Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation

Mujeres de Maiz continues its mission in service to the indigenous girls of southern Mexico who want to continue their educational opportunities beyond what they would normally receive. It requires a commitment from those students who choose to go farther than most. The girls who strive to excel look to the scholarships made available to them through this exceptional organization to further their education. It's an honor to be a part of this foundation.

Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation has been around long enough that the girls who were the first recipients of Mujeres' support for educational expenses have grown up. Girls who likely would have ended their schooling in elementary school are teaching, nursing, studying architecture. Education changes lives. I'm fortunate to be able to support the work of this outstanding organization.

This is an organization where every penny is counted and every penny counts. I have been able to meet with the women in Chiapas and see firsthand how the support we are offering has allowed them to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities. What is especially encouraging is the fact that the women are now proposing and creating the opportunities that best meet their needs. I am a former teacher and know the power of education. It is especially evident in this situation where educational opportunities are limited for girls and women, and very much valued and appreciated.

Mujeres greatly improves the lives of indigenous women in the Chiapas region of Mexico by providing access to continued education as well as basic human needs like toothbrushes and eyeglasses. The women are able to give back to their communities by teaching childrens programs to promote a continued interest in learning. The children could eventually be scholarship recipients so this brings the idea of Mujeres full circle. It's wonderful to see the opportunity this foundation provides to these women and children.

Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation continues to be an excellent non-profit. The groups focus on education and community support has provided a bright future for those the group has helped educate but also for those the students are teaching back in their communities.

Bringing education and community support to the small towns of Chiapas supports those less fortunate and that's something very important to me.

Om Mujeres de Maíz Opportunity Foundation
Det er på en helt enestående genial måde organisationen Mujeres de maíz hjælper unge mexikanske indianerkvinder til at få uddannelse. De studerer derhjemme i deres eget fædreland, så de bliver i stand til at arbejde og hjælpe der hvor de selv er vokset op. Desuden giver de en masse tilbage til den kultur som de er vokset op i ved at tilbyde undervisning til børnene fra deres kooperativ.

This nonprofit has been focused on providing opportunities for education for the indigenous girls and women in Chiapas. Their scholarship program has made possible additional years of education beyond primary with some completing university. I like that those in the scholarship program create and operate children’s community programs which enhance their skills and fosters the importance of learning and cooperation. The participants continued even with the difficulties of Covid19 restrictions. This non-profit

Despite the issues caused by COVID, they have managed to continue to support their community of women and girls.

Mujeres de Mais is an empowerment program. Intelligent, creative, and caring indigenous women of Chiapas come together to determine their own goals and needs. Mujeres de Maiz facilitates by asking not telling. Long gone are the days of "we know what's best for you." The worthy recipients of scholarships, eye glasses, technology and more prove that self-determination not only benefits the individual, but that it comes full circle and lifts everyone up.

I have been a supporter of the Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation since it began. I am in my third year as a board member.

What strikes me the most is how excited the women and girls are about education. Those who have received scholarships from the foundation come back to their community and educate others. It is a perpetual cycle of learning and teaching. These women and girls are a great example for all of us.

The foundation is grateful for our supporters. Th funds we raise help raise the level of education and opportunity for the women and girls in Chiapas.

Each year I happily anticipate Mujeres de Maiz local fund raising events because they are either fun, delicious, musical, inspiring, educational or all of the above. They are at once community outreach events and Mujeres family of supporters celebrations. And there is another component--I treasure updates of the programs and the young women as both mature over time. I love recognizing women I met as girls when I visited Chiapas some years ago; I cheer for their accomplishments such as university degrees, and I marvel at their creative ideas and energies in continuing and creating new programs to meet their current needs and those of their communities. And I'm in awe that this is happening because volunteers in my hometown care passionately about empowering women in a rural community who are discriminated against because of ethnicity, gender, and poverty.

