“Let us show that being a woman doesn’t limit us in what we can achieve, on the contrary, let us show that we are capable of excelling in everything we set our minds to. But above all, be happy, and let everything you do come from your heart.” – Jenifer Hernández
Jenifer Hernández, Education Facilitator
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate women’s social, economic and cultural achievements and to be inspired by female leaders—including Common Hope staff—who are transforming and improving communities in Guatemala. Meet Jenifer Hernández, an inspiring educator who is taking action to make education possible for all and encouraging women to chase their dreams.
Jenifer has worked at Common Hope for two years as an education facilitator; a vital role. She supports students of all ages in their educational journeys, but she specializes in tutoring students who are pursuing accounting degrees. Jenifer helps shape students into becoming the future leaders of tomorrow. We want to thank Jennifer for her outstanding work!
For Women’s History Month, we asked Jennifer some questions about empowering women through education.
Q: What makes you feel empowered?
A: I feel empowered when I develop my skills and abilities. I feel like I can do that in my role at Common Hope as I am constantly learning alongside students while growing professionally as well as personally.
Q: How do you think your work helps empower women?
A: Through my work, I support students by providing a safe environment for learning where they can develop their skills. In our safe learning environment, I teach students about equality and work on strengthening each of their unique abilities. Many of the girls I instruct tell me their dreams of one day being established professionals and it fills me with pride as many of them look up to me and see me as an example.
Q: Why do you think it is important to celebrate women?
A: I think men and women should both be celebrated since we are all equal and capable of creating remarkable things, but I know that historically women’s achievements were not as recognized as they are now. I think that in today’s world, it is important to show how valuable women are and that we can fulfill all the dreams we set out to achieve.
Jenifer shares that her mother, Olinda Garcia, was a strong female leader and the most empowering woman in her life. Her mom believes that education opens doors and offers new opportunities and thanks to that line of thinking, Jenifer and her brothers were able to graduate high school. Jenifer wants to duplicate her mother’s role in her life in the life of other students. She reminds us that we all can make a difference in the world by being a source of guidance and hope to others. She shares the following message with female students:
“Fight for your dreams, even if the mountain looks huge and you stumble on the way, get up with a stronger desire to move forward. Dedicate yourself to your studies because education opens thousands of doors. Let us show that being a woman doesn’t limit us in what we can achieve, on the contrary, let us show that we are capable of excelling in everything we set our minds to. But above all, be happy, and let everything you do come from your heart.”
Thank you, Jenifer, for sharing the power of education with young women, thereby giving them the possibility for a better future. Your work, leadership, and success gives women the confidence to chase their dreams.