Bpeace has launched the Leaders Circle program, supported by the Prospera Latina Foundation, to empower Salvadoran women leaders who have previously participated in Bpeace initiatives.
Supplier diversity is a game-changer, fueling economic growth, innovation, and inclusion. For diverse-owned businesses—those led by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities—the
Mid-way through our first Food Maximizer program, our El Salvador Director shared unsettling news: Elena, a business owner deeply committed to her handcrafted bakery, was dropping out due to serious health issues. Like many women entrepreneurs, she couldn’t delegate her responsibilities, leaving her under immense pressure.
The roots of this partnership trace back a few years to when Karen Vander Linde, an executive at PwC and later at Merryck (now The ExCo Group), began sharing her expertise and skills with Bpeace, providing invaluable guidance to businesses in Guatemala and El Salvador.
Gladys Quintanilla discovered her passion for sewing at the tender age of six. Her first creations were outfits for her dolls, but she dreamed of one day sewing clothing for real children. In 1992, Gladys turned that dream into reality by founding Excellent Seams, a Salvadoran company that has grown to become a leader in the custom children’s clothing industry.
Ebony’s story epitomizes the transformative potential of strategic support and mentorship for women and intergenerational family businesses. “One of the most valuable insights we gained from Bpeace was learning how to make our money work for us,” Ebony explains.