Our SHE-CAN Scholar:

Dania Vanessa Verbena

SHE-CAN Scholar: Dania Vanessa Verbena

Dania Vanessa 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—situated near the borders of Honduras and El Salvador—Dania grew up inspired by the resilience of her single mother, an elementary school teacher. Her academic journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence. She earned a full high school scholarship for her outstanding achievements and graduated as the First Place Academic Achievement recipient from Colegio San Benito.

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 for visiting American doctors at Fundación Quique Cerón. For five years, she continued to support this foundation while also participating in the SEAL Teaching and Tourism Programs, teaching English and leading tours. 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 developed the “Girls Also Matter” Program, aimed at empowering girls in rural areas of her community. Her work in this space earned her a fellowship with Vital Voices Guatemala, along with a $500 grant to expand the program’s curriculum. Most recently, Dania received two prestigious awards:

  • 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.
  • National Young Leadership Award from Desafío Joven in 2023, recognizing her contributions to politics, citizen participation, and community development in Guatemala.

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. She has participated in national dialogues and research initiatives and is currently advocating for Law Initiative 6157, which promotes comprehensive sexuality education in schools to address adolescent pregnancies and improve education quality.

In addition to her advocacy work, Dania takes pride in her time spent as an English teacher, a role that allowed her to support her family financially while in school. 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.

Highlights of Dania’s Work Experience:

  • Advocacy Coordinator Intern, Departmental Network of Chiquimultecas Women, Chiquimula
  • Rhodes Student Associate, International Students, Rhodes College
  • Student Assistant, Rhodes College International Programs
  • English Teacher, Liceo Esquipulteco Bilingual Program
  • Access Teacher Assistant & BEAR Assistant Coordinator, English Language Programs Guatemala – US Embassy and Coosajo R.L.

Dean’s List GPA: 3.71 Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

Dania Vanessa Verbena
Attending

Academic Major

International Studies and Latin American Studies
Class of 2027

Mentor Team

Kimberly Wirtz, Manager, Kimberly MW Properties
Robin Bradley
Sue Farmer
Ibis Schlesinger, President, GG2U & Associates, LLC
Katharine Kates, Attorney, Ramsey & Ehrlich, LLC