About Sheba
Mayan Born
Sheba Velasco is an Ixil interpreter and Mayan weaver from the highlands of Guatemala. She has become an ambassador of Mayan culture, peace, and tourism.
Born in Nebaj, Guatemala, Sheba learned to weave from her grandmother when she was seven years old. By nine, she was guiding tourists and selling weavings in her village. At the age of 11, she traveled to Antigua, Guatemala to sell her village’s weavings.
At age 14, she was invited to come to the United States, and began to travel, visiting schools, universities, and museums to give presentations and lectures about Mayan culture.
Sheba worked for 13 years at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in New York City and Washington, D.C.
In 2016, Sheba was appointed the International Ambassador for Tourism and Peace by the government of Guatemala. As an ambassador she travels around the world presenting at museums and conferences, and showcases villages for tourism.
Sheba has a passion for multicultural education, and has been recognized by the United Nations, the U.S. Congress, and the government of Guatemala for her commitment to teaching and promoting Mayan culture. In 2017 she received an award from Congress in Washington D.C.
In 2017 she also received the prestigious Global Citizen Award in Indigenous Diplomacy from the World Experiences Foundation.
In 2018 Sheba received a gold medal for Volunteer Service Work, given by the President of the United States.
In addition to her service as Ambassador of Tourism, she also serves as Ambassador of Environment and is a translator for the United States government.
