New Staff Announcement: Tatiana Maldonado Joins EWB-USA!
We are thrilled to announce Tatiana Maldonado’s addition to the EWB-USA team in March 2024! Tatiana will take on a pioneering role as the leader of our organizational strategy for work in Guatemala, furthering our commitment to purposeful regional partnerships.
Tatiana’s journey with EWB-USA began in 2017 when she joined as a Program Engineer, later becoming the Deputy Director for EWB-USA Guatemala. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in our projects over the years. Based in Xela, Guatemala, Tatiana brings incredible insight to the focus on community, technical expertise, and a strategic vision that aligns well with EWB-USA’s mission and values.
In her new role, Tatiana will work closely with her colleague Humberto Rodas to identify and support purposeful partnerships in Guatemala. Her local knowledge and dedication to community development will be crucial in maximizing the impact of our initiatives.
Get to know Tatiana:
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Costa Rica because my father was studying for a master’s degree there at the time. I grew up in Xela, Guatemala, which I consider fortunate as it provides everything you need and still has the feeling of a small town where you can live a calm life with quality time for family and friends. I studied engineering in Guatemala City and lived there for about 15 years due to more diverse work opportunities. A few years ago, I returned to Xela, as it fits better with the type of life I need now and offers a better connection to rural communities in Guatemala.
Why is community engineering important to you, personally and professionally?
Community engineering came into my life when I began to understand the importance of active participation in the development of our surroundings. Professional growth should not only aim at individual realization but also recognize how each person’s development impacts the social group, like a cell in an organism. Community engineering allows me to apply my knowledge more consciously and offers daily learning opportunities, not only in technical areas but also from the cultural diversity in Guatemala. It’s about complementing, not supplementing, community decisions with well-directed engineering practices.
Can you share a story of a community leader who inspires you?
I can’t pinpoint a specific leader, but I am deeply inspired by all those who take on community leadership and the responsibility it entails. It’s emotionally and mentally challenging, and they sacrifice personal time for their community’s development. We share their joy when projects are ready to be supported and understand their frustration when projects are deemed unfeasible. Leaders must bear the community’s emotional burden and remain strong to guide and maintain hope. I greatly admire every leader who selflessly takes on such an important role.
If you collaborate on an EWB-USA project in another country outside Guatemala, where would it be and why?
While I don’t have a specific country in mind, the African continent comes to mind. It would be interesting to learn from distant cultures facing similar challenges as the communities in my country.
Join Us in Welcoming Tatiana!
We are excited about the future of our work in Guatemala under her strategic guidance and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to our projects and partnerships. Welcome to the team, Tatiana!