Since 2018, Vida Plena has been empowering women in the Dominican Republic to break the cycle of poverty It is yet another rainy and cold day in Boston and Yung Winata, Ale Eguren and I (MBAs ’22) open our laptops to connect to Zoom. On the screen, Josh Porter smiles while updating us on the sunny, warm weather of the Dominican Republic. Since September last year, we have been having these monthly meetings as part of a Consulting For Impact Club pro-bono consulting project. Porter started Vida Plena in 2018 as a ministry of 2nd Mile Missions, with a clear mission—empowering women in the Dominican Republic to break the cycle of poverty. They do so by “providing artisan trade training, micro-finance programs, adult literacy classes, and dignified employment in a safe, secure, and Christ-centered environment.” Since then, 101 women have completed classes, 19 micro-loans have been given, 25 women have been employed and 11,124 pieces of jewelry have been sold. This impact was achieved despite the Covid-19 crisis, which completely paused all tourism on the island.
We would like to share three learnings from this wonderful experience. First, when developing a strategy, always align it with your mission—Porter continued to emphasize during our meetings: “no matter what we decide, I need to be able to keep the women on the payroll.” Second, no impact is too small to try. Every pair of earrings sold directly helps empower women in the Dominican Republic. And they are so beautiful! Third, practice makes perfect. Winata, Eguren and I have multiplied by several factors our learnings from the classroom by putting them into practice. How can you help? Spread the word. Share Vida Plena’s website and follow them on Instagram. Buy the products that you like or make a donation to their mission. And if you are in the Dominican Republic in the future, visit them at the workshop and meet the wonderful women who are hard at work in elevating this community!
We would like to share three learnings from this wonderful experience. First, when developing a strategy, always align it with your mission—Porter continued to emphasize during our meetings: “no matter what we decide, I need to be able to keep the women on the payroll.” Second, no impact is too small to try. Every pair of earrings sold directly helps empower women in the Dominican Republic. And they are so beautiful! Third, practice makes perfect. Winata, Eguren and I have multiplied by several factors our learnings from the classroom by putting them into practice. How can you help? Spread the word. Share Vida Plena’s website and follow them on Instagram. Buy the products that you like or make a donation to their mission. And if you are in the Dominican Republic in the future, visit them at the workshop and meet the wonderful women who are hard at work in elevating this community!
We would like to share three learnings from this wonderful experience. First, when developing a strategy, always align it with your mission—Porter continued to emphasize during our meetings: “no matter what we decide, I need to be able to keep the women on the payroll.” Second, no impact is too small to try. Every pair of earrings sold directly helps empower women in the Dominican Republic. And they are so beautiful! Third, practice makes perfect. Winata, Eguren and I have multiplied by several factors our learnings from the classroom by putting them into practice. How can you help? Spread the word. Share Vida Plena’s website and follow them on Instagram. Buy the products that you like or make a donation to their mission. And if you are in the Dominican Republic in the future, visit them at the workshop and meet the wonderful women who are hard at work in elevating this community!
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