Monica Macal

Monica was born in Guatemala City and studied graphic design and plastic arts in college. At age 23, she put a laptop and a camera in her backpack and left the city to learn about diversity and explore Guatemala while working as a freelancer. Embarking on this trip, she was inspired to work with organizations focused on community development projects and holistic health. While collaborating on graphic design with such organizations, she learned about food sovereignty, permaculture, and the use of medicinal plants, achieving a training on the topics of her interest through her work. 6 years later she continues to explore her country, combining a life of work and travel.

As part of the collective TECOMATES, Monica has facilitated art workshops for children with limited resources on issues of healthy food, respecting nature, recycling, and permaculture. Some of her best teachers in creativity have been children who, without having many materials, have done land-artwork, created musical instruments by recycling, and more. Monica currently promotes agroecology projects and tries to visit friends and family around Guatemala as often as possible, always smiling and learning from each little trip in the country of eternal spring.