SERES is a living example of the power in holding space for young leaders to step into their gifts. The organization is run by two amazing humans who have gone through the path that SERES has led them down and it is a honour to be able to walk this journey along side them and serve on their board of directors. During my time with SERES I have been amazed by the impact they have had in Guatemala & El Salvador. They deeply embody the values of regeneration, social justice, equality and sustainability. Ulew Fuego, which is a project of SERES, is a vibrant and working land project that represents a way forward holding the intersection of indigenous knowledge, education, and community youth engagement. This truly is a journey of transformation, justice, and regeneration. It’s deeply meaningful to be part of an organization that celebrates and uplifts Indigenous identity, fostering lasting impact and resilience across generations.
SERES es, para mí, el camino para hacer realidad los sueños y la visión que tengo para mi sociedad. Es un enorme privilegio ser parte de esta increíble familia de líderes diversos, comprometidos y dedicados a crear un mundo mejor. Me inspira profundamente ver las acciones que juntos estamos haciendo posibles y, sobre todo, los sueños que ahora tienen líderes que antes no creían en sí mismos
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Trabajar de cerca con la juventud me inspira cada día más; estoy convencido que las transformaciones más grandes de nuestra vida, surgen en el momento que cada uno descubre el potencial de si mismo y como puede aprovechar ese potencial para crear una comunidad más fuerte y saludable.
En los ultimo años he visto muchas de esas transformaciones que han surgido desde el despertar de muchos de los jóvenes que se han aventurado en lo que llamamos "El Viaje del oven en SERES". Sin ninguna duda creo que es un viaje que transforma vidas.
SERES is made up of a network of inspiring leaders who constantly drive my growth in my roles as Co-Executive Director. Serving them in these roles is a privilege, as continually communicating the impact of our leadership reassures me that I am in the right place at the right time. Part of this impact lies in a significant increase in the participation of women in our processes. As they progress in their leadership journey, their school activity decreases from 81% to 42%, but their employment rises from 17% to 36%.
Overall, SERES participants demonstrate a notable increase in awareness of political, economic, and environmental challenges in their communities. While 25-28% of non-participants are unaware of these issues, 81-85% of graduates are well-informed. Additionally, the confidence and leadership skills of young people increase with their participation in SERES. 82% of graduates consider themselves leaders, compared to only 40% of non-participants. Furthermore, 79% of graduates feel they have the necessary tools for leadership, compared to just 28% of non-participants.
These are just some of the reasons why my commitment remains strong and full of inspiration.
Soy Álvaro Rivas, de la comunidad de San Antonio, Nuevo Cuscatlán, El Salvador. Inicié mi viaje de liderazgo en SERES en 2017, y desde entonces he fortalecido mi compromiso con las juventudes y nuestras luchas sociales, políticas, económicas y ambientales. En 2022, tuve la oportunidad de participar en el Programa Catalizadores, donde profundicé en habilidades de liderazgo, me convertí en un agente de cambio y fui más estratégico en las acciones para transformar realidades. Ese mismo año, me comprometí aún más al convertirme en miembro activo de la Red de Embajadores. Además, tuve la oportunidad de ejecutar fondos de subvención de liderazgo, lo que me permitió fortalecer mis habilidades en el idioma inglés y conectarme con otros líderes a nivel internacional. En 2023, representé a la Red de Embajadores de SERES en la Junta Directiva, y en 2024 ingresé formalmente al ecosistema de SERES como facilitador de programas en la zona de Jujutla, El Salvador.
Recomiendo SERES porque ha sido una plataforma transformadora que empodera a jóvenes como yo a ser líderes comprometidos con sus comunidades. Su enfoque en el liderazgo juvenil, el desarrollo sostenible y el cambio sistémico me ha brindado herramientas, conexiones y una visión clara para trabajar en la creación de un futuro más justo e inclusivo. SERES no solo forma líderes, sino que nos acompaña en el camino para convertirnos en agentes de cambio reales.
