THE
MERCADO
GLOBAL
TEAM

Board of Directors

Governance leaders providing fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, and organizational stewardship to ensure sustainable growth and mission fulfillment.

Jennifer Ali, Account Director, Juniper Square
Marta Bezoari, Board Chair, Executive Co-Head of Global Human Resources at PIMCO
Maria Geenen, Development Committee Chair
Melody Hart, Board Treasurer
Karae Lisle, CEO at InVision Network
Mark Swedlund, Marketing Consultant
Jacqueline Varela, Managing Director at KMPG

Board Committee Members

Specialized working groups of dedicated volunteers who provide focused expertise in finance, development, communications, and special projects to support informed decision-making and operational excellence.

Aimee Armsby, Attorney
Julia Kisla, CEO at The Lions Management
Denise Baca, Luxury Executive, Santoni
Stephanie Bakkum, Global Sustainability Consulting Director at Ogilvy
Mark Donatiello, Director at Chu Baldwin
Elisa Hay, EVP Sales and Operations at Patio 3 Group/ Allancia
Lucy Jackson, Founder & Chief Clarity Officer
Alison Long Poetsch, Fundraising Professional
Gustavo Marroquin, Audit Director at KPMG
Trisha Miller, Executive Managing Director at Redbrick
Claudia Montufar, Director of Omni Channel Experience at John Hardy
TJ Toce, Senior Vice President, Liverpool Los Angeles
Carla Vazquez Jones, Director of Communications
Hillary Roman, Managing Director at Ares Management
Vanessa Granados, Head of Alternative Investments for Latin America, J.P. Morgan
Lauren Brescia, Managing Director at Blackstone
Stacy Lamendola, Executive Director at W. P. Carey
Lisa Bannister, Omni Channel Strategist
Lexi Orozco, Manager at PwC
Susan McLaughlin, Community Outreach Leader
Kevin Rippon, Head of Marketing, Juniper Square
Pamela Seagle, VP Exclusive Entrepreneurship, Bank of America

Strategic Advisory Board

Accomplished leaders offering strategic counsel, opening doors to new partnerships, and providing expertise to accelerate our mission of empowering artisan entrepreneurs across the Americas.

José Antonio Ortega Carrero, Partner at Highspring
Michael Arkes, Founder at HHPLIFT
Sindy Benavides, Executive Director at I Aquí
Claudia Blanch, International Operations Manager at Fortescue Future Industries
Romit Dey, Partner at PwC Consulting
Kate Hogan, Chief Internal Auditor at Blackstone
Luciana Jabur, Founder of (Hand)Made to Market
Luis Morales Valle, Business Development Manager at KMPG
Amanda North, Founder, CEO at Plan C Advisors
Helen Onbright, CEO at MAP Marketing Research
Carmen Sanchez, Country Manager at Visa
Isabel Serra Paiz, CEO at Cygnus Funds
Jagtej Singh, Vice President t at Walmart Global Tech
Awinash Sinha, Vice President at VMware
Thy Tran, Vice President, Micron Technology
Miguel Zepeda, Managing Director at Brink
’Carrie DiLauro, Director, Operations Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners
Antonio Tijerino, CEO of Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Leadership

Ruth Álvarez-DeGolia

Executive Director

As Mercado Global's Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ruth Álvarez-DeGolia has overseen Mercado Global's growth from a small non-profit working with a dozen artisans in Guatemala's highlands to its recognition as an innovator in social enterprise, partnering with hundreds of artisans and a number of major international specialty retail chains and catalogs.

Ruth has been recognized for her role in founding and supporting a variety of programs and organizations related to international development and poverty alleviation. She has also received honors for her academic work on the impact of globalization on political and economic development in Latin America, including the William H. Orrick prize at Yale University. In May 2004, she was named among the “World’s Best Emerging Social Entrepreneurs” by the Echoing Green Foundation. In July 2006, she was selected as one of the “15 People Who Make America Great” by Newsweek magazine and was featured on the magazine’s cover along with Brad Pitt and Soledad O’Brien of CNN.

Lidia García

Guatemala Director

Lidia started working with Mercado Global on May 2007 as a member of one of the organization’s partner jewelry cooperatives. Now as Guatemala Director, Lidia oversees the organization’s work with dozens of cooperatives in Guatemala, including providing technical and business trainings in communities across the highlands. Through her work, Lidia is supporting women in similar communities as hers and has achieved what is denied to most women in Guatemala. Last year Lidia completed her undergraduate studies and earned a degree in Business Administration.

Maria Murphy

Executive Vice President Strategic Partnerships

Maria, a seasoned fashion industry executive, has held leadership roles at The Kasper Group, The Jones Group, and Tahari ASL. Twelve years ago, she founded Lei-Lei, a fair trade business empowering female artisans globally. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she joined Mercado Global in March 2022, combining her extensive sales expertise with her passion for ethical and sustainable fashion.

