News

Dear friends,

We’re excited to share a powerful new chapter in the story of Adelante Mujer.

For more than a decade, you’ve helped make it possible for women in Nicaragua to become doctors and serve their communities. Today, we invite you to witness the beginning of something equally transformative — our new program in Santa Apolonia, Guatemala.

Our latest video takes you into the heart of this rural community, where young women are answering the call to become nurses. With your support, they’re gaining access to the education and opportunity they need to bring healing where it’s needed most.

🎥 Watch the video now and see the impact you’re making in Guatemala:

Your generosity is changing lives — not just in one country, but across borders. Thank you for walking with us as we walk with them.

With deep gratitude,

When Dr. Marlene graduated from medical school in 2022 through the support of Adelante Mujer, she stepped into a calling that reaches far beyond exam rooms and hospital walls. She stepped into the heart of rural Nicaragua, where access to healthcare is scarce, resources are limited, and patients wait, often for weeks or months, for a doctor to arrive.

Marlene recently completed her internships serving some of the most vulnerable populations in the municipalities of Bonanca and Rosita, located along Nicaragua’s North Caribbean Coast. Her assignments took her deep into the Coco River region, where extreme poverty and hunger are daily realities for women and children. Many of the families she visited live in remote villages, accessible only by boat, horseback, or long hikes along rugged terrain.

During these months, Marlene worked with a humanitarian project funded by the U.S. Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, focusing on nutrition, maternal and child health, and preventive care. She spent her days traveling from home to home — weighing children, consulting with mothers, assessing malnutrition, and providing basic care and education where few healthcare providers ever go. In simple wooden homes and outdoor community gatherings, she offered not only medical expertise but compassion, dignity, and reassurance.

And now, with her MINSA license officially granted, Marlene is preparing to take her next step — seeking placement in a hospital where she can continue to grow professionally and serve even more patients. But her service has already begun. She is already making a difference. She is already fulfilling the mission of Adelante Mujer.

This is the impact of your generosity. Adelante Mujer is not simply about scholarships or degrees — it’s about equipping women like Marlene to serve where they are needed most. It’s about delivering healthcare to families who would otherwise go without. It’s about creating ripples of hope that reach far beyond a single graduate, touching entire communities.

Thank you for believing in this work. Thank you for walking alongside women like Dr. Marlene. Together, we are bringing healing, one patient, one village, and one doctor at a time.

Adelante, mujer. Forward, woman.

Because when a woman learns, a whole community rises.

At Adelante Mujer, we’ve seen it again and again: when a woman is given the opportunity to pursue higher education, she doesn’t rise alone — she lifts her family, her community, and often, an entire generation.

But despite their talent and drive, countless women in Nicaragua and Guatemala are locked out of education simply because they cannot afford it. Globally, women are less likely to complete higher education than men, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Latin America, only 1 in 10 rural girls completes secondary school — and far fewer reach a university classroom.

We are working to change that.

For more than a decade, Adelante Mujer has provided scholarships to women studying medicine in Nicaragua. In 2024, we expanded to Guatemala — because the need is urgent, and the impact is profound.

When you fund a woman’s higher education:

• Her income increases by up to 20% for every year of post-secondary schooling
• She is twice as likely to educate her daughters, breaking cycles of poverty
• She becomes a trusted health leader in her community, where doctors are scarce
• She gains the tools to advocate for justice, dignity, and human rights

“Because of Adelante Mujer, I’m not only studying to become a doctor — I’m showing my little sisters that they can too.”

Our students often walk miles to class. They study at night by cell phone light. They care for patients in clinics with too few resources and too many needs. And they do it all while carrying the hopes of their families and communities.

This is not charity — this is an investment. In women. In equity. In the future of healthcare in Central America.

Your support opens the door. Together, we walk with these women as they build a future we all believe in.

Adelante, mujer. Forward, woman.

There are places in the world that hold stories in their soil — places where hope is quietly growing, watered by the strength of women who rise every day to care, to serve, and to dream. Santa Apolonia, Guatemala, is one of those places.

Last week we had the profound honor of visiting our partner site in Santa Apolonia, where Adelante Mujer is now walking alongside a new generation of women pursuing nursing degrees. From the moment I arrived, I felt surrounded by warmth — in the laughter shared over meals, in the gentle strength of our students, and in the welcome extended by the incredible team at The Center.

These women are not just studying to become nurses. They are future healers for their communities. Many are the first in their families to attend school past the sixth grade. All of them are balancing the demands of rigorous study with the realities of rural life — fetching water, helping raise younger siblings, and traveling long distances to class. And still, they persist.

