This fellowship is named in honor of María Oropeza, our Venezuelan activist who was forcibly disappeared by the Maduro regime on August 6th, 2024. Activists like María, from the LOLA network, are courageously fighting for liberty across the globe. We continue to demand her immediate release

What can you expect as a
Maria Oropeza Activism Fellow?

This Fellowship exists to empower Activists in LOLA. We’re committed to helping you become more effective, have a stronger presence, and ultimately, make a greater impact on the causes you’re passionate about.

Together, we can shape the future of activism for liberty.

Join us on this transformative journey and be part of our vision for a future where a network of effective activists strategically achieve change in favor of liberty around the globe through targeted advocacy, grassroots movements, and collaborative efforts across borders.

What Benefits Do Fellows Enjoy?

1 4
6 month
of training
1 5
One-On-One
Mentoring and tutoring
1 6
$500 stipend every
three months
1 7
Final trip for
in-person training
1 8
Personalized support
throughout the
entire program

What will you be trained in during the
Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship?

Group 214 min

The Modules

ph heartbeat min

Activism is the heartbeat of change

While the left has dominated the activism scene, there has been a void in training libertarian activists. This void is exactly what Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship aims to fill. Activism is the force that propels ideas into action, and without effective activists, the voice of liberty can be drowned out. The world urgently needs advocates who can champion individual freedom, limited government, and personal responsibility.

Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship - The Story Behind It

Who should apply for the Maria Oropeza Activism
Fellowship?

This opportunity is exclusive to LOLA Chapter Leaders or members

Candidates must be female activists who:

    • Have a minimum of one year of activism experience
    • Are from North America, Latin America, or Brazil
    • Speak fluent English
    • Activists who want to take their activism to the next level
    • Activists who are willing to commit 5-10 hours a week for 6 months to develop their skills

Meet our activists

Your Contribution, Our Impact

Support this Fellowship Today!

Meet Our Team

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Estela Martínez

Project Manager

Estela serves as the Project Manager for the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship. Known for her immense passion and background as an activist, Estela brings over 7 years of experience in International Organizations…

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Estela Martínez

Project Manager

Estela serves as the Project Manager for the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship. Known for her immense passion and background as an activist, Estela brings over 7 years of experience in International Organizations to her role. She merges passion, commitment, and experience, infusing her work with a sense of purpose and dedication.

With degrees in Political Science and Global Affairs, as well as a specialization in Public Policy, Estela is driven by a passion for impactful transformation based on measurable results. Her journey as an experienced advocate and change-maker began three years ago when she founded and served as the President of both LOLA Guatemala and Oleada Feminista, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to driving impactful initiatives in challenging times. Some of her notable skills include community building, and mobilizing people for specific causes effectively.

In her current position, Estela is dedicated to training effective libertarian activists worldwide. She is committed to ensuring that liberty activists gain more prominence in mainstream media, become more relevant, and create a greater impact worldwide.

estela@ladiesofliberty.org

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Nathaly Merida

Project Coordinator

Nathaly serves as the Project Coordinator for the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship. With a strong academic background in Political Science, specializing in Public Policy, She’s known for her organized…

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Nathaly Merida

Project Coordinator

Nathaly serves as the Project Coordinator for the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship. With a strong academic background in Political Science, specializing in Public Policy, She’s known for her organized and results-driven approach to work, skills she’s honed in previous projects.

Her commitment to the principles of freedom led her to establish the first LOLA chapter in Guatemala three years ago. During this period, she has developed essential skills and directed her efforts towards projects that promote women’s freedom. Her leadership experience, coupled with her logistical proficiency enabled her to take on her current role as LOLA’s Activism Fellowship Coordinator.

In her current position, Nathaly is dedicated to empowering libertarian activists worldwide. Her teamwork ethic and passion for producing a positive impact make her an exceptional leader in the freedom activism movement.

nathalym@ladiesofliberty.org 

Meet our partners in this Fellowship

Interested in becoming a Partner?

Contact Estela Martinez at estela@ladiesofliberty.org

frequently asked questions

What is the mission of the program?

Our mission is to train and empower female activists within the liberty movement.

What is the vision of the program?

Our vision is a world in which a global network of effective activists strategically propels and achieves a change in favor of liberty around the globe.

What are the goals of this program?

➔ Equip the Fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective activists.

➔ Foster a supportive environment where Fellows feel empowered in their advocacy efforts.

➔ Cultivate effective Fellows who actively contribute to achieving LOLA’s strategic objectives during the fellowship.

➔ Provide personalized support and resources to each fellow to ensure they can further develop professionally, personally, and as activists.

How will lessons and mentorships be imparted?

The program lasts for six months and will be conducted online. However, the culmination of the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship will be marked by a final retreat held in person at a carefully chosen location within the continent.

