Why Guatemala
Guatemala faces significant challenges, with poverty affecting over half of its population. In 2023, it was estimated that 55% of the population lived in poverty. The situation is even more severe among indigenous communities, where approximately 75% live in poverty. Rural areas are particularly impacted, accounting for 91% of those living in extreme poverty.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions. At Empowered Guatemala, we are committed to addressing these disparities by empowering communities through education, scholarships, and mentorship. Our goal is to create opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and strengthen the social fabric of the regions we serve.
Board Members
100% Volunteer Driven
Who We Are
Empowered Guatemala is a 100% volunteer-driven organization led by a dedicated board of directors. Our team includes members who regularly travel to our partner communities in Guatemala multiple times each year. We collaborate closely with local leaders who actively engage in their own fundraising efforts to complement our initiatives. By working hand-in-hand with community councils, we ensure that our programs are locally led and culturally resonant.
Patti Stewart-Garbrecht
Founder, President
Patti is a retired Certified Nurse Midwife and retired veteran of the US Navy. She became involved in service work in Guatemala in 2021. She has a lovely daughter adopted from Guatemala in 2006. After traveling to Guatemala for the first time since her adoption, it was life changing and her new purpose in life was evident. This is now her life's work. Patti has a Master's of Science degree and currently lives in Southern California.
president@empoweredguatemala.org
Mary Kay Phillips
Vice President, Co-Founder
Mary Kay is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Navy veteran. Mary Kay and Patti have known each other for thirty years. Mary Kay traveled with our President, Patti in 2024 and fell in love with Guatemala and the beautiful people of Guatemala. Mary Kay has a PhD in Nursing and works part-time as a nurse midwife and lives in Temecula, CA.
Diana Price
Treasurer
Diana is a biotech professional, mother, and community advocate. She holds a Ph.D. in Neurosciences and brings a deep belief in the power of education to open doors. As a child, books were her window to the wider world—sparking curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning. She is passionate about helping ensure that today’s children have access to the same opportunity to dream and discover, and believes literacy and education are powerful tools for expanding possibilities for children.
financial_officer@empoweredguatemala.org
Regi Akan
Secretary
Born in Guatemala, I’ve witnessed the educational barriers many children face. I believe that even helping one student can change the course of a life. Empowered Guatemala was founded with that vision—to create opportunities through small but meaningful steps, like opening community libraries and supporting students on their educational journey. Every effort matters, and every life reached is a seed of lasting change.
secretary@empoweredguatemala.org
Kathryn Layton
Board Member, Academic and Library Sciences Advisor
Kate has a close connection to Guatemala since her sister was born and adopted from there in 2006. Kate has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Psychological Science. She also recently completed a Master's degree in Library Science. She has many unique talents that will mesh with our mission of educating the young people of Guatemala. Kate currently lives in Lemoore California.
Our Staff
Zila Ordóñez
Librarian and Director
Zila Ordoñez is a lifelong resident of Chichicastenango, Guatemala, and a deeply respected member of her community. A trained teacher and passionate advocate for children, Zila brings both professional experience and cultural understanding to her role as librarian for Empowered Guatemala.As the library’s local representative, Zila plans and leads educational and enrichment activities for children, teens, and adults of all ages. Her strong connection to local traditions, beliefs, and families makes her uniquely qualified to support Empowered Guatemala’s mission.
Juan Carlos Xirum
Project Director
Juan Carlos was born and raised in Chichicastenango, the second youngest of eight children. He has always been driven to succeed and was a distinguished student in diversificado. He is currently attending university on a full scholarship to study systems engineering and works part-time in the library coordinating projects and assisting the director.
Haydee Chuc Xon
English Teacher
Haydee lives in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. She graduated as a bilingual secretary (English and Spanish). This is when she started her journey to being bilingual in English. She has been studying English for nine years and continues to study to keep her skills sharp. For the past five years she has been offering her services as a bilingual translator for medical and mission groups all over the country of Guatemala. She brings her hard working spirit and kind soul to her teaching of beginner English students.
Eduardo Aquino Lara
English Teacher
Eduardo was born and raised in Antigua, Guatemala. He was educated from K-12 grades at a bilingual school. After university he moved from Antigua to Chichicastenango with his wife. He works for a US company remotely and has years of experience teaching English. He teaches our intermediate learners.