“Today more than ever, I believe in the power of education to transform lives” – 2024-07-12 11:25:40

“We live in a sexist, racist, discriminatory and unequal world, and the only way to change it is through education,” said doctor and chemical engineer Susana Arrechea at the award ceremony. 2024 Princess of Girona Awards, in which she obtained first place in the CreaEmpresa Latinoamérica categoryfor her contribution to electrification, connectivity and digital literacy for indigenous women in rural communities in Guatemala.

Arrechea is co-founder and director of PGlobal Programs of the company New Sun Road Guatemala, S.A.which seeks to implement Digital Community Centers in different rural communities without access to energy in the country.

These projects help promote access to solar energy, internet connectivity, and Mayan language training.

About the award

Through a notification from the Conecta Iberoamérica group, which they sent via Telegram, Susana learned that the Princess of Girona Foundation was looking for candidates to nominate in the different categories. In April 2024, the Foundation contacted her to notify her that she was one of the five finalists in the contest and in a ceremony held on May 7, they announced her as the winner.

The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 10, at the Costa Brava Conference Center in Spain, with the participation of the Spanish Royal Family.

“In Mayan culture, the quetzal is a symbol of freedom and hope. This majestic bird needs to fly freely to survive. Similarly, through education, we can unleash our potential and reach new heights. And I say this from my own experience,” Arrachea said during her speech, in which she also recounted the case of Graciela, a Guatemalan leader from the Sacoyou community, who was the first to complete many online courses and create her own business in digital services.

Congratulations to Susana Arrechea!👏
The Guatemalan engineer received the Prize #PrincesadeGirona in the “CreaEmpresa” category for its Sun Road project that contributes to electrification, connectivity and digital literacy for indigenous women in rural communities 🇬🇹 pic.twitter.com/1XpAlbPdiE

— Embassy of Spain in Guatemala (@EmbajadaEspGTA) July 11, 2024

First a mother, then a scientist

“I would like and hope to be an example for other mothers of small children, because sometimes it is quite challenging, but I think it is possible,” said Susana, who in addition to her social work is dedicated to being a full-time mother.

Susana has two daughters whom she seeks to inspire with her work and for them to see her as a woman passionate regarding her roots and committed to the development of her country.

“I try to spend time with them for them, and unless it is very urgent, I do things for work,” she said, also emphasizing the importance of having a partner who helps her at home and is a responsible father.

Arrechea also feels “very fortunate and happy to be the one who had the opportunity to receive the award” and encourages everyone to dream and “not stop trying and believing that something is too difficult to achieve”, especially encouraging “those women who are mothers of small children, to believe that it is possible to find the balance between what they want to do, to maintain their professional life and their motherhood”.

My daughter finally met Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia 😍 pic.twitter.com/GwR9Es9Mdw

— Susana Arrechea (@ArrecheaSusana) July 10, 2024

What’s next for the future?

On a professional level, Susana mentions that “we hope that with New Sun Road Guatemala allow us to continue growing in more Digital Community Centers in Guatemala and I hope to be able to participate in the Central American Donors Forum in October in Guatemala.” Meanwhile, on a personal level, she is preparing for her little daughter’s transition to school and adjusting to her new routine and schedule to continue with her work.

“I would like to encourage more young people to apply for these initiatives and never stop trying and dreaming.”

Susana Arrechea, Guatemalan scientist