I’ve had the opportunity to share experiences and work with SERES, as a psychologist I admire the great work they do by creating programs and safe spaces for youth, boosting their mental health and their development within society.
I had the opportunity to explore the work SERES does in El Salvador and in Guatemala. I witness incredible communities, different style workshops, and leadership skills developing. It was amazing to see these communities collaborate and motive each other daily. I love the work they’re doing!
I had the privilege of participating with SERES staff in youth gatherings in El Salvador. The youth each time spoke with confidence and conviction exhibiting authenticity and a commitment to contribute to their communities. The leadership team, Abigail and Antonio lead by example embodying the values of SERES.
I had the incredible opportunity to see the work that SERES does up close this year while collaborating with them on a 3 month long project, and my expectations of the organization going in (which were already high), were far exceeded. The organization’s vision and approach to development is truly ahead of its time, and has altered the way I want to approach supporting development in my home countries of Mexico and the United States. Thank you SERES for showing what is possible when you provide the space and the mentorship for young people to believe in themselves, feel excited about the future, and are motivated to action for the betterment of others :)
After 5 years of working with SERES, I’ve witnessed the organization continuously evolve its services and programs to better serve youth. The connection to its mission has only grown stronger over time, and I can personally attest to the expansion of the youth network and the incredible growth in their mindset and leadership within their communities. Working at SERES has also allowed me to develop new skills in partnership building, storytelling, and networking, expanding my understanding of how these elements contribute to impactful community work.
Here is a picture with Flor Morales, mayan leader from Tecpan, who was the first youth I met when I started in this SERES Journey
I have worked with SERES since 2014. I have always been impressed by their commitment to indigenous leadership at all levels within the organization. Through their mentoring and environmental programs, they have had a significant impact on many communities throughout Guatemala and El Salvador.
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I have known about this non-profit since 2013 and have been very impressed with how it has evolved under the leadership of both indigenous and non-indigenous women. I have seen the organization adopt goals, policies and procedures that value and empower the people it works with. As board treasurer and donor, I can also attest to the way in which donations are stewarded to obtain impactful results.
I worked with SERES at Ulew Fuego as part of my Master's thesis on ethnobotany. The staff I worked with were friendly, knowledgeable and always available to help. When I was lucky enough to sit in on a monthly meeting, I was amazed at how equitably it was organized and the inspiring work the members were involved in. I could see the progress that SERES facilitated in everything they did, and I would love to work with them again.
SERES partnered with Proyecto CAN to provide nutrition education to women that live in the communities that were affected by Fuego eruption. The nutrition and cooking workshops were a success thanks to the logistics, engagement and social responsabilty that SERES has with the community.
It was a wonderful collaboration!
Seres continues to have a positive impact on the lives of youth in Central America! As a member of the leadership team, the organization has been constantly evolving to address emerging needs, and I see a dedicated team leading initiatives in the communities they serve with a genuine commitment of time and energy.
Seres continues to resonate with my life's purpose, and that's why I remain here, continuing my work with youth, the team, and an amazing board of advisors!
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My experience as an exalumny of the award-winning curriculum, Transformative Leadership in Sustainability of SERES, by UNESCO 2015 and Hundred 2021, has been a journey full of adventure and learning from my self-identity as a Tz'utujil woman, it has allowed me to be a sustainability educator, entrepreneur, and leader.
SERES doing an amazing job to offer a safe space for positive development, mostly for indigenous women.
SERES has partnered with Impact Marathon for the last seven years, sharing their stories and experience with the groups of international runners that visit Guatemala to run the annual Impact Marathon in March.
The team has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals, to use the power of running to change the world. They give our runners hands on opportunities to experience the kinds of programs that are in effect, as well as thoughtfully walk them through the unique challenges that Guatemala faces.
The experience of visiting the SERES projects at Ulew Fuego is always a highlight of the impact week.
We look forward to a continued partnership and are extremely grateful for the entire team!!!
