The ACAM Council is responsible for setting goals, staffing and overseeing the ACAM Center and assisting in implementation of programs in Guatemala
Guadalupe Aguilar, acam director’s council president
Hi, I am Guadalupe and I am ACAM´S council president.
I began my studies at ACAM in December 2019 at 40 years old. Having decided when I was young that I wanted to work with and take care of people, I went to school and graduated from a pre-licensure medical sciences program with the plan to be a doctor. My family supported my education, unlike many women in my community of Concepcion Chiquirichapa.
I learned to drive to the capital in order to go to medical school, but I didn’t pass the entrance exam. Because of this, I started working as a nurse, and I opened a small pharmacy.
But with my skills, I continued to feel the need to help more people. I began treating patients in my home until my neighbor, Magdalena, another ACAM midwife, invited me to join ACAM. With this opportunity, I found my way to care for others within my own community without having to travel.
It was hard at first because I had a big adjustment transitioning from general medicine to maternity, but I no longer feel scared of birth. I identify strongly with others, I feel empathy with my community when they are ill or in pain, and I feel best when I can help. I consider myself a life-long learner, and I appreciate that there is always more for us at ACAM to learn through the training and workshops that MMI makes possible with the help of donations. I look forward to a long career at the Center.
Santos Lopez, ACAm director’s council vice president
Hi, My name is Santos Lopez and I´m the new council vice president of ACAM.
I have been a midwife for almost 50 years and have been with ACAM since its inception.
When my mother was pregnant, my aunt attended the births. It was my mother’s intention to repay the favor in kind, but, unfortunately, my mother died when I was in my early 20s.
When my aunt was pregnant with my cousin, the responsibility fell to me. She called me when she went into labor. When I felt my aunt’s forehead, I just knew, and I announced “the baby is ready.” Word spread in the village, and other neighbors began calling me to attend them in their deliveries.
I never attended school, never learned to read or write, and was married with three children of my own. However, my father, who had had some medical education, instructed my husband that he was to allow me to work as a midwife. I received 2 years of training through the Red Cross, carrying my youngest child to clinical practice on my back. I eventually met a midwife from an ACAM founder, who taught me more specific midwifery hand skills and invited me to join the ACAM group.
Celia Romero, ACAM Director’s Council Treasurer
Hi, I am Celia Romero Lopez and I am ACAM’s touncil treasurer.
I have been an ACAM midwife for 12 years. At the age of 17, I was the youngest midwife in ACAM history to earn the Ministry of Health certification in midwifery.
My first experience with midwifery was watching my mother, Santos, an original ACAM founder, taking care of women in our community. I grew up playing doctor, hoping to one day attend medical school. Unfortunately, I was one of 5 children, and my family couldn’t afford University expenses.
Thanks to MMI, I was given a scholarship. While continuing to work at the birth center, I also participated in a 3-year nursing program with the local university. I want to continue my important and fulfilling work as a midwife, and I am already thinking about how else I will incorporate my nurse identity into my future career choices.
Lucia tomasa lopez, acam director’s council secretary
Hi, my name is Tomasa Lucia Lopez, and I serve as Secretary for the ACAM Director’s Council.
Since I was very young, I was interested in healthcare. I supported my mother through chronic illness because we didn't have access to professional medical care, and I started working at a clinic providing alternative medicines at 14 years old. I hoped to one day study medicine, but I didn't have the resources.
It wasn't until 2008 that I had the opportunity to attend ACAM's midwife apprenticeship program. After finishing, however, I was called to tend to my family full time. Then, after the birth of my fourth child, my spiritual guide came to me in a dream and told me to return to midwifery.
Ofelia Hernández, acam director’s council vocal
Hi, my name is Ofelia Hernández and I am ACAM’s council vocal.
Since I can remember, I have always liked to take care of others, especially little children. My first contact with a midwife was with my aunt. She taught me the basics of being a midwife. I remember I had to learn in secret because my father didn't like the idea of me learning how to be a midwife from a young age.
It wasn't until I was a teenager that I had my first independent birth experience. My sister-in-law was going to have a baby. Without equipment and without much knowledge, I received my nephew. That day I fell in love with being a midwife. My father gave me permission to start my training, so I trained for a year at a Mam clinic to become a midwife and a health promoter. After that, I was told about ACAM. Since its opening, I have worked to support this initiative that I have seen grow over time.