What sets the Maria Oropeza fellowship apart from other opportunities?

While other programs focus on giving general lessons to all of their fellows, at LOLA, we believe in tailoring our support to each individual.

We offer personalized mentorship, one-to-one tutoring sessions, and guidance in your specific area of activism. Additionally, our unique feature includes a session with a lawyer to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the legal aspects relevant to activism in your country.

In the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship, you will not just have access to experts; you will also have a dedicated tutor who will work tirelessly to accompany you, provide support, and help you thrive.

Moreover, as part of our commitment to intellectual growth, fellows get to participate in a libertarian book club. Lastly, we go the extra mile by covering all expenses for the final in-person training, making sure you have the resources you need to thrive.

What is the selection process?

Application process:

Applicants are required to complete an online application form, providing detailed information about their experience, motivations, and commitment to activism within the liberty movement. Additionally, they are asked to attach a cover letter explaining their specific interest in the program, outlining how they hope to benefit from it, and detailing the unique contributions they would bring to the table.

Interview:

After reviewing the received applications, a first filter is conducted to select candidates who best fit the program’s criteria. These candidates are notified and scheduled for an interview, which can be conducted remotely or in person, depending on availability and geographic location.

Second filter:

Following the interviews, a second filter is conducted to thoroughly assess the candidates and select those who demonstrate exceptional commitment, outstanding skills, passion, and potential to contribute significantly to the liberty movement. Candidates selected as new fellows of the program are officially notified and provided with additional information about the next steps.

This selection process is carried out rigorously and transparently, to identify and recruit the best candidates for the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship.

What are the Key Fellowship Dates?

Here are important dates to keep in mind.

Please note: all fellows must be available to attend the final retreat in full. ● Announcement of the Fellowship: June 26th.

● Applications open from June 28th to August 2nd, 2024.

● Notification of selected candidates advancing to phase two: August 10th, 2024

● Interview period for selected fellows who advanced to phase two of the selection process: August 18th to August 24th, 2024**

● Notification for final selected fellow: September 12th, 2024

● Fellowship 1st Cohort First Day: September 30th, 2024.

● Winter Break: December 16th to January 5th, 2025.

● Fellowship 1st Cohort Last Day: April 21st

*The notification for phase two entails communication from the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship staff regarding the selection of candidates to proceed to the second phase, along with scheduling interview times.

**During the interview period, all candidates selected for phase two will undergo interviews with our staff to determine the official fellows of the program.

Criteria Eligibility:

Applicants for the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship must belong to one of the following regions within the Americas: North America, Latin America, or Brazil. They must also be current LOLA Chapter Leaders or Members who are fluent in English, identify as activists, and possess at least 1 year of activism experience. There are no age restrictions for applicants.

Don’t see your region included? 

Our fellowship is only available in three regions as a starting point due to our limited resources. At LOLA, we are working hard to expand our training efforts and reach more regions in the future. Stay connected for updates and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or suggestions.

Questions
How much time will I need to commit?

You must commit 5 to 10 hours per week throughout the entire program.

Is this a paid fellowship?

During the program, each fellow will receive a stipend of $500 every three months. This stipend serves as an economic incentive for fellows to further enhance their professional profile. They can utilize it to pursue additional courses or certifications, acquire essential tools for their activism, or fund a project or initiative. The allocation of the stipend will be determined through discussions with the assigned tutor once fellows are enrolled in the program. 

I don’t feel confident enough with my English skills. Can I apply for the fellowship?

It's important to note that fluent English proficiency is a fundamental requirement for participation in our program. Throughout the various stages of the application process, including the interview, as well as during all program sessions, effective communication in English will be necessary.

However, we encourage you to view this requirement as an opportunity to work on your language skills and prepare for future applications. While it may be challenging, we firmly believe that this additional effort can open doors to exciting opportunities in the future.

Can I become a fellow if I am not part of LOLA?

Currently, the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship is only open to activists who are LOLA chapter leaders or members. You can apply to open a new chapter in your country/city or join one of our chapters here.

What equipment will fellows need to be part of the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship?

Each fellow must have a computer, laptop, or tablet with stable access to an internet signal for all activities of the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship. 

Do I have to be a certain age to apply?

No, the Maria Oropeza Activism Fellowship is open to any chapter leader or member who can meet all the requirements.

If I was born in a country outside the American continent, but I’m part of one chapter in this continent, can I apply for the fellowship?

Yes, we require that all our fellows be physically present and actively engage as advocates for liberty within this continent regularly.

If I was born in a country on the American continent, but now I live outside the continent and I’m part of another chapter of LOLA in another region. Can I apply for the fellowship?

No, we require that all our fellows be physically present and actively engage as advocates for liberty within this continent regularly.