Hi, I’m Enrique.  I currently reside in the Municipality of Pedro Carcha, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. I identify as part of the Q’eqchi’ Mayan culture.  I grew up in a rural area, where I learned the Q’eqchi’ language, but I consider Spanish my mother tongue.

Regarding my education, I first graduated as a teacher of urban primary education, and then went on to obtain the title of Agricultural Engineer at the University of San Carlos de Guatemala, -USAC-, with a postgraduate degree in Human Resources Administration, at the Mariano Gálvez University of Guatemala.  Among other studies, I have a diploma as assessor of small and medium enterprises, at the Rafael Landívar University in Guatemala; in addition, a diploma in Public Administration Systems at the Universidad Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala, and studies such as Agrimensor Profesional, Consultor Ambiental.  Currently, I’m preparing my thesis for a master’s degree in Renewable Energy at the University of the Atlantic, in Spain.

In the labor field, I have worked for more than 25 years in the Public Sector, administering and executing international cooperation funds, assigned to community support programs and projects.  These projects are aimed at developing a social, environmental, economically productive, and cultural component among vulnerable populations of women, men, youth, boys, and girls in rural areas, with indigenous and non-indigenous populations in the different departments of the Republic of Guatemala, in the search for improvement and well-being within the framework of respect for the Human Rights of Guatemalan families.

At the international level I was part of the International Development Network by BHP Billiton; invited by the University of Washington to participate on the model of rural communities. Also, to participate in the exchange of experience of Rural Development in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.

I currently work with non-governmental organizations and peasant organizations, in search of opportunities for resource management and marketing of their agricultural products.

In the face of such a culturally diverse population as is found in Guatemala, it is important to focus on the traits that are necessary. Leadership, empathy, and respect are required for meeting the needs of people in the communities, as well as the capacity for innovation and creativity. Only with these factors in mind can we implement harmonized and appropriate programs.