GTAZ hosts Latin American women entrepreneurs

In April, Global Ties Arizona virtually hosted 20 women entrepreneurs from across Latin America as part of the U.S. State Department's WEAmericas Program for Women Entrepreneurs, a regional project for the Western Hemisphere.

As part of their visit, the group met with Thunderbird School of Global Management, where Cindy Yeager, Senior Director of Thunderbird for Good, shared a presentation about the DreamBuilder program. DreamBuilder provides courses and resources to women small business owners in emerging markets to develop the skills necessary to start and grow their businesses. The group also heard from two DreamBuilder program graduates: Rubi Ccapa Huareccallo, owner of Paradar in Perú (specializing in Artisan doll-making), and Lorena Lanzarini Espíndola, co-founder of Mi Bendición in Chile (specializing in pet art and decor). Additionally, the group engaged in a virtual home hospitality with Global Ties Arizona staff and young women business leaders of Phoenix where they shared stories, experiences, and smiles!

Said Joanna Prieto, Colombia, of her experience in the program: "It is an honor to represent my country and to connect with other leaders across the Americas. I am thankful to the U.S. State Department for their confidence in and support of Latin American women. It has been an incredible opportunity for growth and will continue opening doors for the empowerment of women in our region."