Sara Iris Garcia:

Name: Sara Iris Garcia Avila
Country: Guatemala
Age: 22
Language: Spanish, English

Relevant Experience:
• Volunteer Translator for TakingITGlobal (TIG, http://profiles.tigweb.org/montjoile)
• Collaborator for the Enrique Anamisi Research Center (http://cienriqueanamisi.wordpress.com)
• Volunteer for the Amigos de los Animales Association (www.amigosdelosanimales.org.gt)

Why do you want to serve on the Board?
Guatemala is a country that has a history of nearly 50 years of internal armed conflicts, time in which democracy was attacked and perpetuated in such a away that present generations are living in ignorance of it.

Democracy in Guatemala suffers deep wounds but not fatal ones, and gradually change will progress towards development. But for that to happen, people with vision and courage should rise, and with the help of WYMD I will be one of them.

What skills can you contribute to the leadership and objectives of the network?
My experience living in a country where democracy is under constant attack has led me to develop tolerance to respect others’ opinions as the right ones, the ability to establish a responsible and healthy dialogue, understanding to be able to determine the origin of actions and thoughts of people who live different realities, patience to wait for the change without despair, perseverance to not lose heart in the struggle for change, and determination to not stray from my goals.

What do you envision for the future of the WYMD?
The basis of democracy is knowledge, and as an undergraduate student in software engineering and frequent IT user, I strongly believe in the importance that the Internet and virtual communities have for the diffusion of information. This tool, when well-used, will be key for WYMD growth.

I see the WYMD as a portal to strengthen democracy for the countries of the world where young people lead the positive change in their communities with the tools provided by the WYMD platform.