What struck me most is not just the resilience of these women, but the solidarity that surrounds them. Mothers, sisters, neighbors — they all show up. And now, so do we.

Adelante Mujer exists because we believe that when a woman learns, she lifts. She lifts her family. She lifts her community. And in doing so, she transforms the future. It’s been true in Nicaragua for over a decade, and now, we’re seeing the same powerful ripple beginning in Guatemala.

I left Santa Apolonia humbled and hopeful — not because the work is easy, but because it is shared. This is what it means to walk together. This is what it means to believe in women.

To those who support Adelante Mujer: your generosity is not abstract. It is woven into every heartbeat, every textbook, and every future patient these women will one day serve. Thank you to all who make this journey possible — donors, friends, and especially the women at the heart of it all.

More stories coming soon.

Adelante, always.

At Adelante Mujer, we believe that when a woman receives the tools she needs to learn and lead, her entire community benefits. This week, thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, we took a major step forward on that journey—we delivered the first 11 laptops to our students in Nicaragua!

These young women are not just students—they are future doctors working hard to serve their communities, many of which face significant healthcare shortages. Until now, many of them have shared limited access to computers, relied on borrowed devices, or completed their coursework on cell phones. Today, that changed.

For the first time, 11 of our students received brand new laptops—their very own. With these tools, they can now:
•    Participate more fully in classes and studies
•    Write research papers and access medical journals
•    Communicate with mentors and professors
•    Complete clinical assignments with greater ease
•    Study anywhere, anytime—with dignity and independence

As one student told us with a huge smile: “This isn’t just a computer—it’s a path to my future.”

The excitement was contagious. There was laughter, hugs, and even a few happy tears as each laptop was carefully unboxed. It was a powerful reminder that access to education isn’t just about tuition—it’s about resources, connection, and confidence.

We are so proud of these women and grateful to everyone who made this day possible.

But we still have work to do.

We currently have more students waiting for this same opportunity. More women studying to become medical professionals who still need laptops to support their education.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your donation makes a difference—this is it. These are the faces of your impact.

📦 A $450 donation can cover the cost of a student laptop.
📚 Every dollar helps us put technology into the hands of future healthcare providers.

Will you help us equip the next group of women?
➡️ https://www.womanadvance.com/donate/

Together, we’re walking with them—one step, one laptop, and one life-changing opportunity at a time.

Adelante Mujer—Forward, Woman. Always forward.

In Nicaragua, the start of the new school year means more than fresh notebooks and sharpened pencils. For the women supported by Adelante Mujer, it marks a bold step forward in a journey of transformation—not just for themselves, but for their families, their communities, and their country.

Education is a powerful force anywhere in the world, but in the developing world, its impact is nothing short of revolutionary. In Nicaragua, access to higher education—especially for women—is often limited by poverty, geography, or gender expectations. Yet, despite the barriers, our students persist. They dream big. They show up. And thanks to your support, they’re making those dreams a reality.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome a new cohort of future doctors, alongside many returning students who are continuing their medical education with unwavering dedication. These women are studying in a system that is academically rigorous and emotionally demanding, often while balancing jobs, family responsibilities, and the constant pressure of financial strain.

Adelante Mujer exists to stand in that gap—to provide the financial support, tools, and encouragement that empower women to continue their studies and complete their medical degrees. We believe that by investing in women’s education, especially in healthcare, we are not only changing individual lives—we’re strengthening entire communities.

This week, we’re highlighting one of our incredible third-year students, Adriana, working in a busy clinic that serves women and children. Her hands are steady, her voice is calm, and her heart is full of purpose. She’s a beautiful example of what it looks like when women are given the opportunity to care for other women.

In many parts of the world, women still lack access to basic feminine healthcare. Routine exams, prenatal care, safe childbirth, screenings for cancer and infections—these are often unavailable or unaffordable. And when cultural norms or lack of education prevent women from advocating for their own health, the risks multiply.

That’s why it is so powerful when a woman becomes a doctor in her own community. She understands the realities her patients face. She listens without judgment. She educates with empathy. And she provides care that is not only medically competent, but deeply compassionate.

When women care for other women, something extraordinary happens: dignity is restored, trust is built, and healing becomes a shared experience. Our students are not just learning medicine—they’re learning how to be agents of change in the most personal and profound way.

As this new school year begins, we invite you to celebrate these courageous women with us. Their journey is long and challenging, but with your support, they never walk it alone.

Adelante Mujer—Forward, Woman. Always forward.

