Dania Verbena

Dania Verbena is a second-year student at Rhodes College, where she is double majoring in International Studies and Latin American and Latinx Studies. She is currently a representative of the Youth Observatory sponsored by the Carter Center, where she promotes democratic values and youth political participation. Originally from Esquipulas, Guatemala, Dania’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. She learned English through the U.S. Embassy Access Microscholarship Program in 2016, which paved the way for her to become a translator. Passionate about making a difference, she founded Activistas Guatemala, a feminist collective focused on women’s empowerment, and organized community service projects that tackled gender inequality.

In 2022, Dania founded the “Girls Also Matter” Program, an initiative dedicated to empowering young girls in Guatemala through education, leadership training, and bodily autonomy awareness. Most recently, Dania received the prestigious award Premio “Joven Inspiración Guatemalteca” (Young Guatemalan Inspiration Award) from the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala and Jóvenes Artistas por la Justicia Social (JAXJS NGO) in August 2024, awarded to 50 young Guatemalans for their innovative leadership and transformative impact on society. 

During her high school years, Dania’s dedication to public service was evident as she led efforts in public audits, citizenship, and youth involvement in political spaces across the city of Chiquimula. She continues this work today, focusing on fostering democracy and political engagement among youth across Guatemala. Her passion for empowering young women continues to drive her work. She is committed to breaking down gender stereotypes and creating spaces for women in traditionally male-dominated areas. Dania’s future goals include deepening her understanding of social issues and advancing solutions that provide better opportunities for Guatemalan citizens, especially women.