Born: 1959-01-09
Occupation: Indigenous Activist, Nobel Laureate
Biography: Rigoberta Menchú is a K’iche’ Maya woman from Guatemala who became internationally known for her advocacy for the rights of indigenous peoples. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 for her efforts to promote social justice and human rights.
Born: 1899-10-19
Occupation: Writer, Poet, Diplomat
Biography: Miguel Ángel Asturias was a Guatemalan novelist and poet, and a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967. His work often explored themes of social justice and indigenous rights, making significant contributions to Latin American literature.
Born: 1904-09-10
Occupation: Politician, Former President of Guatemala
Biography: Juan José Arévalo was the first democratically elected President of Guatemala (1945-1951). Known for his progressive policies, he promoted education, labor rights, and social reforms that helped modernize Guatemala.
Born: 1891-12-02
Occupation: Artist, Painter
Biography: Carlos Mérida was a Guatemalan-born painter who became known for his modernist works that merged European art movements with Latin American indigenous themes. His art remains influential in the development of modern art in the region.
Born: 1966-11-28
Occupation: Politician, Businessman
Biography: Manuel Baldizón is a prominent Guatemalan politician and businessman. He was a candidate for the presidency in 2011 and 2015, representing the Libertad Democrática Renovada (LIDER) party, and he has been involved in various political and legal controversies.
Born: 1979-03-09
Occupation: Actor
Biography: Óscar Isaac is a renowned Guatemalan-American actor known for his roles in movies such as "Inside Llewyn Davis," "Ex Machina," and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." He has gained international acclaim for his versatility and performances.
Born: 1961-11-28
Occupation: Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Biography: Alfonso Cuarón is a celebrated filmmaker born in Mexico but with strong ties to Guatemala. Known for films like "Gravity" and "Roma," he has won multiple Academy Awards and is recognized for his innovative storytelling.
Born: 1926-06-16
Occupation: Military Officer, Former President of Guatemala
Biography: Efraín Ríos Montt was a military officer who served as the de facto President of Guatemala from 1982 to 1983 during a period marked by civil war. He was later convicted for genocide and crimes against humanity related to his role during the conflict.
Born: 1958-12-18
Occupation: Politician, Academic
Biography: Bernardo Arévalo is a Guatemalan politician and academic, known for his work in anthropology and as the current President of Guatemala. He has been a proponent of human rights, social justice, and anti-corruption efforts in his political career.
Born: 1978-08-19
Occupation: Computer Scientist, Entrepreneur
Biography: Luis von Ahn is a Guatemalan computer scientist and entrepreneur, best known for his work on CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA, which revolutionized the way the internet verifies human users. He is also the founder of Duolingo, a popular language-learning platform.