This is a wonderful foundation that helps young girls and women fulfill their dreams. The group that started this have done amazing programs with the ladies and many have moved on to achieve their goals. I have helped on a few of their fundraisers and the people involved are so caring and focused on their goals to keep this foundation going. Props to all the individuals that support Mujeres de Maiz.

Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation has a dedicated board of directors, a wonderful community of supporters, and most importantly, a cause that is so worth supporting.

When I read their newsletters and attend their events I am amazed at how many women and girls lives have been transformed through the programs and services the foundation sponsors. Eye exams and reading glasses were provided first to the women of the cooperative after we realized some of them had very poor eyesight. Then we provided laptops so they could access resource material and communicate beyond their communities. Their bi-monthly meetings host speakers on a wide range of topics, including family planning, relationships, substance abuse, tools for marketing goods, current events, etc. They are continuously learning.

The girls we sponsor on scholarship also have access to eye exams and glasses. They have learned Spanish so they continue their education.
Many have gone on to complete high school and some have gone on to university and become nurses and teachers. Some work in law advocating for women's, children's and human rights. Their education has helped them start small businesses, sell the sewing and weaving that the women of the cooperative create and has increased their capacity for empowerment. With empowerment, they have found a key to open doors they would never have imagined.

There has grown a warm, caring, and respectful collaboration between Mujeres de Maiz Cooperative in Chiapas, MX, Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation in Sequim, WA, and the supporters and donors around the world that make the work possible. This 3-way partnership has achieved so much more than anything we could have dreamed. It has opened and joined hearts, minds and hands. And Wallets!

As one of the founding board members for 12 years, I can attest to the accountability, resourcefulness, and competency that all three groups of people bring to make this non-profit effectively achieve goals. I continue to support this very worthwhile endeavor. Your donation is a great investment in our collective future.

Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation is making a big difference in the lives of young women and children of Chiapas, by creating educational opportunities, by supporting development of skills, and by encouraging scholarship recipients to give back to their local communities. I have seen firsthand the difference this kind of caring and support has made, and am glad to have been able to be a part of it!

Education is a vital part of empowering women and girls, and providing them with access to educational opportunities is Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation's mission. I appreciate that the foundation focuses on one area where it can have an impact. I am happy to support the foundation's work.

Every year I look foward to seeing the slides from Chiapas and hearing the wonderful progress reports. It is amazing what a small group from the Olympic Peninsula can do.

The latest was a sale of masks made in Chiapas. Proceeds will support the scholarships.Due to the Covid 19 Chiapas is unable to sell the beautiful flowers they grow, so they have lost that sourse of revenue.

I learned of this foundation several years ago and recently became involved on a personal level. The foundation supports and promotes education of girls and women who would otherwise advance educationally to at most grade school. This organization has granted educational scholarships to girls and women with the result of physicians, teachers, nurses and other professionals returning in service to their community. As a woman who pursued my education through the doctoral level with similar support, I wholeheartedly encourage others to recognize and promote this amazing foundation and its works.

I've written many newspaper articles about the Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation in the 14 years since it began. So I've witnessed the conscientious work of the board members and volunteers. I've also attended the organization's fundraisers. These events are simple and completely volunteer-run, so there's no fat on them.

At the November fundraiser letters from several of the scholarship recipients were read. Those in attendance were quiet as the words of appreciation touched their hearts. The work of the Mujeres deMaiz Opportunity Foundation is invaluable. It changes lives for the better - and not just the lives of the women and girls in Chiapas, Mexico. It changes the lives of all who support this organization. I am grateful to be one of those supporters.

We traveled to Chiapas with Judith, visited "her gals", are fully convinced of the good the organization does, and have contributed financially ever since. Highly recommend it!

There are very few small non-profits like this who place an emphasis on literacy programs and providing scholarships for educating indigenous girls starting in 6th grade. I am blessed to have met Yolanda (Yoli), the first scholarship recipient in 2006, and visit her home several years later. She completed her university degree in 2013 and was the only indigenous representative from Mexico at the United Nations Youth Forum last year! I am honored to support them this little organization who is making a powerful difference not only in these young women's lives and communities, but in our world.