Dear friends and supporters,

We’ve got a real great big problem….

As we reflect on the incredible support we received in 2024, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to you for helping us achieve a record-breaking year. Your generosity made a real difference, and we are so thankful for your belief in our mission. However, as the need continues to grow, we find ourselves facing a new challenge. This week, we completed 21 interviews for students entering our upcoming class, but we only have the capacity to welcome 12 students. The desire to provide these women with education and opportunities is stronger than ever, and your continued support is vital in helping us meet this growing demand.

Would you consider giving $100/month to support a women going through medical school in Nicaragua? You can set up a reoccurring payment monthly here. You’ll never have to think about your donation again. Or, would you consider giving a one time gift of $1100 or more?

Give online or mail donations to:
Adelante Mujer, Inc.
757 S. Main St. Suite 9
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Together, we can ensure that more women in Nicaragua are empowered to build brighter futures.

Please give generously!

Dear friends and supporters,

Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day reminds us of the transformative power of hope, justice, and equality. It’s a day to reflect on the profound legacy of a man who dedicated his life to fighting racial inequality and advocating for human dignity. Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community,” where everyone has access to justice and opportunity, transcends time and geography—resonating not only in the United States, but across the globe.

As we honor his memory and his fight for justice, we must also acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by millions of people around the world, particularly those living in poverty in Central America. The connection between Dr. King’s work and the need for global solidarity is clear: the fight for equality is not confined to any one country, and neither should our commitment to making the world a better place.

The Global Struggle Against Poverty and Inequality

Poverty is an issue that continues to affect countless communities worldwide, and it’s a struggle that often leaves women and children disproportionately impacted. Central America, with its history of economic instability, political unrest, and systemic inequality, is home to many who face the harsh realities of poverty every day. From rural farmers to urban migrants, the challenges are daunting, yet the solutions lie within our ability to empower these communities—especially women.

Dr. King taught us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” His words echo in the lives of women across Central America who, despite immense challenges, are working tirelessly to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. But to make a real difference, we must help them access the tools they need to break free from cycles of economic hardship, and education is the key.

The Power of Education: A Gateway to Empowerment

Education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer to those living in poverty. For women, especially in developing regions like Central America, it is a pathway not only to economic opportunity but also to freedom. Yet, access to higher education remains a luxury many cannot afford. Gender inequality, limited resources, and societal barriers make it even harder for young women to attend school and pursue careers.

By investing in women’s education, we invest in the entire community. Studies show that when women are educated, they are more likely to start businesses, improve the health and education of their children, and break generational cycles of poverty. Educated women are also more likely to challenge social norms that perpetuate inequality and create a ripple effect that can transform entire societies.

Dr. King’s dream of a world where every individual can live to their fullest potential is realized when we ensure that women and girls have access to the opportunities they deserve. This means not only offering financial support to those who want to pursue higher education but also providing mentorship, resources, and advocacy to dismantle the barriers that stand in their way.

Why We Must Act: Our Shared Responsibility

As we reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, we are reminded that the pursuit of justice is not a one-time event or an isolated cause—it is a continuous, collective effort. The fight for equality and opportunity knows no borders. While the challenges in Central America may seem distant, they are deeply connected to our shared human experience. Helping others, especially women, access education and resources, is a responsibility that transcends nationality.

Dr. King understood that real change happens when individuals and communities come together to fight for the common good. He believed that the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice—but only if we actively bend it. By standing in solidarity with the women of Central America, we honor his legacy and contribute to the creation of a more just and compassionate world.

This MLK Jr. Day, let’s turn our reflections into action. We can support organizations that provide scholarships and educational resources to women in Central America, advocate for policies that promote gender equality, and volunteer our time and expertise to empower those in need. Each small act of kindness contributes to the larger movement of justice and human dignity, and together, we can make Dr. King’s dream a reality—not just in the United States, but around the world.

A Call to Action: Empower, Educate, and Uplift

This MLK Day, let’s remember Dr. King’s words and the call to “help the weak become strong.” Our work is not done, and there is much to be done. We have the power to make a difference by supporting the education of women and girls in Central America, and in doing so, we can help break the chains of poverty that hold so many back. Through education, we can empower women to transform their own lives, the lives of their families, and their communities at large. And in doing so, we honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose dream of justice and equality for all is a vision that transcends borders, cultures, and time.

Let’s take this moment to turn our collective grief, hope, and remembrance into action—a global effort to lift others, empower women, and break the cycle of poverty. Because when we work together, we truly honor the vision of a more just and compassionate world.

Please give generously!