Johanna Sicaján
Her name is Johanna Alejandra Guadalupe Sicaján Sicaján, and yes, it’s very long — because in Guatemala they like to use three names plus both last names from the parents. You can call her by her middle name or “Ale.”
Johanna is from a small village in the state (or department) of Sololá called San Antonio Palopó, in the southwestern highland region. It’s one of the villages around the famous lake Atitlán, so it issurrounded by a lot of nature: volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, and amazing sounds from birds, insects, and different animals. That gives you an idea of why she loves being around nature — it makes her feel at home.
She is 100% “tuneca” (a person from San Antonio) because she was born in the kitchen of her house with a midwife. Johanna speaks Kaqchikel, which is the Mayan language from this region. She loves languages because they are a tool to connect with others and share many things. Johanna enjoys interacting with people and learning new things from them because she knows everyone has something valuable to share. At the same time, she’s always happy to share her own culture, language, and different experiences.
Johanna really likes animals, and that’s why she’s part of a non-profit group in her town called “Huellas de Felicidad.” The group made an agreement with a vet who does low-cost surgeries for stray dogs, and the clinics are also open for people to bring in their pets to be spayed or neutered. Johanna and her colleagues go around town looking for stray dogs, get them fixed, and then put them up for adoption. Sadly, most of them don’t get adopted, so they return them to the street—but they make sure the dogs are vaccinated and cared for.
Johanna grew up “among Dragons” because her mother hosted groups in their town, offering homestays, Spanish classes, workshops, and more. Now, she’s excited to continue what her mother started. It also makes her happy because she’ll get to learn from even more people and places.
She’s very open to conversations and to sharing part of her heart with everyone.