I have known the founders of this amazing organization for many years. My husband and I, many friends and I believe some local organizations support them. We have attended their fundraisers, which as well as being great social occasions, provide lots of information and updates, pics and films, about their work and the achievements of many of the women and children in Chiapas, where the foundation operates. I can't over-emphasize the importance of the work they do, in lifting up the very poor people of this region, providing training, health assistance, education and so much more support. Every birthday, I ask my husband that my gift be a donation to them in my name. These are a capable, dedicated group of people.

This fabulous group of women truly saw a need and addressed it with all of their hearts. Their organization and dedication to the indigenous women and girls of Chiapas is amazing. The reports, photos and stories of the successes of the women with their schooling and cooperative businesses have kept the community the founding women hail from engaged and supportive. We all look forward to fundraising events to hear more. We feel like we are touching the lives of the girls and women, like we are really a part of their lives. The organization is a model to be copied and shared.

I have been associated with and a donor of "Mujeres" for nearly 10 years now, and have been to San Csristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, and surrounding communities, several times. The work that this small group of dedicated and passionate people do is amazing. The education of the indigenous girls /women is making a difference in their world and ours . The children growing up with mothers who are educated past the 4th grade and some into university, are finding worth and value in themselves that they may not have otherwise. The education and community that has been built had provided worth beyond imagination. This is indeed a worthy organization! (Obviously my "word for this day" is Worth and well deserved!)

Clearly dedicated volunteers continue to lead, guide and help this non-profit in providing opportunities for young women in Chiapas to achieve great things.

Mujeres de Maiz is the kind of organization my husband and I like to support...instead of just handing out money, Mujeres changes lives by enabling and encouraging the indigenous women of Chiapas, Mexico, to get an education and, thus, better their lives as well as the lives of their children. Sandy Reed

For many years I've been impressed with the effectiveness and positive impact that this organization has on the lives of young women in Chiapas. Supporting this organization helps to deliver cost-effective assistance to those who wish to continue their education, and has made a real, tangible difference in the lives of many already. Even more, in recent years the kind of support has expanded to include providing eye exams and eyeglasses, supporting educational workshops, and much more!

I have enjoyed getting to help with the annual Mujeres de Maiz dinner over the years. It is always great food, a fun event, educational, and best of all helps provide educational opportunities for women in Chiapas.

Thirty years ago, we travelled through Chiapis and were impressed by the beauty, culture, crafts, people and complex politics of the area. A few decades later, we learned a group of our neighbors and friends had formed a foundation to support immediate needs and empower the women, children and communities of Chiapis. Although the Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation is a few individuals, their impact has been large and local. Our community in Washington state learns about foundation's efforts and accomplishments as we provide support to our neighbors serving the foundation.
The women and families reached by Mujeres' programs demonstrate success and brighten the future for their local communities. In this case, small is truly beautiful - a small group of dedicated volunteers through Mujeres has been amazingly effective in enhancing the beauty we and people of Chiapis experience in our lives.

This organization uses every donated dollar better than any non-profit I know which is important to me when I consider donating to important causes.

The Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation was born in and of the hearts of just a few women from Sequim, WA, who saw a need in Chiapas, Mexico. These women do an incredible job, but that’s because their hearts are in it. They money they raise goes a long way because they know how to maximize it, and they know what is most important. They have improved the lives of not only the women and girls who they’ve assisted and educated, but also the lives of their families and their communities. The scholarships and training the organization provides are like pebbles dropped into the water—the ripple effect keeps on going. Girls who have gone thru schooling now help instruct others. Those who have received, gladly decide to give back. It is a continuous cycle of education, hope and caring. I whole-heartedly support this organization and what they do.

Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation is an amazing grassroots organization. When I donate money and time, I know it is going directly to educate young indigenous women on many levels. They are given opportunities they wouldn't normally have, and with their education they are also able to give back to their communities, encouraging others to further their education.
Also, when board members take trips to Chiapas (at their own expense), they transport much needed donated items (i.e. toothbrushes, eyeglass frames) to the communities they visit and are able to see the effects of the foundation's efforts firsthand.

As a former teacher, I want to support a charity that is efficiently run and that empowers women and girls through education. Mujeres de Maiz is just such an organization. The board members all volunteer considerable time and energy on fundraisers in order to provide scholarships and educational programs for the women and children of Chiapas, Mexico. The foundation distributes an annual newsletter to supporters clearly depicting programs and services provided by the donations. Mujeres de Maiz is an excellent foundation and very worthy of support.

I have been fortunate to have traveled to Chiapas to see the work of the foundation firsthand. I witnessed those that had received scholarships from Mujeres de Maiz and graduated from school, return to their community and are now teaching others. While I visited, a pediatrician from the US which had worked with Doctors Without Borders was teaching the woman about prenatal care and answering questions. The foundation continues to supply tooth brushes and teach dental hygiene. They also provide optometrist visits so those that may have never had the opportunity to get glasses can get them. The foundation has not only provided a path for individual growth, it has created an environment where students become the teachers and continue supporting their community.

Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation is also one of the few nonprofits that directs nearly all donations to the people it's meant for. Expense of running the foundation is kept to a minimum with none of the foundation members receiving salaries for their time and efforts.

I am fortunate and proud to have had the opportunity to experience firsthand what a wonderful organization Mujeres de Maiz is. I have and will continue to donate my time, money and resources to this foundation as it continues to support the education of others and uses the donations it receives to directly benefit the people it's intended for.

I can't think of a charitable organization where the donated dollar goes further. This group has funded so many indigenous women and girls through their education. These scholarships follow their recipients for as long as the women stay in school. This has been such a life changer in these communities. Perhaps best of all, the local peoples are asked what they would like help with, instead of having outsiders impose projects on the communities. I can't recommend this organization highly enough.

I have just returned from Chiapas where Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation partners with indigenous Mayan women by providing educational opportunities to individuals and groups. Over the last decade plus, the women have taken advantage of the support our donors give them. Among the scholarship recipients one can find a university graduate in nursing, another in English, and a third in computers, as well as several younger girls who are just finishing elementary or middle school. The effect of the success of these women encourages other girls to pursue what, at one time, might have been a dream but now can become a reality for them. However, what our supporters don't get to experience first hand is the heartfelt gratitude the women and their families express in words and hugs and sometimes even tears to us fortunate enough to be able to meet with them every summer. Mujeres de Maiz OF is a frugal organization. Our donations go a long way in providing the women with a path to a better life for themselves, their family and their community. Mujeres de Maiz is a top charity to support if you value education and gender equality and if you continue to have hope that everyone's future deserves to be better.

Mujeres de Maiz does more with the money they receive than any other non-profit we donate to.
They have an all-volunteer board and exceptional community support. As a non-profit working in Chiapas, Mexico, Mujeres does not decide what to fund. The women of the weaving cooperatives decide what their needs are. Mujeres de Maiz has funded education for women and children, helped in procuring a permanent building designed by the women for workshops and meetings, provided eyeglasses, helped with a latrine building project and much more. One of the rewarding things that has happened is that some of the “girls” who were provided scholarships have returned and are working to support the programs. The participants decided they needed to help in developing and instructing a children’s program. The programs continue to grow for a population that is often neglected in their own country. I am proud to be a volunteer and donor of Mujeres de Maiz.

After 11 years, Mujeres de Maiz continues to change lives of, not only indigenous women, but entire families and communities in San Cristobal Chiapas, one of the poorest countries in Mexico. Providing scholarships to continue education after 5th grade is life changing. As the young women have continued their education, they have started children's programs in their own communities. I am thrilled to know the impact that my donations make.

