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Welcoming our new Executive Director, Madeline Kreider Carlson

Introducing a new monthly note to our community. Plus, join our scholarship students and their mothers for a day of life skills and cross-generational collaboration as they learn together about... taxes!

How does Mayan Hands make decisions about priorities for health & well-being programs in artisan communities? Inside a process inspired by participatory budgeting, a democratic decision-making approach.

Mayan Hands honors the memory of our dear friend, Board member and past Board president, Vera Eccarius-Kelly, a devoted community leader and fierce advocate for justice.

In memory of Ramona Kirschenman, we remember her contributions to capacity building programs and trainings that benefited hundreds of Maya women artisans. 

Jonathan Nye is a former attorney with experience in non-profit governance and organization. He became involved with Mayan Hands after having the privilege of participating in a tour to Guatemala, where he was inspired by the talents of the artisans and the work the organization performs. Jon lives in Chatham MA, where he plays lots of Renaissance and baroque music as a member of a number of recorder groups. He is a graduate of the American University School of International Service and Unive...

Laurie Naranch is Professor and Chair of Political Science & International Relations at Siena University, NY, USA. Her work revolves around gender equality, craft and democracy, and relational political ethics. She has travelled on three research trips with students to Guatemala with our past Board President and much missed Mayan Hands advocate, Vera Eccarius-Kelly. She was pleased to go on the wonderful tour with Mayan Hands in February 2026 to meet our artisan partners and learn even mo...

Inside our women's health program: Journey with Marisol Morales, social programs coordinator, and Vilma, a nurse and educator, on a day in the field to deliver a women's health workshop in an artisan community in rural Guatemala. 

Kate Colwell is a weaver and retired Family Medicine physician with a lifetime of engagement with Latin American communities in the US and abroad. She’s been a supporter of Mayan Hands since going on their first tour in 2009 and enjoys furthering that relationship as a member of the Board. She grew up in California and after an early stint at Antioch College she received most of her education at the University of California in Berkeley and San Francisco.

Dennis McCarty majored in international affairs at Georgetown University and served for three years with the Peace Corps in rural Guatemala. He subsequently earned a Ph.D. in criminal justice and retired as an Assistant Director at the NYS Office of Homeland Security.  Dr. McCarty also taught at the University at Albany where he received a Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. His work includes publishing The Quest to End Human Trafficking: An Educational and Practical Guide ...

The needle felting artisans take a product development research trip to La Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City!

Find Mayan Hands at Las Vegas Market, Shoppe Object, and MSA Forward in 2026! We can't wait to connect with wholesale customers & meet new friends. See you there!

The story behind our new Birds of Guatemala home décor collection of handwoven cushion covers: an artful celebration of fine weaving technique and vibrant color, Guatemalan wildlife and craft heritage!

And the winner is... Mayan Hands! At the 2025 Fair Trade Federation Recognition Awards, Mayan Hands won the Social Impact Award for our programs in support of artisan health and well-being, with a focus on mental health.