Ruth Alvarez-Degolia
Professional Overview
Ruth Alvarez-Degolia is the Founder and Executive Director of Mercado Global, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering rural artisans in Latin America. With over 15 years of experience in social enterprise and fair trade, she is a recognized expert in sustainable community development and women's economic empowerment.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder and Executive Director of Mercado Global, Ms. Alvarez-Degolia is responsible for the strategic direction and operational management of the organization. Under her leadership, Mercado Global has grown to support over 500 artisans, predominantly women, in Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru, providing them with access to global markets and business training to improve their livelihoods. Ms. Alvarez-Degolia has been instrumental in forging partnerships with major retailers and fashion brands, expanding Mercado Global's reach and impact.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Mercado Global in 2004, Ms. Alvarez-Degolia worked as a consultant for various international development organizations, specializing in microfinance and social enterprise initiatives in Latin America. Her early career experience in the non-profit sector laid the foundation for her passion for sustainable community development and women's economic empowerment.
Academic Background
Ms. Alvarez-Degolia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Development Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Social enterprise and fair trade
- Sustainable community development
- Women's economic empowerment
- Global supply chain management
- Nonprofit leadership and operations
Professional Impact
Under Ms. Alvarez-Degolia's leadership, Mercado Global has become a recognized leader in the fair trade and sustainable fashion movements. The organization has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, and Fast Company, and has received several prestigious awards, such as the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year and the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
With her unwavering commitment to empowering marginalized communities and her visionary approach to sustainable development, Ruth Alvarez-Degolia has established Mercado Global as a transformative force in the global social enterprise landscape. As she continues to drive the organization's growth and impact, Ms. Alvarez-Degolia remains a passionate advocate for women's economic rights and a champion of inclusive, equitable business models.
