #stronggirlsstrongwomen #maiaimpact
Those are my messages of hope and joy for today. I’ll close with a poem written by MAIA 7th grader Wendy Palax:
Indigenous Woman
Fighter and entrepreneur
Strong and capable,
Indigenous woman from the land,
Brave and bold.
You are like the phoenix that rises
From her ashes,
Your traditions
Are wealth.
With your gown of beautiful colors,
Weaved with the hands of your ancestors
Showing a warrior woman
Dancing to the beat of the marimba.
You fight for equality,
Shine among the nature,
Woman dedicated to culture,
Indigenous woman of my town.
You care for your traditions
For your customs
For your family
For your language
For your gown.
You love and care,
Have feelings
Of joy and emotions.
WE ARE THE SOLUTION