Becky Chrisman

Operations Director

Becky joined Mercado Global in April 2013. As Mercado Global's Operations Director, Becky leads the organization's operations and logistics across both the NYC and Guatemala offices. With a specialty in project management, she supports the sales, production and fundraising teams, while simultaneously running the HR department. Originally from Connecticut, Becky graduated from The College of Wooster and brings with her management experience in both retail and wholesale sales. She is passionate about ethical fashion, artisan craft and women's empowerment.

Para Soerensen Parris

Creative Director

A creative leader with a Master’s from Central Saint Martins and 17 year of experience in the fashion industry. Para integrates innovation, sustainability, and commerciality in her work. Previously, she was Design Director at VOZ, creating luxury collections in partnership with Chilean Mapuche artisans. Today, she focuses on empowering artisans and celebrating their art forms.

Development & Partnerships

Leslie Callejas

Senior Development Manager

Originally from Boston, MA, Leslie brings extensive experience in Guatemala’s nonprofit, startup, and education sectors, with expertise in project management, donor relations, and strategic communications. She holds a Master’s in International Relations and is deeply committed to advancing women’s empowerment—particularly by supporting Indigenous women in leadership roles and advocating for equal rights in the legal justice system. Fluent in English and Spanish, Leslie is passionate about expanding equitable access to health and education, and is proud to advance Mercado Global’s mission of empowering women and strengthening communities.

Kacki Bach

Development Operations Coordinator

Kacki brings over 15 years of international experience across Latin America in development, education, and project management. She has worked with organizations including Georgetown University, Kiva, the Peace Corps, and USAID, and spent six years in Oaxaca, Mexico, managing a volunteer program and serving as Studio Manager for a creative textile design studio. Originally from Tennessee, Kacki holds a B.A. in International Business and an M.A. in International Education. Now based in Antigua, Guatemala, she enjoys exploring local markets and textiles, reading, playing pickleball, and staying active in her daughter’s school community. She is passionate about sharing the incredible work of artisans and supporting women and families through sustainable, income-generating opportunities.

Design, Product & Marketing

Rina Padron

Designer

Rina is a designer from Ecuador who is passionate about fashion, textiles and working together with artisans to create products that reflect the beauty and meaning of their culture. Rina studied design at Parsons in NYC which allowed her to have direct contact with the fashion industry and worked for brands like DKNY. She also has worked with non profit organizations in her country and has always been an advocate for women empowerment and sustainable fashion.

Sophie Amar

Product Development Manager

Originally from France, Sophie holds a Master's Degree in Marketing & Strategy from Paris Dauphine University. She's deeply connected to Guatemalan culture and is dedicated to using her expertise in project management and business development to support local community growth. Sophie is passionate about women's empowerment, and strongly believes in Mercado Global’s mission to create a more equal society through economic independence.

Virginia Milanese

Assistant Designer

Originally from Italy, Virginia's background in International Cooperation and Local Development combined with a strong passion for craftsmanship led her to complete an internship at Mercado Global in our Guatemala office. Inspired by our goals to further sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry, she stayed on as our Assistant Designer where she now supports our design and production team across projects including trend forecasting, product development, and sustainability initiatives.

Ingrid Rendón

Marketing Manager

Ingrid is a designer from Mexico City committed to promoting artisanal work through narratives and designs that make a social impact. She earned her Master's in Visual Communication Design, writing a dissertation on collaborative work between designers and artisans, contextualizing it within broader societal, environmental, and respectful frameworks. Subsequently, she collaborated with a non-profit organization in Mexico dedicated to empowering artisans and ensuring fair employment in the supply chain. With her design and marketing expertise, coupled with her passion for artisan craft and social impact, Ingrid has found the perfect fit at Mercado Global.

Marcos Peñéñory

Creative Visual Designer and Ecommerce Manager

Marcos is from Córdoba, Argentina. He has worked for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, for several non-profts and cultural organizations. He has also taken some courses in sociology and is currently doing a Masters on Communications and Contemporary Culture. Travelling, he says, has made him appreciate the diversity of life: there are several ways to understand the world and each of us know just one. He believes design should not work just as a way to impose aesthetics, but to change the world and promote the well-being by all respecting the differences of others.

Programs: Community-Based Education

Karla Tobias

Community-Based Education Manager

Karla has a Bachelor's degree in Sustainable Tourism Management and a Master's in Community Counseling from the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala. With extensive experience in the development and implementation of community tourism projects, she is truly passionate about education and believes it can make a significant positive change. Karla promotes learning approaches that address the specific needs of each community and emphasizes that working together is essential to achieving a lasting impact in the country through community projects.

Hilda Elizabeth

Community-Based Education Training Facilitator

Hilda Elizabeth is from San Pedro La Laguna in Sololá, Guatemala. She is a Training Facilitator at Mercado Global since June 2018. She graduated as a Bilingual Education Teacher. She enjoys reading, and is passionate about her work supporting artisans through technical and educational activities.

