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30sep

September Empowerment Report

Mercado Stories

The empowerment report. September 24 edition

Celebrating Culture and Empowerment: Mercado Global at the 37th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards

Ruth at the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Awards

It was an honor to advocate for our partner artisans, showcasing their craftsmanship and stories. This moment reflects the power of community and our impact. Thank you to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation for their support in empowering our artisans.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mercado Global was honored to be featured at the 37th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards at the John F. Kennedy Center. Our Fall 2024 Metamorphosis collection was showcased alongside renowned designers like Carolina Herrera.

We also gifted handwoven pieces crafted by our partner artisans to honorees including Rea Ann Silva, Carmelo Anthony, and Los Ángeles Azules, reflecting the artisans' cultural heritage and craftsmanship. This recognition highlights Mercado Global's mission to empower Latin American artisans toward financial independence and brighter futures for their families.

HSBC Climate Week Panel: A Platform for Sustainable Change

On September 26th, Mercado Global had the honor of participating in HSBC's exclusive Climate Week panel in New York City. Our Founder and Executive Director, Ruth Alvarez-DeGolia, captivated the audience by sharing our 20-year journey, highlighting how sustainability has been central to empowering women artisans and fostering impactful partnerships with leading global brands.

This event was an invaluable opportunity to advocate for our artisans' work on a prominent stage alongside key industry leaders, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable fashion and social impact.

Broadening Access: Enhanced Business Development Program for Partner Artisans

At Mercado Global, we're dedicated to transforming lives through education and market access. In partnership with VISA, we've enhanced our entrepreneurship curriculum to include interactive workshops, business planning tools, and financial strategies, empowering partner artisans to thrive and increase income opportunities.

We've also introduced a new external technical trainer to refine sewing skills, helping artisans improve efficiency and product quality. By integrating these new skills into their work, artisans are now better equipped to grow their own businesses and lead their communities toward sustainable growth and financial independence.

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Leadership and Teamwork: Presidents' Meeting

On September 17th, Mercado Global held a leadership meeting for presidents of partner artisan cooperatives as part of the Community-Based Education program. The session focused on enhancing leadership and teamwork skills to help artisans drive success in their communities and guide their cooperatives toward financial independence and sustainable growth.

You can support these leaders by donating to Mercado Global, helping provide the training and resources that empower artisans to build brighter futures for their families.

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Fall 2024 Handbags on sale at Mercado Global

Ingrid Chiroy joined Mercado Global nearly five years ago and, after completing the skill-building program, became a technical sewing trainer. In her current role, she helps women in her community improve their sewing abilities, expanding Mercado Global's impact. Proud of her work, Ingrid shares her favorite piece from the new Metamorphosis FW24 collection—the Flora Structured Tote Bag.

Flora Petite Tote. “This bag is my favorite because of its elegance. I love the details and the combination of woven colors, and that it’s the result of women artisans working together.”

EXPLORE THE COLLECTION