I had the honor seeing SERES in action in various capacities. The Ulew Fuego farm exemplifies community empowerment. The way the community works together there is evidence that when you honor everyone's intelligence, experience and critical thinking amazing things can happen. The group collaborates on decisions and distributions of labor. They own their own labor and the results are positive outcomes to ecology, environment, mental health, personal self-worth, healthy food and more. Ulew Fuego is also a beautiful community space and I can't wait to see how it continues to develop!
The Youth Leadership programs use the same kind of self-agency and personal growth to develop home grown Guatemalan leaders for today and the future. The creativity and drive of all levels of youth leaders is evidence of Guatemala's strength and it's future. They co-design, manage and lead a variety of projects and activities for other youth in their communities. SERES understands how to uncover and build up the unique leader in each of the young people in their programs.
Thank you SERES!
Estar de cerca y visualizar el trabajo con juventudes es una experiencia increíble, los programas de SERES son inspiradores, motivan a crear acciones de impacto positivo en nuestras comunidades, soy graduada de los programas que SERES ofrece y actualmente estoy realizando actividades con jóvenes en diferentes comunidades, estar de cerca con jóvenes en acciones me conecta e inspira.
Somos SERES.
Talking about SERES is a big and complex term, because there are many opportunities that it provides. Thanks to SERES many communities are improving their cultural, social and educational environments. SERES trains youth people to transmit its vision through programs that their participant create with a good understanding about what they need. I am really appreciate the opportunity that SERES is giving me because thanks to it. I am being part of this amazing change that all members of SERES are doing.
Sometimes we need to believe in something to continue, but we forgot to believe in ourselves to have a change in our lives or our environment. You know what!! SERES believes in all of us, in our energy that we are willing to offer to creat a change.
Fui parte de los programas de liderazgo que SERES otorgo a las juventudes de Guatemala y El Salvador, como joven ha sido una experiencia energetica y llena de mucha introspección personal. SERES representa para mí una plataforma de crecimiento personal y profesional, formo parte de la red de embajadores de la misma, pero también soy un joven apicultor junto a Abraham Acajabon, y es en esta organización donde se nos ha podido permitir hacer tangible nuestro sueño de tener nuestro apiario de abejas. Y con ello apoyar a emprender y preservar las abejas de la región.
SERES walks the talk more than most nonprofits I am familiar with. Local leadership, inclusive and empowering organizational governance, and tremendous, real-world impact on the lives of youth in SERES programs, and their communities. SERES impresses and inspires, always.
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SERES is a very special organization. It operates under a very open, egalitarian process that honors all staff. We transitioned from a white E.D. to two Guatemalan women as co-directors. With a small budget, SERES develops youth leaders in two countries (Guatemala and El Salvador), using a sustainable development framework. As a U.S. board member i have been deeply impressed and moved by SERES' programs, support, camaraderie and impact. The team walks the talk more than most any organization I've been involved with.
One of the things that I admire most about SERES is its commitment to local leadership at all levels, from it's youth ambassador's council to its executive leadership and board composition. Truly a stellar organization that is transforming the region.
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The impact of SERES' work in Central America goes far beyond the organization's activities. From the co-leadership of two incredible young Guatemalan women, to the amazingly diverse team and youth network and yes, out to the hard work of youth volunteers working day in and day out to change their communities, what SERES does is inspirational. I can't wait to visit again soon!
Conocí a SERES en el 2013 gracias a los diferentes espacios donde participaba. El impacto más significativo que tuve en mi primer programa fue abrazar mucho más el concepto "El liderazgo es ACCIÓN", también en co-crear y co-diseñar un plan de acción con los/as jóvenes de mi comunidad y reflexionar que ellos/as también tenían las ganas de hacer algo, eso me inspiró y motivó para realizar con mis amigas diversos planes de acción.
