Leadership that Transforms from within the Community

In Las Tablas, a community in southern Ahuachapán where heat and closeness to nature are part of everyday life, Delmy Aracely Ruiz Vásquez has begun building a story of transformation that is inspiring other young people to believe in their ability to create change.

At 26 years old, Delmy describes herself as sociable, sensitive, and open to new experiences. But her connection to community work began long before that. As a child, she would accompany her grandfather to local activities and watch how small projects and reforestation efforts brought people together to improve their surroundings.

“Since I was little, I would go with him and see how he helped the community, how they brought projects and little trees for reforestation.”

Those experiences planted a sense of purpose that years later found direction when she first connected with SERES during her second year of high school. Encouraged by a friend, she joined an “Actívate” gathering in the community of El Maguey. She arrived curious, without imagining that the experience would mark the beginning of a journey of personal growth and community leadership.

Shortly afterward, she participated in Catalizadores, a process she now remembers as one of the most important moments of her life.

“Catalizadores was such a beautiful experience. It helped me find myself and understand what I wanted for my future.”

Throughout that process, Delmy discovered abilities she had not yet fully developed. Spaces such as the “Defense Plan” and “Voice and Diction” sessions helped her strengthen her confidence, recognize her potential, and begin imagining new possibilities for herself and for Las Tablas.

With SERES’ support, she was also able to continue her studies and advance in her personal and professional development. Later, as part of the Ambassadors Network and the community management internship program, she began taking on leadership responsibilities within her community, organizing activities and encouraging youth participation.

The journey, however, was not without challenges.

One of the greatest difficulties was encouraging people to get involved and helping them understand the purpose behind the community work being promoted.

“At first, it was difficult to get young people’s attention. Not many people showed up, and many did not understand what SERES was.”

At the same time, Delmy faced the challenge of taking on logistical and organizational responsibilities she had never handled before: learning digital tools, coordinating activities, and leading community processes.

But Delmy persevered.

With guidance, practice, and growing confidence in herself, she began to realize she was capable of far more than she had imagined.

“I’ve done things I never thought I would do for my community.”

Today, her vision for the future is deeply connected to the wellbeing of Las Tablas. She dreams of an organized, clean, green community with young people committed to social and environmental change.

Part of that dream is already becoming visible.

One of the achievements she is most proud of is the reduction of an illegal dumping site that affected the community for years.

“People have become more aware and avoid throwing trash in the streets. I see my community greener.”

Beyond environmental action, Delmy also hopes to inspire other young people who face contexts where educational and economic opportunities remain limited. In Las Tablas, many families depend on agriculture, and a large portion of the population has migrated to the United States, making access to higher education an ongoing challenge for local youth.

Faced with that reality, Delmy insists on the importance of believing in oneself and daring to take action.

“They should not be afraid of what others might say. Small change begins within ourselves, and we have great potential that we need to believe in and develop.”

Her story reflects the power of youth leadership when it is met with opportunity, support, and spaces to grow.

At SERES, Delmy represents a generation of young people who are not only dreaming of transforming their communities but are already taking concrete steps to make it possible.

Every activity she organizes, every young person she engages, and every environmental action she promotes are part of a deeper transformation: the building of more conscious, participatory, and resilient communities led by youth who have chosen to believe in their ability to change the world around them.