From Texas to Guatemala: Lisa Mitchell-Bennett’s Impactful Work with Youth Advocates in El Petén

Lisa Mitchell-Bennett, MPH, a doctoral student and senior project manager at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville, recently received the Houston Global Health Collaborative grant for international research and service. Supported by this award, Mitchell-Bennett traveled to El Petén, Guatemala, to work with Tan Ux'il, a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with youth in the Petén region of Guatemala. Tan Ux'il, translates to “We are growing” in the Mayan Itza language of the region, and signifies the mission of the nonprofit to aid the youth they serve. The organization develops youth promotores who provide peer education and leadership to prevent sexual violence, teen pregnancy, and to change stereotypes and promote healthy living for adolescents and youth. To promote healthy living, Mitchell-Bennett conducted a photovoice project with youth to address issues they identified, including addiction, sexual diversity, and mental health.

Mitchell-Bennett reflected on her experience as a promotore: “It was such a privilege to learn from the youth and dynamic staff of Tan Ux'il. Youth traveled from all over the region to participate, some riding a bus four hours each way. These young people have so much insight to share about their families and communities. They face many obstacles but are committed to sharing what they learn with their peers and improving their rural communities. Guatemala is a beautiful country that shares some of the same challenges we do here on the Texas-Mexico border, and I look forward to fostering connections and exchange in the future. I’m grateful to the Houston Global Health Collaborative for supporting my travel to El Petén.”