María del Mar Munguía is the coordinator of GAN Costa Rica, a private sector Union of Chambers project that supports vulnerable youth in finding their first jobs through work-based learning. An economist  whose previous work focused on free trade agreement negotiations with China, Singapore, European Union, Colombia and Perú,  she loves to work with youth because she see them as the future.  María dreams of a world with more opportunities for women. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Strategic Skills for Decision Making

The project introduced underrepresented groups, including women and economically disadvantaged youth, to STEAM careers. Eighteen virtual training sessions were conducted, focusing on soft skills, financial education and preparation for STEAM careers.  A total of 55 rural youth between 14 and 22 years old participated. By the end of the program, in addition to learning more about the employment opportunities in the region, students had built a CV and conducted mock interviews, thereby preparing them to confidently enter the workforce. 

IVLP Exchange Experience 

María participated in the IVLP Project NGO Management III, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with Colorado Springs World Affairs Council, Iowa International Center, Global Ties KC, Global New Orleans, WorldOrlando, San Antonio Council for International Visitors, Global Santa Fe, World Affairs Council - Seattle, World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts, Inc., International Institute of Wisconsin, International House and The International Center.

María's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "I loved the opportunity to participate in IVLP because [it] equipped me with the technical and theoretical tools to coordinate an NGO. IVLP gave me a network of people from different parts of the world, opening the doors to many other opportunities, like the IVLP Impact Award."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Colorado Springs, CO; Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; Des Moines, IA; Indianapolis, IN; New Orleans, LA; Springfield, MA; Kansas City, MO; Charlotte, NC; Santa Fe, NW; San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA; Milwaukee, WI

Country: Costa Rica

Click here to go back to the IVLP Impact Awards Main Page