Local Women Breaking Paradigms 👊

In honor of the upcoming International Women's Day on March 8th, we are celebrating some extraordinary accomplishments of women in Santa Cruz. In a context where gender-based discrimination is still widespread, we honor women who work hard for their right to achieve academic and professional success,

Meet the Aspiring First Bank Owner in Santa Cruz

Her name is Paulina Raquel, and she is on track to become only the second student in Santa Cruz to study for a Master's Degree.

Paulina comes from a family of four, and was the first to continue past a 6th grade education. While her mother never learned to read and write, she has been a strong role model for Paulina as she taught her that if things are worth doing, they are worth doing right. That was her motivation to excel at her higher education studies!

"I love learning the management tools to be able to make something, like a company or NGO, work well. I am currently working as the Wholesale Representative in the Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store, and my desire is to combine this experience with my studies to one day start my own business. I want to be the owner of the first bank in Santa Cruz! I want my people to have access to economic resources and for Santa Cruz to be self-sufficient."

Paulina has been a star in Amigos programs for many years - first as a High School Scholarship Student, then an Intern in the 2017 Youth Corps, and later as a University and then Master's Program Scholarship Student. During this time she also mastered the English language to further improve her professional skills.

Paulina dreams big and works hard. With the right tools and opportunities, we are sure that Paulina will achieve those dreams and serve as a powerful role model for future generations of hard working young women from Santa Cruz!

Can you support more scholarships for girls like Paulina?

Meet Salomé, Proud Business Owner

"I started to be part of the Amigos' Women's Empowerment Program out of necessity. I used to work as a cook but because of the pandemic I was laid off and since I was the only one supporting my mother and sister financially, it was necessary for me to start working. Two years later I have become the President of the business and it makes me very proud! It's funny but at the beginning, I didn't like be close to chickens. But with time I started to love them, I take care of them and they take care of me and my family."

María Salomé Chumil Rafael

President of the Organic Egg Farm in Jaibalito

Salomé and 45 other women are now business owners supported by Amigos' Women's Empowerment program. The program provides seed capital and technical support to help women start their own business. Salomé is a strong example of the leadership and initiative that this program seeks to inspire in women, many of whom are earning an income outside of the home for the very first time.

Salomé remains committed to this venture and already has plans for the future. Having a farm that she creates from scratch is the next step, thus earning more money to support her family and especially her mother who suffers from health problems. Salomé already has the name of her next business, "La Elegida", which means "the chosen one" in English.

"Just as I was chosen to participate in this egg farm business, so will I choose how to manage my business and my life."

Can you support women-owned businesses in Santa Cruz?

Consider becoming a monthly donor

to invest in women's empowerment.

$25 a month supports empowerment workshops (such as self-esteem and leaderships) for a group of 5 women.

$50 a month supports one girl's high school scholarship.

$100 a month allows a young women to attend university, or provides monthly technical support to help a women-owned businesses succeed.

Donate Now to Support Women's Empowerment in Santa Cruz