Mujeres de Maiz gives people hope and fosters the determination needed to plan for a future. Many of these women never anticipated a better life for themselves and/or their children. It is such a heart warming experience knowing that Mujeres de Maiz provides education and a attainable goals for these families. My life is enriched by associating with the board and Judith Pasco. What an inspiration!

I continue to donate to this organization because they have a proven record of making a difference in the lives of indigenous women in Chiapas, Mexico. They have provided opportunities for women to access education, and their program includes provision for recipients to pass on what they learn to other members of their community. They have built a program designed to meet specific needs identified by the women of the community, and they have built a local leadership base. The work of this foundation is a good model for other programs.

Judith Pasco, a Spanish teacher, founded Mujeres de Maiz 11 years ago to help impoverished, undereducated women in Chiapas, Mexico. This local charitable organization has grown over the years, providing scholarships for education, offering literacy classes, reading glasses, computers and classes in using them, and training local women to do most of the teaching and now managing the ongoing daily work of the organization. ALL of the money raised by Mujeres de Maiz goes to the work in Mexico, as the founder and board in the U.S. have always worked as volunteers.
I have given to many different non-profits over the years, but this is the most worthy of them all, in my opinion. These devoted women have truly made a positive difference in the lives of rural girls & women in Chiapas, Mexico, empowering them to make a lasting difference in their communities.

For many years now, my sister has been involved with Mujeres. We have talked often of her experiences--visiting Chiapas, local fundraising efforts, her Board responsibilities. Clearly, the Mujeres programs in Chiapas have a profoundly positive impact on that community. When my sister asked me last year if I would volunteer to keep the books for the organization, I enthusiastically agreed. I am proud to do my part to support the dedicated people that run this organization, all the volunteers, the donors, and especially the women of Chiapas that benefit so greatly from Mujeres.

This is an organization where every penny is counted and every penny counts. I have been able to meet with the women in Chiapas and see firsthand how the support we are offering has allowed them to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities. What is especially encouraging is the fact that the women are now proposing and creating the opportunities that best meet their needs. It's also exciting to have women getting degrees after having started with us in sixth grade.

I have traveled to Chiapas and have witnessed first hand the wonderful work this charity does. Our church has donated money to this group every year since 2007. We pick out non-profit organizations that are well managed, that give most of the donated money in direct services to the target group with very little overhead, and that provides maximun benefit to the people served. This group qualifies on all these points.

Going into its tenth year as a nonprofit partnering with indigenous women in Chiapas, Mexico, Mujeres de Maiz OF maintains its high level of commitment and quality of programs. As a board member, it is inspiring to visit the women in Chiapas at least once a year to interact with them and follow the amazing progress of individuals as well as group advances. The devotion the women have to their families, community, and culture make them role models in Chiapas. Donations are used judiciously and reap incredible results.

Mujeres de Maiz is an awesome organization dedicated to help educate, empower and mentor the indigenous women/girls through out the San Cristobal de la Casas area in the Chiapas state of Mexico. The continued support through the years of this group is inspiring. Donations are never used frivolously.....all support is used where intended, the continued support of these beautiful women/girls. Some years ago it was my privilege to meet some of the women and children being empowered through the support of Mujeres, it was a beautiful to see lives enhanced through education that was not available in the past. The best part is that this is all paid forward because as each young woman blossoms she in turn gives back to her community!! The opportunities that are opened for these women/girls touches my heart. I know there are many organizations helping to empower, but Mujeres remains at the top of my list.

The Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation is a great nonprofit. I have had the opportunity to participate in a few fundraisers and have been continually impressed with the foundation and its achievements.

I have been working with Mujeres de Maiz for over three years and am just as enthusiastic about this organization as I was when I first learned about it. The board and supporters are truly committed to helping the indigenous women and girls of Chiapas, Mexico.

