Meeting Gabriela Altman is like encountering a force of nature. A Canadian of Slovak
origin, Gabriela first arrived in Guatemala in 2009, driven by a traveler’s curiosity, the
desire to learn the language, and a heart open to cultural exchange. But what began as a
visit soon became a calling. As she saw firsthand the reality faced by vulnerable children
and youth, she recognized something deeply personal in their eyes: her own childhood,
marked by cold, poverty, violence, and silence.
And that was the moment that everything changed.
Gabriela didn’t look away. She chose to stay, to build, to transform. That’s how Siembra
Bien began to take shape—an organization that is much more than a social project: it is a
living expression of love, dignity, and the fight for equality.
In 2012, she met Rolando Urrutia, a long time close friend of YAP, a steadfast ally and
renown Guatemalan photographer, with whom she shared the dream of doing something
greater than oneself. In 2014, thanks to YAP’s invaluable support, they planted the first
seed of what has now blossomed in thousands of hearts.
Since then, Gabriela has led Siembra Bien as Executive Director, guided by a clear mission:
to accompany, educate, and empower children, adolescents, and families through programs
that integrate art, sports, education, and recreation. Her deeply human and spiritual
approach has directly impacted more than 25,000 people in the last ten years in
Guatemala—and the impact continues to grow.
But beyond the numbers, what truly defines Gabriela is her unwavering belief that change
is possible. Her commitment to the future remains strong: to expand youth empowerment
programs, strengthen social mediation, and open doors to transformative education for
Guatemala’s young people.
Thank you, YAP, for believing in me when I was just a woman with a dream and a strong
desire to serve. Thank you for being part of this story. Thank you for sowing hope
alongside us.
Thank you to myself, for reminding me that pain can be transformed into love, and that one
person, when acting with passion and purpose, can change the destiny of thousands.
Siembra Bien… because where there is fertile ground, there is always hope.
Happy anniversary. May we continue sowing life for many more years to come.