Gracias a todos los programas que SERES me ha abierto, me ha ayudado a cultivar otras habilidades, a desartar mi potencial como lideresa, facilitadora, y emprendedora; a aumentar mi caja de herramientas; a tener un pensamiento más crítico con todo lo que sucede a mi alrededor; a tomar mejores desiciones que alimente mi plan de vida y mi visión de transformación para mi comunidad; a aprovechar otros espacios; a estar activa en mi liderazgo; y sobre todo a encontrar mi pasión y mi misión en esta vida.
Hoy en día soy una de las facilitadoras en SERES, y he considerado a este ecosistema como mi segunda familia porque todos los que son parte de este movimiento de juventud y los aliados que creen y apoyan nuestra visión como SERES, son mi esperanza y les consiero mis mejores aliados/as para recontruir el mundo que queremos.
I have had the privilege of getting to know the SERES staff and also travel to their on-site work in Guatemala. SERES is an exemplary nonprofit that has a profound effect on the lives of many. Whether it is developing workshops on nutrition for mothers, or providing space for young citizens to find their voices and leadership qualities-- SERES lifts people up with the knowledge and skills to advance their lives with dignity.
SERES has been an impactful organization for myself, I have had the chance to share in different activities with them as a volunteer and just as a visitor. Seeing how youth has created a meaningful life for themselves and their families is just beyond measurement. Every time I've been part of a visit or a volunteer experience my heart gets full with joy and inspiration, I have gotten stronger by sharing with strong and human leaders from SERES programs. Thanks for the impact as an organization you're creative for not only the youth but also to everyone who gets involved!
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I love what SERES GLOBAL does with youth in Guatemala, and other central American countries. I was part of one of the hikes in El peñon at Escuintla. I had the honor to hike this mountain along with young teenagers. The experience was just AMAZING. I came home with so much lessons like when you are are a leader, you have to be the first one putting the example, you have to be the first one opening new ways. But over all you have to be humble to accept when you don't know things or when you are scared that you trust the people around you to express it and ask for help. I am so thankful to have seen so much interaction and this community growing to be good people in this world.
SERES exudes the energy of the young people they work with and the passion with which they do their work. I have been asked to collaborate with them on different occasions to lead workshops with young people from Guatemala and El Salvador, and one of the workshops I remember (this one was in person) was part of several days of training in a beautiful, green and open space. Participants could share with each other, eat together, play, explore different issues and then go back to their communities to share what they had learned. I felt the movement, energy and excitement of young people, and their openness to learn about gender and storytelling. SERES provides these kinds of spaces for young people they work with; spaces for sharing, growing and collaborating, and they will continue to do so.
I have followed and supported SERES for over 10 years and during that time have watched its continued growth and success. SERES is an award-winning organization that trains youth leaders to build more sustainable and just communities in Guatemala and El Salvador. I personally donate monthly to SERES and chair a scholarship committee for my Montana Soroptimist organization which selects youth leaders for educational scholarships. Each year we fund two candidates from SERES. We maintain personal contact with them and witness the effectiveness of their program. I share their resumes and responses in our club's monthly newsletter and at our regular meetings. These young people form actions plans to address reforestation, environmental education, support women, develop family and community gardens and much more.
I support SERES for several reasons: the training process has received international recognition for empowering youth to become leaders in their local communities and to seek further training in order to train others, the administrative costs are minimal, so a large percentage of funding goes directly to the program and participants, and their impact is extensive. Since 2009 they have engaged over 5,000 young leaders and facilitated over 100 programs.
We are extremely pleased to have SERES as ConnectED’s local strategic partner, supporting us with the recruitment of our Fellows from its extensive network of youth leaders, facilitating workshops on leadership and soft skills, and managing the funds destined to the educational projects that the Fellows implement in their communities.
The work that SERES does with youth through their leadership programs is truely amazing and an important piece of the puzzle in creating a better future for all Guatemala. They are also an organisation that actively promotes collaboration within the local NGO sector and work alongside other projects to support Guatemalan communities.
The last 3 years I had the opportunity to collaborate with SERES, the experiences has been amazing, what surprises me the most is how they promote critical thinking in youth, it is an example of a 21st century organization.
