Silvia founded the Women with Power Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that empowers Honduran women and girls through education, leadership development, and peacebuilding programmes.
The Women with Power Foundation began in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools. Silvia realised that young people attending public schools in her community in Honduras were falling behind due to limited technological resources, such as electronic devices or connection to Wi-Fi. After successfully supplying students with used electronics, SIM cards, and minutes, she scaled her organisation to provide scholarships and additional programming in personal development, financial education, and entrepreneurship.
The nonprofit supported 180 women and girls through its educational programmes and 250 women and girls through personal development initiatives. Additionally, the Women with Power Foundation has trained 50 participants in technology and digital skills through introductory workshops. In 2026, the organisation is expanding its impact through two new programmes that will partner with technical and vocational schools to provide leadership development and professional skills training, estimated to reach 1,500 people. Silvia is also applying for funding to build libraries in two Garifuna villages, an Afro-Indigenous community that she belongs to.
After attending the 2024 Summit in Montréal, Silvia was able to connect with members of the U.S. Government agency working to end extreme poverty. Her participation in the USAID programme provided her with professional development opportunities, such as peer-to-peer sessions and mentorship by experts, over a one-year period.
“One Young World was an incredible opportunity, not only for me but to get our impact out there and get the word out about the Garfuna people in Honduras.”
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