Guatemalan Villagers Take Control of Their Lives, Women Become Agents of Change
Maria Pacheco and the Wakami Dream
MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Guatemalan based Wakami has always dreamed of a sustainable quality of life for villagers recovering from war devastation. The Wakami dream is alive and well with more than 460 artisans and entrepreneurs in 20 villages impacting thousands of lives.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141212/164124
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141212/164125
"It's all about sustainability," shares Maria Pacheco, Wakami's CEO and cofounder, "Empowering women is a cornerstone to creating independence for families and communities. When men share the value of women in their homes and communities it changes everyone's lives in beautiful ways. Bracelets are the export and families don't migrate..." As a founder of the Vital Voices chapter in Guatemala, Maria evangelizes empowering women to create stronger families.
Pacheco began her journey as an environmental biologist with a Masters degree in biological agriculture from Cornell University 90'. Maria's work with post war Guatemalan families for agricultural and industry related projects grew to a need for sustainable income. The Wakami brand was born in 2006 as part of the dream of sustainable income and now sells fashion accessories in 24 countries. The income allows women villagers (and men) to be a part of a value chain that provides sustainability in very real ways. These women artisans and entrepreneurs don't just produce products; Wakami facilitates their ability to work together to pursue dreams for themselves and their families. Not a charity, but a model to create the sustainable relationships and skills needed to change lives. Maria's Cornell University presentation in Ithaca, NY on October 6th is an inspiring story.
"Connections bracelets are a way to connect with Wakami Artisans. In their blogs, Artisans Sandra Solares and Dona Maria Garcia tell stories of their beautiful and sometimes challenged lives. Dona Maria is planning an internet cafe business so women in her village do not have to travel 30 minutes to check email." points out Sarah Dillon, CEO of Dillon Performance Group, "Sandra started the first junior high school in her village and proudly watched her daughter graduate, and now has dreams of connecting Guatemalan children with the world. This is very much about empowering women for balanced quality of life."
Wakami bracelets are handcrafted and beautiful. They stand out over similar products with quality workmanship and a special positive energy that make them a joy to wear. Wakami products are messengers of the essence, culture and stories of Guatemalan women, their families and their communities. Wearing these bracelets empowers the person wearing them, as well as the women who designed and produced them.
WakamiConnections.com is a place to connect women and share empowerment dreams and stories. If you would like to support these women villagers and make their holiday a little more special, you can purchase holiday packaged gift bracelets by Dona Maria and Sandra. In some ways they are personal gifts from them to you. "Wakami's Gate", is a free online book sharing the Wakami vision in a beautifully illustrated book.
About Wakami: Established in 2006, Wakami has a mission to create income-generating opportunities that transform the lives of people in rural villages of Guatemala. Products are handcrafted by 460 artisans & owners. Wakami is B Corp certified as a socially conscious enterprise selling products in 24 countries. Wakami proudly partners with the Aspen Institute, FOMIN, the Inter-American Development Bank, Rotary International, Vital Voices, WeAmericas, and many other outstanding organizations.
Wakami Connections
308 Blake Rd. S.
Edina, MN 55343
Phone: 952-938-2246
Email
Contact: Sarah Dillon
Dillon Performance Group LLC
Brands that Empower
612-708-1060
Email
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SOURCE Wakami
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