In her home country of Mexico, Keila Ochoa Harris has been awarded Media Associates International’s Distinguished Trainer Award in recognition of her tireless efforts to raise up Christian writers serving the global Church.
Keila is deeply passionate about mentoring and inspiring others to write—and is herself a prolific author, with over 20 published books.
“Writing is my way of doing hesed, a Hebrew term that means showing unconditional love to others,” Keila said. “I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the countless brave and selfless publishers, editors and writers who have paved the way for Christian publications in Latin America.”
She started writing at the age of 18, when she first came into contact with MAI. She continued to write, receive coaching from MAI trainers, and in time served on the MAI international Board. She became an excellent trainer with a professional background in writing, editing and education.
“That’s a rare blend,” said outgoing MAI President John Maust, upon presenting Keila with the award at LittWorld 2024 in Puebla last week. “Someone who’s a writer, who can edit, and who is also a skilled teacher… She’s also very cross-culturally gifted.”
“Ever since you became a published writer, you have been equipping others in the ministry of the written word,” John said to Keila. “Your trainings in various world regions have inspired hundreds of writers to pursue excellence in their crafting of life-transforming Christian content, while modelling what you teach.”
In addition to webinars in Spanish and English, Keila has run face-to-face training workshops in Thailand, Lebanon and multiple LittWorld conferences—including two this year in Puebla, Keys to successful writer training and Creative strategies to promote reading.
Keila is also a founding member of the new MAI-América Latina regional Board. Alongside Patricia Cabral (Argentina) and Board Chair José Carlos Gutiérrez M. (Mexico), Keila will continue to help provide training for Christian writers and publishers in the region.
“Keila is an outstanding trainer and a dedicated Christian with a real passion for helping others,” José Carlos said. “She’s a talented and versatile writer, especially in children’s literature, teen topics, and women’s issues, and her hard work inspires everyone around her. This award truly reflects her amazing contributions. So well-deserved!”
In her article for LittWorld 2024’s magazine, Keila wrote, “Books still matter. The question is: are we providing the books that matter? Let us write, edit and publish valuable texts that reach our readers and communicate the endless hope of the gospel.”