I was given the opportunity through my University position and the organization CECI to have a work volunteer experience with SERES – Guatemala. After training and virtual discussions with SERES, I ventured on my life changing experience in January 2020.
My task was to prepare a Crisis Management Plan- at the conclusion of my 3 weeks, SERES received 5 Risk Assessments entailing both a Communication and Action Plan, in addition to 17 recommendations.
The SERES staff also had me partake on a few site visits (Tecpan Youth Center, the Finca and La Dignidad, Escuintla) -- this experiential learning enriched my perspective of the country and this non-profit organization, as I learned environmental and cultural challenges yet witnessed successes due to the programs SERES supports in the community.
One key desire is to elevate women and youth in the various SERES activities, as this was evident throughout discussions, and particularly on the site visits. SERES is about empowering younger folks so they develop influential leadership skills to impact their communities. One young man who took the Youth Leadership program impacted/impressed me with his goals, and I have since applied for a grant with the hopes to fund training for his Conservation of Local Watershed project in La Dignidad.
Non-profits like SERES are forced to think outside the box and spark excitement in external visitors like myself with a passion to continue my connection while introducing new partnership opportunities. I hope you find that SERES will spark that same interest in you.
I couldn’t possibly express my respect for this organization in such a short review, so I am sharing a link to my blog which expands on this experience.
Leave for Change (L4C) - Guatemala: https://l4c-2020-ekilbourne-guatemala.blogspot.com/
SERES has done an excellent job in anticipating the need for environmental leadership among the young people of Central America. Their programs empower youth from Guatemala and El Salvador to be community leaders bringing sustainable change to their communities.
Mi experiencia con esta organización ha sido muy placentera, los lideres que han sido formados en el proyecto muestran un cambio significativo, esto es resultado del gran trabajo de los colaboradores del proyecto.
Desde mi experiencia puede decir que el modelo de SERES es innovador ya que permite que los jóvenes construyan su liderazgo de una manera interactiva. El experimentar desde la visión de los jóvenes y el entorno con la naturaleza es algo que considero fundamental para este proyecto.
They are making big impact with the youth. They work really hard to help others. I really belive in them. Keep it up!
I've worked with SERES as a volunteer for the last 5 years. It has been a rewarding experience to support them in building a strong, dynamic, and fresh branding through my passion for storytelling and technical design skills.
Working with the SERES team and learning about their impact on the youth of local communities in Guatemala and El Salvador inspires me personally and as a professional to keep on supporting and empowering others into achieving and developing their potential as a starting point of cultural change in Central American societies.
The impact SERES is making on its young beneficiaries is impressive. SERES is cultivating an abundance mentality in them. And through young people SERES is moving vulnerable communities in Central America towards development. If you can, join and donate to SERES. You will make a difference.
SERES is a fantastic organisation driven by strong leaders. I’ve worked closely with them on fundraising and various projects and campaigns and have had the opportunity to meet their developing youth leaders and view and support their projects and programming. The passion is visible and this translates into action which is creating positive sustainable change in their communities. It was both a wonderful feeling to be able to work with and support SERES, and an incredible learning experience.
SERES is an organization that has the youth right at the center. That is one of the things I like the most, besides their leadership model and how innovative they are in facilitating safe and creative spaces for young leaders to find their voice, co-create and put forward local projects that benefit their communities.
I have been working with SERES since 2017 and have been inspired and humbled by them throughout. There are so many ways to set up and focus on healing current, or short-term challenges - but it is only when we zoom out that we see that our biggest challenges need long term, systemic solutions. By training the future leaders, from a diverse array of backgrounds to be community leaders, to be driving change. It is a privilege to have worked alongside them for 3 Impact Marathons so far, and hopefully many more to come.
The transformation I have personally witnessed in marginalized young people in Guatemala and El Salvador over the past 5 years becoming leaders in their communities, standing up for their rights, facilitating opportunities for their peers to do so as well, creating safer, healthier more sustainable communities is astonishing! These young leaders are my heroes and heroines and have much to share with their peers around the world. Stand up, believe in yourself, find your leader within, stay home and change the world!
