We’re talking with Elena Wason, the Executive Director of Natün, an organization dedicated to empowering rural families in Guatemala through education, health, and community development.

Natün is a majority Maya-led organization that partners closely with Indigenous communities. By centering local leadership and expertise, the organization ensures that programs are tailored to community needs and cultural contexts.

Elena shares insights into Natün's unique approach to fostering sustainable change while respecting and integrating cultural traditions.

We also explore the challenges of balancing addressing machismo and promoting female empowerment and how Natün’s work creates a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve.

Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natunguatemala.org/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natunguatemala/
• Website: https://natunguatemala.org/

Today, we’re talking with Isa LaPorte, the Chief Executive Officer of ConnectED, an organization focused on empowering education and future community leaders in Latin America through mentorship, skills development, and community building.

Isa shares the vision behind ConnectED Fellows and its mission to create opportunities for youth to thrive and lead in their communities. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, the challenges young leaders face, and how ConnectED Fellows is fostering a new generation of changemakers in Latin America.

Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectEDFellows
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connected-fellows
• Website: https://connectedfellows.org/

In this episode, we chat with Elizabeth Clandos, the founder of OlaFiltro, who is bringing potable water to rural communities in Latin America and the Caribbean with affordable, high-tech, low-maintenance filters.

We explore the difficulties plaguing access to drinkable water in this region, the importance of working with the community to perfect your product, and why keeping a positive outlook on the world is okay.

Key Highlights:

• The challenges and importance of safe drinking water in rural communities and easily approachable solutions
• Why affordable pricing is essential for lasting, sustainable impact
• Working with rural communities and meeting them where they are at
• Why the OlaFiltro solution is so effective.

Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olafilter/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethclandos/

We have an enlightening conversation with Ellie Lawrence from Green Mama Compost, exploring the benefits of compost for improved agricultural health, community development, and more.

She also discusses the long-term impacts of inadequate waste management infrastructure and how it affects our communities. Discover the benefits of nutrient-dense compost mulch, and how it can revitalize local ecosystems and promote sustainable practices.

Key Highlights:

• The challenges posed by poor waste management systems
• How composting can transform waste into valuable resources
• The environmental and community benefits of nutrient-dense compost mulch
• Practical tips for individuals and communities to improve waste management

• Website: https://www.greenmamacompost.com/
• Composting Resources: https://www.greenmamacompost.com/recursos
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorlawrencemph/

Join us for an insightful conversation with Will Harris from Working Capital for Community Needs (WCCN). In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of microfinance and its profound impact on rural communities throughout Latin America.

Will shares his expertise on respecting cultural nuances and the importance of meeting communities where they are. Discover the long-term benefits of empowering individuals through acknowledgment, understanding, and financial support and how WCCN makes a difference.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding microfinance and its role in community development
• The significance of cultural respect in financial initiatives
• Real-life examples of community impact and success stories
• Strategies for sustainable, long-term benefits in microfinance

Links:

• Website: WCCN: https://www.wccn.org/
• Impact Report: https://www.wccn.org/_files/ugd/0791f1_fcf9836e8c5649ed87dec6b5e28ba76c.pdf
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-harris-79a91a/
• El Salvador study trip: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/7-day-wccn-study-trip-el-salvador-naturally-smart-travel-03515698

In this episode, we chat with Michelle Berkowitz from Cinco Azul, an innovative online organic supermarket dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized producers.

Not only do we explore the need for increasing regenerative farming practices, but Michelle also highlights the numerous benefits of supporting local producers, and how Cinco Azul is bridging the gap between them and larger markets.

Key Highlights:

• Insights into sustainable agricultural practices
• Addressing misconceptions about organic produce
• The importance of supporting local economies
• How Cinco Azul is transforming the market landscape for small producers

Links:

• Website: https://www.cincoazul.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleberkowitzsultan/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cincoazulgt/?hl=en