This organization is unique in that it supports a multitude of areas: the arts, women's rights, protecting native culture, education, and social justice all in one! By donating or volunteering with this organization you are able to see the fruits of your labor go directly to those in need--the women themselves, rather than going through the politics of a larger nonprofit with a bunch of middleman "hidden" fees that strip the donation down only to a small direct portion. This organization donates what it says! This nonprofit organization has a mission to spread through money, resources and volunteer time--to enhance qualities of life all humanity should experience: education, healthcare, emotional wellbeing and hope for a better future. Knowing many of the board members of this organization well, I can assure you that this organization is only going to grow bigger, hleping more women in need each year. Please join their movement and donate! Thank you.

I was so impressed by reading Judith Pasco's book, 'Somewhere for My Soul to Go' that we read her book in my book club and invited Judith to speak with us about her work. In both her book and in person, she charmed us with her stories and inspired us all to find our own passion and apply it to a cause we love. She and her organization have provided an outstanding model of how to do this...they have improved the lives of indigenous women and girls in Chiapas in the 8 years since Mujeres de Maiz was created. This organization is well worth supporting because of the vital work they do.

Mujeres de Maiz is an awe-inspiring organization, founded on the desire of one woman, Judith Pasco, to help the underprivileged women of rural Chiapas, Mexico. Over the years her organization has helped many worthy young women to complete their educations, improved literacy, provided vision care and dental hygiene supplies to those in need, offered empowerment to oppressed women and teaching to their children. Through their work, the women in the villages Mujeres de Maiz serves have become increasingly self-sufficient, self-confident and created cohesive groups to support personal growth among their members.
Amazingly, all this work has been done by dedicated volunteers, there are NO salaried employees of the foundation, and 100% of donations go directly to helping the women and children of Chiapas. Fundraising is mainly done through an annual community dinner with live and silent auctions and an annual concert, "Men with Guitars."
This is by far my favorite charity EVER, and worthy of any support you can offer.

I have been donating to this organization from the very beginning. I have always been impressed by their fundraising events accompanied by their emphasis on education to the supporters of the work that they do. They are very committed to the women of Chiapas and they empower people to make decisions on the paths they will follow and not tell them how to do it. They educate and support without dictating. The Board is all volunteer and I always feel my donated dollar is being wisely used!

This past year, I read Executive Director Judith Pasco's Book "Somewhere for my soul to go"about her journey to create the Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation and it inspired me in my own journey to create a children's education program. The compassion, humor and humility that this organization embodies is fantastic and an inspiration to our local and global community. I hope we can all link together in helping each other, one pair of reading glasses, one composting toilet, and one community dinner at a time. I have enjoyed every one of the Mujeres de Maiz fundraising events I have attended, it is always a fun, relaxing and well organized event. Thank you for the work you do.

I have been excited about Mujeres since it was created several years ago! In 2013 my husband and I lived in San Cristobal for a couple of months and we visited some of the recipients and stayed overnight in their home. As a retired community college employee I am especially proud of the educational parts of the programs. It is also a triumph that the organization has now bought a building! Mujeres is grass roots and very special!!

I met and got to know Judith Pasco over 20 years ago on a global education trip to Nicaragua. It is clear to me that this non profit was founded with soul, compassion, intelligence, understanding and most important a great respect for the integrity of the people it supports and serves.

After returning from a trip to Chiapas in 2011 with a few board members and others like me who were curious about this vibrant non-profit Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Fund, I amazed myself: I created my first digital photo album! I wanted to tell everyone I knew what an incredible, insightful, inspiring, dynamic program this is. How could I introduce my friends to Yollie, Juana, America, Christina, and other young women who now go to school and university because they have earned scholarships, who mentor children and adults in their own communities, who are learning how to create economic opportunities through computer skills, who share knowledge about health-care practices in their home towns, who support each other in recognizing their dignity and self-worth and their right to be respected and to participate in making decisions that affect their lives and families? And this photo story needs to be in bright colors, because these women also work long hours as weavers, on backstrap looms, kneeling on the ground, creating apparel of exceptional beauty.
The story of Mujeres de Maiz keeps spreading because we can't stay quiet about it; and now I have a story book in living color to share!

Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation has accomplished a lot in seven years. The indigenous women and girls who are scholarship recipients are also enriching their communities by creating and teaching workshops and classes. So the educational benefits continue to enrich lives. The board works with tireless enthusiasm throughout the year as volunteers. All funds raised go to support programs.

Mujeres de Maiz exemplifies grass roots organization; it is a small group of very hard working and dedicated people who have an absolutely clear vision of their mission. They work long hours to raise money and fairly distribute it to the indigenous women of Chiapas with yard sales, musical and holiday presentations, dinners, solicitations of donations, newsletters. The women of Chiapas must design the projects that require funding they request and remain accountable for the success of the projects. Equally, the small size of Mujeres de Maiz keeps it accountable to the community that supports it. I believe that not a dollar is wasted.

I have been involved in one way or another with Mujeres since it's inception. I've traveled to San Cristobal de las Casas a couple of time and have been there when scholarships were given to the young indigenous women and witnessed the pride. I have experienced the excitement and enthusiasm for learning at the cooperative. This organization is making a difference in lives and I'm proud to be a supporter and "Friend" of Mujeres.

I traveled to Chiapas with my Grandmother (board member) and several other board members a few years ago to visit with the women of the cooperative and see the work that is being done by them and the foundation. I have gone on many cultural trips and this was by far the most rewarding, the Mujeres Foundation is inspirational in what they have been able to accomplish in a relatively short period of time in Chiapas. I greatly enjoyed the meeting the women of the cooperative and was struck by their dedication to education and also to give back to their communities. I support this foundation regularly and would encourage others to do the same!

As the first Board Secretary (who resigned after five years for health reasons), the opportunity to be a part of the formation and growth of Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation has been a life-enriching experience. Watching the women and girls in the cooperative in Chiapas that we partner with take advantage of educational opportunities and become more self-confident and competent over the years means that our foundation is living up to its mission statement and helping to change more and more women's lives for the better. This quote by Larry Summers, economist, expresses my sentiments: "Investment in girls' education may well be the highest return investment available in the developing world."

I have been actively supporting this organization for only a few years and wish i'd started sooner! They work directly with the communities they have built relationships with, and they have a grassroots approach across the whole organization, from Chipas to here. Many of the board members are active in our local community on the Olympic Peninsula, and bring their professionalism, integrity and passion to their work with the Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation. My husband and I were so inspired by this this fantastic non profit, we started volunteering with its fundraising efforts, including the annual fundraisers, "Men with Guitars" and "El Día de los Muertos Dinner and Auction...fun times!

I really support this effort and have seen first hand how the women are benefiting and with such a respectful approach. This is not a top down organization - on the contrary the women benefiting (well we all are actually) are making the decisions and growing with the organization, thus becoming full autonomous players. Thanks to all who work with Mujeres de Maiz for all their effort and work.

As Board Chair of Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation, there are a number of things that make me very proud. One is the fact that the women with whom we work assess their own needs and make proposals to us. This enables us to help them in the ways that will have the most impact. Another is the fact that we can see the changes over the past 7 years in the ways that the girls and women relate to each other and to us. 7 years ago there was little eye contact, little expressing of opinion, extreme shyness, almost no opportunities for life choices and feeling valueless. Now, especially in those who have continued their education through scholarships funded by us, we see assertiveness, decision making, eye contact, literacy teaching, and an ability and desire to express opinions. Moreover, the two continuing Saturday Children's Programs are in their 3rd year and flourishing, as it our adult literacy program. More women and girls are getting eye exams and wearing glasses. A new project provides the education and building materials for 28 families to have composting toilets. And, our supporters are the best!

