my story

I remember listening to a student speak about social enterprise companies for the first time during my junior year in college. She described how one company was working with global artisans to create jobs by connecting them to international markets and ensuring they are working in safe environments. This sparked a passion and a new understanding of business.

I have 13+ years in working for corporations and start-ups focused on advertising sales, marketing, digital consulting and project management.  Although, something has always been missing and I knew I had to redirect my work towards the spark I discovered in college. In 2017 took time to volunteer for organizations and companies that are already taking steps to create a better world.

After years of building an itinerary and researching organizations, I created what I call a #travelwithpurpose adventure. I worked with Blue Ventures, an awarded non-profit doing marine conservation and community development along with Moving Worlds, an organization matching workers with international companies creating social impact. I took the first leap to shift my career.

First stop, East Timor and volunteering with Blue Ventures. For those of you who are not familiar with the country, East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is one of the newest nations in the world. It was a Portuguese colony and was only independent for 10 days before the Indonesian government invaded and killed 25% of the population under a 24-year occupation. Finally, on May 20, 2002, the country became independent again.

I spent part of my 2017 summer on Atauro Island, an island off the coast of Dili the Capital of East Timor. I was diving twice a day to explore what has been called the most biodiverse waters on earth. I was lucky to be able to see the incredible coral, especially since in many parts of the world it is endangered or already dead. I learned first-hand the importance of the reefs along with protecting them in order to continue to provide food and jobs for the current villagers and future generations.  

Throughout my experience, my heart was drawn towards the community. I became involved with learning about the NGO’s, eco-tourism, and what the villages needed in order to evolve. After asking a local he stated the basics; clean water, better roads, and electricity. My time there was an awakening experience for me and I left wanting to contribute more. I have not stopped thinking of how to implement better opportunities for the people and create awareness of the island in the Indian Ocean.

 My next stop landed me in Guatemala City, Guatemala working with Meso Goods. I was able to discover Meso Goods through Moving Worlds.  Meso is an ethically made home décor and accessory company inspired by the Social Design Movement. Since 2009 the co-founders, Diego & Gonzalo, have created modern designed products that are made by artisans of Latin America. By connecting these pieces to international markets Meso is able to create jobs for the artisans, specifically women. 

During my experience in Guatemala, I was able to visit Momostenango, a small village known for their looming techniques. I met Luis, the artisan team leader in the village.  He showed me the development of his home and how working with Meso has changed his life. Meso is working towards creating a workshop for the villagers in order to collaborate and learn new designs together.

Meso gave me the opportunity to further understand international markets and the direct impact of the business. I learned so much from the entire team. Together we created a more focused mission, consistency throughout the brand, grew digital profits, and increased US audience reach. I am so lucky to have worked with the talented team including co-founders, Diego & Gonzalo. They are impacting this world through business, sustainability, and design. 

Throughout my time in Guatemala I was also introduced to the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project.  The mission is to inspire the community of Santa Catarina Palopo through painting over 800 homes in order to create a sense of belonging, community pride, and involvement.  It has helped rejuvenate not only this specific town overlooking Lake Atitlan, but also future towns as it continues grow and help establish eco-tourism. I was able to volunteer and paint a local woman business owner’s shop.  She seemed ecstatic about being a part of the artistic movement and it gave her along with her daughter a positive outlook.

This #travelwithpurpose adventure brought so many new opportunities. I feel honored to have met the villagers on Atauro Island, the volunteers and employees of Blue Ventures, the Moving Worlds impact teams, the entire Meso team along with artisans whose lives have been transformed, and participate in the inspirational Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project. I am now building and fostering my passion through meeting with business leaders, volunteering, and researching companies creating a difference (see Social Impact Inspiration tab).

The future of global impact depends on businesses to identify new models that give back through sustainable solutions. It is important today to collaborate with non-profits, create innovative changes to supply chains, rebuild communities, and so much more. When a social enterprise profits, society also profits.

I believe that by transforming businesses to create social and environmental change we can establish more communities with equal platforms. 

Please check out my What’s Next tab to learn more about opportunities I am interested in.