Marielos Jimenez is a incoming First Year student at the University of Minnesota studying Finance. She grew up in Guatemala City and was raised by her close-knit family of four, with two parents and an older brother. Marielos ́mom works as a private cook and her father as a carpenter. Marielos loves education and was awarded a full scholarship through the Young Scholars Academy (YSA) program at the American School of Guatemala (CAG).

Upon entering high school, Marielos focused on learning English and navigated the cultural transition of studying alongside students from other countries. She became a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with honors. Marielos took advantage of all the American School had to offer, joining clubs where she developed leadership and critical thinking skills. Specifically, volunteering with Interact Club brought out Marielos’ passion for the environment and for improving Guatemala ́s economic future through educational and work opportunities.

Marielos believes that women in Guatemala have the power to change gender stereotypes and lead. In 2023, she created a project to help low-income mothers in a town called Chillani in San Pedro Sacatepequez become entrepreneurs through courses teaching them how to earn and invest money through floral businesses. In the future, Marielos wants to improve the economic system of Guatemala by empowering women of towns not yet urbanized to become financially stable and successful.