Sembrando Conexiones: Reflections from Our Learning Journey in Yucatán

By Hispanics in Philanthropy
March 19, 2025

"When we center local wisdom and leadership, philanthropy becomes not just about giving, but about creating genuine partnerships that honor community knowledge and agency. Our time in Yucatán wasn't about observing—it was about listening, learning, and building connections that transform how we show up in this work." Gracia Goya, VP of Latin America Partnerships & Development, Hispanics in Philanthropy

Against the backdrop of Mérida's vibrant architecture and Mayan roots, a powerful gathering of minds and hearts unfolded last week. From March 12-14, HIP brought together a diverse cohort of philanthropic leaders for a transformative learning journey through the cultural and social landscape of Yucatán.

Our journey began with a Maya Ceremony that reminded us of the sacred power of listening—"la importancia de la escucha"—setting the tone for three days of intense learning and connection to ancestral wisdom.

We immersed ourselves into the realities of communities whose resilience and innovation are reshaping what justice looks like in the region, walking alongside grassroots organizations and Indigenous leaders who generously opened their spaces and shared their strategies.

Honoring Indigenous Wisdom and Leadership

In Yaxunah, we were welcomed into the world of seed sovereignty and ancestral agricultural practices. The guardians of these traditions have built a powerful movement preserving native seeds and food systems in response to climate challenges like Hurricane Isidoro in 2002.

We shared meals prepared by Indigenous women leading vegetable projects, whose work addresses both food sovereignty and economic autonomy. Their innovative initiatives blend traditional knowledge with sustainable practices, creating models of community-led development that honor cultural heritage while meeting contemporary needs.

Reimagining Gender Justice and Human Rights

Day two brought us face-to-face with territory defenders—"defensoras y defensores del territorio"—whose struggles revealed the precarious conditions under which grassroots organizations operate. The feminist collectives transforming Yucatán's approach to gender justice offered profound insights into their intersectional work. We learned that organizations are pushing beyond conventional frameworks to address the structural roots of gender-based violence.

During our session on "Indigenous Women and Gender Justice," local leaders illuminated violence prevention strategies grounded in cultural context and community wisdom. Their approach reminded us that effective solutions emerge when we center the voices of those most affected by injustice.

Philanthropy's Role: From Funding to Partnership

Perhaps the most powerful moment came during our roundtable on the philanthropic landscape, hosted by Taller Maya with valuable contributions from Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, Feyac, and Fundación Comunitaria Cozumel. This candid conversation underscored how effective philanthropy requires humility and genuine partnership. The question was not what communities need—it's what they're already building and how we can support their vision.

As our time drew to a close, our delegation shared reflections on how this experience will inform their work:

• A deeper understanding of how Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural preservation are integral to addressing social justice issues
• Recognition of the power of women-led initiatives in transforming communities
• Renewed commitment to participatory approaches that center community expertise
• Practical strategies for supporting grassroots organizations through flexible, trust-based funding

Un Camino Compartido

This journey through Yucatán was never about what we could give, but what we could learn. The organizations and leaders we met with aren't waiting for solutions—they are actively creating them, drawing on centuries of wisdom while creating new approaches to complex challenges.

For HIP, these experiences represent our commitment to transforming philanthropy. By building genuine relationships across borders and sectors, we move closer to our vision of a philanthropy that is truly for, by, and about our communities.

As Ana Marie Argilagos reminded us in her welcome message, "The interconnectedness of our struggles" calls us to listen with open hearts and consider how these learnings might inspire action in our own work. We carry forward our task of convening dialogue spaces—"construir espacios de diálogo"—knowing these connections will strengthen our collective pursuit of justice for years to come.

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HIP extends profound gratitude to all the organizations and community leaders who shared their time, knowledge, and hospitality. Special thanks to our cohort of funders for their engagement and commitment to reimagining philanthropy together.

Reflexión y Acción Feminista: A feminist collective that creates spaces for women to exchange ideas, raise awareness about inequality and violence, strengthen social impact, and connect with other feminist groups to promote female empowerment and a more equitable society.

Kanan DH: A human rights organization operating in the Yucatán Peninsula that works to transform inequality structures through strategic litigation, communication for social change, and strengthening organizational processes using a comprehensive and intersectional approach.

EQUIS: A feminist organization focused on transforming institutions, laws, and public policies to improve women's access to justice by promoting innovative approaches to address gender-based violence and discrimination beyond criminal law, examining structural causes.

Fundación Haciendas Del Mundo Maya: A nonprofit organization implementing economic and social development projects with Maya communities in the Yucatán Peninsula, focusing on preserving and appreciating Maya heritage while strengthening community members' skills and creating micro-regional development hubs.

FEYAC: The community foundation for the Yucatán peninsula that collaborates with the private sector to promote local development initiatives.