Natün’s experiential learning program offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with Indigenous Maya communities in Guatemala, fostering cross-cultural partnerships and hands-on learning. We spoke with Lis David, a student of nutrition, dietetics, and public health, about her transformative experience visiting Natün and what she took away from the journey.
What inspired you to join a Natün experience trip?
“As a student of nutrition, dietetics, and public health, I was drawn to Natün’s experiential learning program to help build cross-cultural partnerships through community nutrition work. I was especially excited to apply my classroom knowledge under the supervision of local nutritionists, learn from Natün’s community-centered and Mayan-led model, and to further develop my own cultural humility.”
How did you first get connected to Natün?
“I visited Natün with Kansas State University through their Experiential Learning program with Guatemala. Professors Linda Yarrow and Kathleen Hoss bring students annually to participate in the program to strengthen our nutrition and dietetics skills in real-world settings, partnering with Natün and other local NGOs.”
Can you share a little about your experience during the trip? What moments or communities stood out to you?
“One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was co-writing a community cookbook using vegetables grown in family gardens supported by Natün. A moment that stood out to me was leading the cooking classes and hearing feedback from Natün’s staff. It was both fun and eye-opening to learn how our recipes could be adapted to better fit local preferences, especially for kids. It taught me that nutrition education isn’t just about what’s healthy, but about creating food that’s joyful, familiar, and culturally meaningful.”
What did you learn about Natün’s mission or the work happening in Maya communities?
“During my time in Guatemala, I saw how Natün values local Maya leadership and works alongside communities, not above them. Their approach to systems change is built on trust, partnership, and cultural respect. Rather than prescribing solutions, they lead through listening and collaboration, for example, in our department’s work with midwives, which reflects their mission to promote self-sufficiency and advance equity within Maya communities.”
Why do you believe it’s important to support Indigenous Maya communities in Guatemala?
“It’s important to support Indigenous Maya communities because they have long been left out of decisions impacting their health and well-being. Supporting Natün’s communities means respecting their sovereignty and right to lead their own solutions. As someone passionate about public health, I believe programs must be built on equity, which requires working in partnership with communities, supporting cultural preservation, and including community voices in creating change.”
Can you share a moment or story from the trip that really moved you or shifted your perspective?
“One moment that shifted my perspective was visiting María Graciela in the community of Peña Blanca. She welcomed us into her home and garden, where she showed us how she cooks on her wood-fired stove, grinds corn for masa and grows food for her family. With the support of Natün’s social worker, Olga, and nutritionist, Lucía, we were able to sit with María Graciela, listen and learn from her experience. That moment helped me understand what it truly means to be a guest and collaborator, someone who listens with humility and honors the knowledge already present in the community. It reminded me that local voices are not only valid, but vital in shaping decisions around food, culture, and health.”
In one sentence, what would you tell someone considering joining a Natün trip or supporting the organization?
“A Natün trip is about building global community, not barriers—listening, learning, and showing up with your skills in service of something greater than yourself.”
How has your experience with Natün influenced how you talk about or support causes you care about?
“I learned that it’s okay to reach out and ask for support, and that how you communicate really matters. With guidance from Natün’s communications and fundraising team, I had help to write materials that reflected the heart of the organization and was able to share their mission for outreach within my own community.”
What would you say to someone who wants to make a difference but doesn’t know where to start?
“Join an organization like Natün with the mindset of a guest and be willing to watch, listen, and learn. You’ll walk away with invaluable insight into NGO work, global health, and Indigenous-led leadership.”
Final Thoughts
Lis David’s journey with Natün is a powerful reminder of the impact that listening, partnership, and humility can have in community development. For students, professionals, or anyone looking to engage meaningfully in global health and Indigenous-led initiatives, Natün’s experiential trips offer a chance to learn, contribute, and grow in profound ways.
