OUR LEADERSHIP
The Guatemalan Tomorrow Fund and Ak' Tenamit are guided by adedicated team of experts and community pioneers committed to our mission.
Steve Dudenhoefer
Technical Advisor – Guatemala (Founder)
Steve Dudenhoefer founded Asociación Ak’ Tenamit in 1992 after visiting Guatemala and being deeply affected by the poverty facing the families of his South Florida landscaping employees. He sold his business, returned to the Río Dulce region, and established the organization with the help of local village leaders. Today, Ak’ Tenamit is run entirely by the Q’eqchi’ people. Steve remains involved as the Chief Technical Adviser, concentrating on fundraising, networking, and assisting the Board and managers.
Maria Camila Medina, CNP, M.S., M.A.
Executive Director
Driving Global Impact: Resilience, Education, and Sustainable Development - As the Executive Director of the Guatemalan Tomorrow Fund, Maria Camila is the operational and strategic engine supporting Ak’ Tenamit in Guatemala. She spearheads critical initiatives focused on vocational education, job placement, and sustainable resource management to uplift indigenous youth. She is instrumental in developing innovative fundraising, enhancing communications, managing the Student Sponsorship program, and advocating for climate action through the Guatemalan Indigenous Committee on Climate Change.
The Ak’ Tenamit Story: Ownership Changes Everything
AK’ TENAMIT
In the heart of eastern Guatemala, where the vital needs of the Q’eqchi’ Maya villages often go unheard, a profound shift is taking place. This is the story of Ak’ Tenamit (AAT)—a movement built not for the community, but by the community. Our foundation is the powerful principle of local ownership. We don’t bring outsiders’ solutions; we stand hand-in-hand with local leaders, providing the essential tools for self-determination and sustainable growth in education, healthcare, and micro-enterprise. What makes our story revolutionary is our governance: every seat on the Ak’ Tenamit Board of Directors is held by an elected Q’eqchi’ Maya leader—ensuring every strategy is an authentic voice of the villages we serve. This is a commitment reflected in our 50% gender-balanced Board and our collaborative strategic plan. Ak’ Tenamit is a story of roots, relevance, and resilience, deeply operational in eastern Guatemala and proudly supported by our partner, The Guatemalan Tomorrow Fund (GTF).
Ak’ Tenamit Administrative Structure
