Our Journey of Growth and Transformation

MdC programs just keep getting better! As our organization continues to evolve, we've been intentional about adjusting and enhancing our programs to ensure they align with our mission and meet the evolving needs of our community with maximum impact.

Read below for inspirational stories of determination and advancement in the lives of the women that we serve!

A Look at Our Program



How It Started

Our women’s work program began as a way to teach women new skills, allowing them to earn extra money while their children attended our education programs. Little did we know then the incredible impact it would have on their lives and our community.



Women came together in our workshop and built community with one another. They reported that when they were together, they were not only less stressed, but that for a few moments, they could forget the weight of their responsibilities and troubles.



They shared life's struggles, bonded over shared experiences, and learned they had a lot in common. For example, one random thing they learned was not a single one of them had ever been to a movie theater.



One fun experience was a photo shoot where they modeled their own products.



Empowerment is the Goal



Our Evolution

While our women continue to make bags and embroidery for custom orders, they are also setting personal income goals and ways to improve their situations.

Angelica Garcia, who leads MdC's Women's Work Program, has been meeting with each woman to learn about their areas of interest and create a plan of action. For some, it is starting a business, and for others, it's continuing education.

Angelica works with the women to develop and flesh out their business plan. This helps them find classes that will help them learn the necessary skills needed to reach their goals. MdC provides up to $200 toward their dreams.

Earlier this year, Angelica taught a multi-week finance class to help women better understand how to set pricing, work with vendors, market their products, use technology, determine profit margins, and understand how to create a ledger.



Women worked hard to learn and focus and received extra attention where needed. None of the women have even attended high school before so this was all new learning!

Several women in our program have even joined the MdC team in different roles, in addition to their new venture.



MdC embroiderer Felicia joined the MdC kitchen staff!

MdC bag maker Gabi is now a lead cook in MdC's kitchen!

Empowering women through teaching and providing the tools and opportunities continues to transform the lives of many women in our community, helping them on their journey of escaping extreme poverty.



Your purchase in the MdC Artisan Store helps women escape poverty



Artisan Spotlight: Esmeralda's Journey



Esmeralda Velasco, a 25-year-old married mother of three, is a valued member of MdC's work program. Despite her home demands, Esmeralda dreams of one day completing her education and becoming a nurse.



However, Esmeralda realizes that at this stage, her main priority is to be present for her three young children, all under the age of six. Despite deferring her nursing ambitions, Esmeralda remains determined to explore her passion for baking, a skill she had long admired but never had the chance to develop.



Facing the challenge of starting her own cake business, Esmeralda turned to MdC for support. With help from MdC's childcare, business planning, classes, and mentoring, Esmeralda enrolled in baking and cake decorating classes. Generous donors provided Esmeralda with the necessary equipment, allowing her to learn, practice, and launch her business with confidence.



Esmeralda's dedication and hard work is paying off, as her pastry business has flourished! She has been able to support her family, save money, and even send financial assistance to her grandmother in Oaxaca. Today, Angelica supplies pastries to local businesses and is providing the community with delicious treats for special occasions or everyday indulgences. 



Although our program might look a little different, our main goal is the same: helping women like Esmeralda not only envision a brighter future for themselves, but giving them the tools to make it happen.

Shop our Products for Easter!



Celebrate Easter with a meaningful purchase this year! Our talented women have handcrafted beautiful baskets perfect for filling with Easter goodies.

Like Esmeralda, each bag supports our women's empowerment journey and helps create sustainable livelihoods. Spread joy and make a difference this year!

Sharing Makes A Difference



When you share our mission, you become a powerful advocate for those we serve, helping us spread awareness and engage more people in making a positive impact on the lives of those in our community.



Together, We Are Changing Lives