Meet Alisa Woofter | Social Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisa Woofter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisa, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Hailing from Imperial, Nebraska, a small town nestled just 30 minutes from Holyoke, Colorado, on the eastern plains, my upbringing was far removed from the realms of international travel and involvement in Latin America. However, I’m from a lineage of female entrepreneurs who operated dry goods stores across Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska, I was instilled with a spirit of independence and adventure from an early age. These remarkable women, who ran their own businesses and traversed the globe, imparted in me a curiosity for the world beyond our small town borders.

My mother played a significant role in nurturing this wanderlust within me. She encouraged us to embark on vacations and travel adventures, fostering a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness. It was during a three-week study abroad program to Peru during college that my passion for travel was truly ignited. I was captivated by Peru’s rich culture, landscapes, and weaving traditions.

After graduating, I joined the Peace Corps in Bolivia, embarking on a journey that would forever alter the course of my life. The experiences and connections forged during my time in Bolivia solidified my commitment to international development and cultural exchange.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the US Director of UPAVIM Crafts, an organization dedicated to bringing artisan goods to US markets. We primarily sell our artisan goods B2B to boutiques and online gift stores across the US but also run an online marketplace. I took on this role 5 years ago, but previously lead another fair trade enterprise.

UPAVIM Crafts is a social enterprise rooted in Guatemala City, Guatemala, operating as a women’s cooperative dedicated to artisan production, women’s empowerment and education. Benefits from the sale of artisan goods and fundraising have help create a K-6 Montessori school, day care, and other social programs in a challenged urban neighborhood.

As the US Director of Sales for UPAVIM, I play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the artisans in Guatemala and the market in the United States. My leadership and expertise drive the strategic direction of UPAVIM’s sales and marketing efforts, ensuring that the cooperative’s handmade products reach a wide audience.

My responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including managing the UPAVIM Crafts website and online retail presence, cultivating relationships with wholesale clients across the US, overseeing product design and importation processes, and nurturing connections with the UPAVIM women in Guatemala. My fluency in Spanish and my firsthand experience working with artisans in Latin America uniquely position me to navigate the complexities of international trade and cross-cultural communication.

Beyond sales and marketing, I am deeply committed to advancing UPAVIM’s social mission. I understand the importance of sharing the cooperative’s story and impact with customers, highlighting how each purchase contributes to empowering women, supporting education, and fostering community development in Guatemala. My role as the US Director of Sales is not just about generating revenue; it’s about leveraging commerce as a force for positive change.

In my position, I am deeply proud of being part of a transformative journey that has spanned over three decades, creating a transition from adversity to success in the lives of countless individuals in Guatemala. We’ve seen so many women who once faced insurmountable challenges break free from the cycle of poverty, gain economic independence, and become leaders within their communities.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of creating products that sell and are useful and then add a compelling social narrative. By emphasizing the impact of our work on empowering women, supporting education, and fostering community development, we’ve been able to differentiate ourselves in the market and attract customers who value ethical sourcing and social responsibility.

Additionally, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of local ownership and management in community-based initiatives like UPAVIM. Despite the inevitable setbacks and mistakes, the foundation of community support and buy-in has been instrumental in our success.

Moreover, maintaining a strong focus on financial management and accountability has been crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of our businesses. By continuously refining our accounting systems and monitoring our numbers, we are working to build a solid foundation for growth and impact.

I want the world to recognize the exemplary model of UPAVIM and its transformative impact. Just a few weeks ago, The Denver Post highlighted local Denver nonprofits’ efforts to reduce US migration from Guatemala. UPAVIM has been pioneering these initiatives for over three decades. In one of Guatemala City’s most perilous neighborhoods, where few organizations or businesses dare to tread, UPAVIM has established a multifaceted community development and women’s empowerment project. By intertwining income generation with education, they’ve fostered lasting change and hope for a better future. Through their tireless efforts, UPAVIM has not only deterred countless individuals from migrating but has also created thriving businesses and empowered communities. Their success stands as a beacon of possibility, showcasing how grassroots initiatives can effect profound and lasting change in even the most challenging environments.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Option 1 Itinerary: – Start by exploring Old Town Fort Collins, a charming area with historic buildings, boutiques, and eateries.
– Visit Nuance Chocolate for a delicious treat and indulge in some artisanal chocolates.
– Stop by Wear it Again Sam for unique vintage finds and eclectic shopping.
– Swing by The Kansas City Kitty to pick up a pair of UPAVIM earrings,
– Embark on a brewery tour or visit taprooms like O’Dell’s, New Belgium, and Horse & Dragon to sample some of Fort Collins’ renowned craft beers.
-Grab drinks or happy hour at The Social, a local, underground, cocktail bar in Old Town Fort Collins, CO. Ranked one of the best bars in the country by Yelp
– Enjoy some window shopping and leisurely strolls through Old Town, soaking in the historic ambiance and lively energy.

Option 2 Itinerary
– Start your day with a scenic bike ride through Fort Collins, starting from the west side and biking the Spring Creek Trail to the Poudre River Trail heading north.
– Along the way, make stops for ice cream or beer at local spots.
– End your bike ride in Old Town and unwind with a refreshing brew at New Belgium or O’Dell’s Brewery.

Option 3 Itinerary
– Lace up your hiking boots and head to Maxwell Trail for a hike with stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir.
– Alternatively, take a scenic drive along County Road 23, crossing over the dam for breathtaking vistas of the reservoir and Fort Collins.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to all the remarkable women I’ve had the privilege to work with in Latin America, particularly the inspiring women at UPAVIM. Their unwavering dedication, resilience, and determination to better their lives and the lives of their families have been a constant source of motivation and inspiration for me over the years. Despite facing significant challenges, their accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. It’s truly an honor to be surrounded by such incredible individuals who continually demonstrate the power of determination and community.”

Website: www.upavimcrafts.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upavimcrafts/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisawoofter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UpavimCrafts/

Image Credits
UPAVIM