I became part of the ecosystem of SERES 6 month ago and so far, this amazing organization has unlock so many hard and soft skills so helpful for my professional development.
SERES is really progressive organization, that makes sure to bring safety, healthy and brave spaces for youth at-risk to unlock their best potential that helps them to thrive in their own communities.
My expirience with SERES has been amazing and wondeful, I love the way on how SERES includes the voices of young leaders from Guatemala and El Salvador, also the inclusive work with women.
I had the incredible opportunity to work with SERES as a communications officer from Nov. 2016 until Dec. 2017.
I cannot say enough about the depth and quality of the programming and network that SERES offers, which activates youth leadership in communities in Guatemala and El Salvador by empowering young people to ask what sustainability means to them, and then work together to create those changes that they want to see in their own communities, cities, regions, and countries.
Guatemala and El Salvador are two of the countries of the Northern Triangle that suffer high degrees of violence, the blunt and devastating effects of climate change, and countless other forces that have driven many to come to the U.S. Working with SERES for a year gave me an opportunity to not only better understand the challenges young people my age in the region are facing, but also witness firsthand what they are accomplishing and building in their local communities and at the broader national and regional levels.
As an organization, SERES is truly transparent, and practices what it preaches. Many of the staff members and leaders are youth that have gone through the program, and the network of youth leaders have a voice in decision-making at all levels, including representation on the Board of Directors.
I have learned so much from the youth leaders of SERES and am continually inspired by what the organization and every person who is a part of the SERES network are able to address and accomplish.
Focusing their energy on youth, SERES is making an impact on thousands of lives in Guatemala and El Salvador.
Through their programs, activities and initiatives they are catalyzing teens to nurture their leadership and entrepreneurship skills that will impact in their own lives, families and entire communities.
Thank you for your passion and love for youth!
I first learned about the innovative work of SERES from their Board Chair, Sherry Miller, on a consulting trip to Guatemala. Their commitment to education for sustainability, youth leadership skills, and ground-up development struck me as unique within Guatemala and internationally. Then, in 2015, they were recognized by UNESCO as a leader in their field and they have only become more sophisticated and exceptional in the years following.
While living in Guatemala during 2015, I attended one of their three-day Actívate workshops where I witnessed youth coming together to form action plans that would transform their communities. On the third day, local government representatives came to hear presentations from participants on topics ranging from clean water and air to reproductive health. In this public format, the local government representatives responded to the project ideas with interest and invited these youth participants to join formal governing bodies in the town. It was clear to me that SERES was on to something big and, when invited to be on their Board of Directors, I humbly welcomed the opportunity to support this dynamic organization.
Since 2016, it has evolved in intentional ways, responding to experiences, data and feedback from their primary stakeholders all the while maintaining true to their core values. I encourage anyone interested in innovative and comprehensive programming related to youth leadership, regenerative design, sustainable development, and education and training to check out the website, learn more and to support this remarkable organization.
For the last 7 years I have been continuously heart warmed by Project SERES. It's mission, staff and ever growing group of young people. 50 years ago I helped start a much smaller version of this super program in San Diego, CA. Project Seres is everything I had hoped for and more. Onward and upward SERES. I am very proud of you!
I have worked with countless NGOs in Guatemala. SERES Global is ahead of the pack on so many levels. Excellent leadership, truly genuine, transparent, selfless. This is one group I will continue to support and follow indefinitely. Thank you, SERES, for your incredible work.
Inspiring organisation creating a huge impact across communities in Guatemala. Having spent time with the SERES staff, their passion for creating positive change is incredible.
Their attitude towards development and how they work closely with people on the ground, lead by example and strive to do their best is amazing.
The dedication and commitment of SERES' staff never fails to take my breath away. They are an incredible team of local leaders and knowledge brokers working tirelessly for a better future for Central America. I am especially excited by what the future may hold now that it is under the leadership of these two phenomenal women!