Our Leadership

Women artisans in some of the most impoverished communities in rural Latin America inspired Yale students to found Mercado Global in 2004. The journey from a Yale dorm room to the cover of Newsweek and a rising standard of living for rural artisans would not be possible without the hard work, partnership and creativity of many artisan leaders in Guatemala; talented designers; willing volunteers; savvy fashion executives; and far-sighted corporate leaders, among others. Our leadership includes:
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Board of Directors

Garrard Beeney, MG Board Chair and Partner at Sullivan and Cromwell
Rick DeGolia, Executive Director of CIMBAL, INC.
Ruth DeGolia, Executive Director at Mercado Global
Tracy King, Consultant
Karae Lisle, MG Board Secretary and CEO of Shelter Network
Thomas McDow, Professor at Ohio State University
Mark Swedlund, Partner at Firewood Marketing
Henry Webb, MG Treasurer and VP at Goldman Sachs

Senior Staff

Ruth DeGolia, Executive Director As Mercado Global’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ruth DeGolia has overseen Mercado Global’s growth from a small non-proft working with a dozen artisans in Guatemala’s highlands to its recognition as an innovator in social enterprise, partnering with hundreds of artisans and a number of major U.S. specialty retail chains and catalogs in the U.S.

Ruth  has been recognized for her role in founding and supporting a variety of programs and organizations related to international development and poverty alleviation.  She has also received honors for her academic work on the impact of globalization on political and economic development in Latin America, including the William H. Orrick prize at Yale University.  In May 2004, she was named among the “World’s Best Emerging Social Entrepreneurs” by the Echoing Green Foundation.  In July 2006, she was selected as one of the “15 People Who Make America Great” by Newsweek Magazine and was featured on the magazine’s cover along with Brad Pitt and Soledad O’Brien of CNN.

To view and download a list of Ruth’s speaking topics, please clickhere.

Delia Rosario Mendoza Mendoza, Guatemala Programs Director Delia Mendoza serves as general director for Mercado Global’s operations in Guatemala. She coordinates our production and artisan training teams, and also supervises funding of educational and community development projects in the regions where we work.

Delia comes to Mercado Global after serving nearly 6 years as Finance Director for Puentes de Amistad, one of the largest microcredit organizations operating in Guatemala. Delia holds the equivalent of an MBA from Guatemala’s Landivar University, and has an extensive background in community development work.

Milly Miranda, Sales and Merchandising Director Milly is responsible for new business development, account management, and product development, including coordinating our partnerships with product designers. Milly has over ten years experience working as an Account Executive for Better Contemporary apparel collections serving clients such as Barneys, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and other women’s specialty boutique retailers.

Vanessa Uhlig, Development Director Based out of our Guatemala office, Vanessa leads the Development team in securing support from individuals, corporations, and foundations who are passionate about Mercado Global’s mission. She joins Mercado Global after working on the Development team at the Exploratorium in San Francisco during their relocation campaign. Vanessa holds degrees in Critical Theory and Creative Writing from the University of California, Davis.

Ashley Putnam, Community Engagement Manager Based out of our Guatemala office, Ashley is responsible for managing communications with supporters, organizing Insight Trips, and coordinating Mercado Global events. Ashley also oversees recruitment for Mercado Global team members, including Fellow positions. Prior to working with Mercado Global, Ashley has over five years experience community organizing for political and non-profit organizations, including working with New York city government contracts and national political organizations. Ashley has a B.A. from Barnard College in Anthropology.

Nora Collins, Development Fellow Based out our Guatemala Office, Nora is responsible for e-communication, database management, and running Mercado Global’s Summer Internship Program. A recent graduate from Bates College, Nora holds a B.A. in Economics.

Caroline Zawadzki, Finance Director A Chartered Accountant from the big 5 accounting firms, Caroline serves as finance director of Mercado Global. She brings with her a diverse background in accounting, auditing and taxation for large and small enterprises.Rosa Maria Cuc Ben, Guatemala Accountant
Brenda Avery, Public Relations Director Brenda is responsible for developing and implementing Mercado Global’s public relations programs.  She brings over ten years of branding and communications experience working in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, having most recently worked in public relations for Dolce & Gabbana and Cartier. Prior to her work in luxury goods, Brenda served on several bi-partisan political campaigns as well as in the executive office of a former California Governor.Brenda is completing an M.S. in Strategic Communications from Columbia University and holds a B.A. in International Relations and Political Science from University of California, San Diego.  She also holds a Certificate in Fashion Studies from Parsons The New School for Design.Jenny Marzuk, U.S. Operations ManagerLidia Garcia, Jewelry Cooperatives Coordinator Lidia first worked with Mercado Global as a member of one of the organization’s partner jewelry cooperatives. Lidia now oversees the organization’s work with dozens of cooperatives in Guatemala, including providing technical and business trainings in communities across the highlands. Lidia is pursing a degree in Business Administration at Landivar University in Guatemala.

Lilian Xiquita, Textiles Cooperatives Coordinator

Barbara Quieju, Business Skills & Asset Development Program Coordinator

Andrea Lopez Ixtacuy, Guatemala Office Manager

We also wish to acknowledge the past contributions of our co-founder, Benita Singh, who served as Mercado Global’s Marketing Director from the organization’s inception until September 2006.