Two Rhode Island Business Women Nourish The World
ALEX AND ANI Founder Carolyn Rafaelian and Edesia Nutrition Founder Navyn Salem Celebrate Charity Milestone
Jan 26, 2018, 10:14 ET
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ALEX AND ANI Founder Carolyn Rafaelian was honored Wednesday, January 24th by Edesia Founder and CEO Navyn Salem. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Rhode Island headquarters of Edesia — a non-profit food manufacturer on a mission to help prevent and treat malnutrition in the world's most vulnerable populations — to celebrate a major milestone in their charity partnership.
With a shared mission to give back, the two women joined forces in 2016 with the launch of the ALEX AND ANI Stellar Love Charm Bangle, designed especially for the non-profit with 20% of each bangle sale donated to Edesia, as part of the ALEX AND ANI CHARITY BY DESIGN program. In less than two years the funding generated by the charm has fully funded a new state-of-the-art packaging machine, affectionately named "Lucy" after Rafaelian's mother. "Lucy" has already increased Edesia's production of ready-to-use foods (RUFs) for malnourished populations by as much as 30 percent.
Raised in Rhode Island, both entrepreneurs are the epitome of limitless potential. ALEX AND ANI Founder Carolyn Rafaelian grew up in her father's manufacturing facility making jewelry and mastering a craft that would become a billion-dollar empire and philanthropic powerhouse. Through CHARITY BY DESIGN, Carolyn has donated more than $50 million to date to various partners that benefit health and wellness, our planet, our children, and empowerment initiatives.
"We are so appreciative that so many people fell in love with the Stellar Love charm's timeless message and its humanitarian purpose, and that ALEX AND ANI trusted us to invest this incredible donation where it was needed most. "Lucy" is already well on her way to help save lives of over half a million malnourished children every year, from now and for many years to come," said Salem of the partnership's impact.
Navyn Salem founded Edesia in 2009 after she felt called to help alleviate global malnutrition by expanding the reach of Plumpy'Nutâ, the ready-to-use therapeutic food that is often referred to as a "miracle in a packet" for how quickly it can save the life of a severely malnourished child. Edesia is currently the top international exporter in Rhode Island – having reached more than 6 million children in 50 countries with their full range of ready-to-use therapeutic and supplementary foods. Implementation of new state-of-the-art technology, such as "Lucy", has also had a positive impact on Edesia's workforce. Currently employing 70 individuals from over 20 countries, Edesia's production team, Salem explained, was trained on the new technologies, ensuring that no human was replaced by a robot.
"Every day is an opportunity to make a difference, and Navyn is doing just that through Edesia. It is a manifestation of the heart, and I can't think of a better partner for Lucy," Rafaelian said of Edesia's Founder.
Both women built their organizations from the ground up, instilled with the belief that they can empower the world, even from the smallest state. The impactful partnership of these two businesswomen is a true testament to women, mothers, and entrepreneurs everywhere.
About ALEX AND ANI
The ALEX AND ANI brand creates meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry and accessories to positively empower and connect humanity. Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder, CEO and Chief Creative Officer designs each piece. Carolyn believes that every individual has their own positive energy to share with the world. By incorporating powerful symbolism and personal meaning into each product, ALEX AND ANI provides a vehicle for consumers to express their individuality. ALEX AND ANI is committed to giving back to the world that we live in. The company is passionate about the wellbeing of our planet, our communities, and our individual paths. ALEX AND ANI uses recycled materials with eco-conscious processes and through their CHARITY BY DESIGN division, ALEX AND ANI positively impacts our planet and our communities. CHARITY BY DESIGN has strengthened non-profit organizations through innovative partnerships and collaborative experiences resulting in donations of $50 million. An Inc. 500 Company, ALEX AND ANI has retail stores in addition to retail partners worldwide. The company's World Headquarters is located in the greater Providence, Rhode Island area. Please visit www.alexandani.com for more information.
About Edesia
Edesia's mission is to help treat and prevent malnutrition in the world's most vulnerable populations. Each year millions of "miracle packets" of lifesaving ready-to-use therapeutic and supplementary foods leave Edesia's Rhode Island factory and are delivered into the hands of malnourished children all over the world by humanitarian aid workers working in the hardest-to-reach and most inhospitable places on the planet. To achieve its mission, Edesia proudly partners with USAID / USDA, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme, and others. For more information, please visit: www.edesianutrition.org
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