Just over a year ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming Norma Baján as the Executive Director of Asociación BPD (ABPD), ALDEA’s partner organization in Guatemala. Norma brought with her a wealth of skills and a deep well of experience, particularly in the realm of women’s empowerment. Her extensive network within Guatemala’s nonprofit, business, and governmental sectors has been invaluable, allowing us to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the communities we partner with. Her time with us has been marked by numerous achievements and a fresh perspective that has enriched our programs.
Today, we are announcing that Norma has decided to step down from her role at ABPD to embrace new opportunities on a national scale. Her departure is a testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing the nonprofit sector in Guatemala. Even before President Bernardo Arévalo of the Semilla Movement took office in January, Vice President Karin Herrera recognized Norma as a pivotal figure capable of bridging the gap between their administration and civil society, especially for indigenous women. During her tenure as ABPD’s Executive Director, Norma has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of our program participants, ensuring they can advocate for their needs more effectively. With the growing momentum of this movement, Norma has chosen to dedicate more of her time to fostering the necessary connections to sustain it.
While we will miss Norma’s leadership, we are excited about the path ahead and immensely grateful for the contributions she has made during her time with ABPD. Her commitment to the communities we serve has enhanced our program responsiveness, and her innovative ideas have led to numerous improvements in our interventions. Norma’s dedication to transparency has also strengthened the administration and oversight of our programs.
As of August 1, Mario Aragón, a member of the ABPD General Assembly, has taken on the role of Interim Executive Director. With forty years of experience leading agricultural and development projects in rural Guatemala, Mario is well-equipped to guide us through this transition period. We are confident that his expertise will be invaluable as we continue our search for a long-term leader who shares our vision and commitment. Please join us in welcoming Mario and wishing Norma the very best in her new endeavors. If you have any questions or concerns about this leadership transition and what it means for ALDEA and ABPD, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support!