These are local, non-professional "folks" who give considerable amounts of time AND money to make a difference in the world - Year after year after year - 1 human being at a time.

This is a wonderful way to increase one's own knowledge and to find a way to assist indigenous women make the most out of their lives through higher education. There are no "middle men" involved. It is a very direct person to person contact, as well as a fine opportunity to see Chiapas.

This organization is THE BEST EXAMPLE EVER CREATED of how one single person can change the world. Mrs. Pasco has single handedly and then with the help of staff, created a strong non-profit group that by helping to educate a few girls from the mtn highlands of Southern Mexico, and creating a handicraft co-op, has changed some communities near Chiapas forever, allowing the women there to become more educated, and to slowly bring about healthy change for the communities, including solar power, health changes and even housing, so these girls can attend schools. Wish I could have been such a power!

I love this charity! It is small and intimate and it feels like you are making a huge difference in the lives of women in Chiapas. It also seems like almost all dollars are used to do good work and very little for overhead. Definitely a group worth being a part of or donating to.

I support this organization because it helps women get an education which helps the children & the entirte village. It gives more than it gets. I especially love the celebration of corn and the celebration of the dead each year, which is offers a gathering for my own for my community. Pat

Mujeres de Maiz does fantasitc work with women in Chiapas, Mexico, creating lasting change and creating opportunities in desperately poor communities! Five stars! And Gracias for what you do

Every non-profit begins with a visionary but not every non profit grows into a very efficient manager of donor dollars and outreach. I have watched Mujeres de Maiz OF continue to grow the right way. They keep their focus on the women of Chiapas while inspiring American donors to get involved. I recommend supporting this organization.

Mujeres De Maiz (MDM) organization and AGI have worked together over the past 3 years. Their work in Chiapas Mexico is making a positive impact in the lives of so many indigenous women and girls. Their passion and drive for the work they do there is inspiring to us!

This organization, Mujeres de Maiz, reaches a part of the world that most people do not know exists. Chiapas is an area of Mexico next to Guatemala that has a large population of indigenous people who lack educational opportunities. Judith Pasco saw that the women who started a co-operative to improve their lives needed assistance. The money she raises goes directly to women to continue their education. These women usually remain in their villages to assist others, providing classes for children and adults, counseling, and market opportunities. This non-profit offers funding and advice, but does not dictate how the women should run their co-operative. It is a fine example of helping people help themselves for they know what is needed and what should be done in their culture.

I was introduced to this organization several years ago. Since that time, I have been increasingly impressed with the work they have done and how they have progressed and grown. I feel as though my donations have been put to good use, as they began by funding scholarships for a few girls in the Chiapas area and are now able to fund an increasing number of scholarships. Added to the program have been the provisions of paying for eye exams and glasses, programs on dental health, women's literacy programs and Saturday children's literacy programs. I have also been to Chiapas and personally witnessed the difference these programs are making in the lives of the young women there.

I first visited Chiapas, Mexico about 6 years ago and met some of the young women who are now scholarship recipients. These indigenous women are inspired and inspiring. They are dedicated to their education and to giving back to their communities. Mujeres de Maiz has helped change their lives as well as the lives these women will affect.

In December of 2010, I was able to visit the Mujeres de Maiz women by traveling to Chiapas, Mexico. After meeting with the women in the city of San Christobal de las Casas, we were able to visit some of their villages. They are an amazing group of women, working hard to improve their education and making the opportunity to change their own lives. We shared laughs while attempting to teach each other basic greetings in our own languages. Their fiber art products were beautiful and showed high quality work. After receiving a scholarship from our organization, the women must donate volunteer hours in their communities. The children's education programs were a result of these hours. While visiting the children's program, we played a rousing game similar to duck-duck-goose and laughed our way through the delightful interaction with the children.