Telma Manuela González y González

Production Manager

Originally from San Pedro la Laguna, Sololá, Maya Tz’utujil. She holds a degree in Educational Administration with a specialization in Quality Management from Mariano Gálvez University in Guatemala. She has experience in executing, managing, and leading programs in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, and community health with children, youth, and women. At Mercado Global, she has implemented a module on strengthening the numerical skills of artisans to improve the production process. Currently, she is a Weaving Training Facilitator, and she loves to accompany and be part of the process of economic empowerment of indigenous women. She plans to start a master's degree in project management to enhance her skills in every intervention space and continue contributing to society.

María Dina Suy Tulul

Community-Based Education Training Facilitator

Dina Suy, a young K'iche' Maya woman, has stood out for her commitment to the development of her community. As a Tourism student, she combines her passion for her culture with social entrepreneurship. Through her participation in organizations such as ENACTUS and Mercado Local en Mercado Global, she drives innovative projects that empower indigenous craftswomen and promote sustainable tourism. Her leadership and dedication have led her to represent Guatemala in international competitions, where she has shared the stories and products of her people, generating a positive impact both locally and globally.

Sara Susana Cosiguá Chiroy

Community-Based Education Training Facilitator Assistant

Sara is a Kaqchikel Maya woman from Sololá and a Clinical Psychology student. Known for her responsibility and perseverance, she is passionate about working with women and creating new opportunities for them. She joined Mercado Global three years ago and has held roles as Community Development Assistant and Sewing Assistant before becoming CBE Weaving Facilitator. Her work with artisans has been deeply meaningful, and she is committed to showing women that they can transform their lives through the opportunities they receive.

Sara Chavajay Mendoza

Community-Based Education Training Facilitator Assistant

Sara is originally from Santiago Atitlán, Sololá. In 2017, she graduated as a Bilingual Intercultural Education Teacher. The following year, she began studying Social Work at Rafael Landívar University in Antigua Guatemala, earning a technical degree before pausing her studies for personal reasons.She is currently pursuing a degree in Secondary Education Teaching and Educational Administration at San Carlos University of Guatemala.Sara works at Mercado Global, an organization that partners with communities of women artisans in Guatemala. She has found a deep sense of purpose in supporting and accompanying artisans on their journey toward economic independence and artistic recognition. She brings a positive attitude and a strong commitment to personal and professional growth within the organization.

Production

Andrea López Ixtacuy

Head of Production

Andrea has been working with Mercado Global since February 2015. Having started working in the production room where she would attach detailing and hangtags to MG products, she gradually gained knowledge about the production processes and the relationships with weaving groups. Andrea is now the Head of Production in the Panajachel office, taking charge of fabric cutting and all quality control processes.

Kimberly Celada

Senior Production Coordinator

Kimberly has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and is currently studying a Master's degree in Business Administration, at Galileo University. She has experience in non-profit organizations, leading multidisciplinary projects and teams that support the communities of Guatemala in economic issues, entrepreneurship, agriculture and community health. She is passionate about the topic of business and women's empowerment, and hopes to merge her knowledge, passion and experience to support the development and growth of the country's families and communities, creating more and better opportunities for women.

Sabdy Gabriela Noemí Ajcalón Quenún

Textile Production Coordinator

Sabdy is originally from Panajachel, Sololá. She is currently completing a degree in Tourism Business Administration at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Community Counseling in the future. She is passionate about all things handmade, especially weaving — a symbolic language that tells the story of Guatemala’s heritage and culture.

Evelia Marizol Rodríguez Barreno

Materials & Pattern Coordinator

Marizol holds a technical degree in Audiology, Voice, and Speech. She began her journey at Mercado Global as a support artisan in the production area and currently serves as the Materials & Pattern Coordinator, managing fabric, internal materials, leather, and cutting operations. She is passionate about supporting her community and empowering women with financial independence and leadership opportunities.

Olga Marina Botan Sen de Yach

Cutting & Pattern Assistant

Olga is from Panajachel, Sololá, and completed her secondary education. Her values of teamwork and resilience have helped her succeed in everything she sets out to do. She believes in change and new beginnings and is grateful to be part of Mercado Global. She is committed to helping women believe in their potential and supporting them unconditionally.

Celia Patricia Quisquiná Chiroy

Textile Production Assistant

Celia is from Chuacruz Pujujil 1, Sololá. A high school graduate, she now serves as an assistant in the textile area. Her resilience and constant desire to learn have allowed her to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to her work. She is dedicated to supporting her team and helping Mercado Global achieve its goals.

Diana Regina Ben Zet

Sewing Production Assistant

Diana is from Sololá, Guatemala, and is a rising professional grounded in respect, commitment, and a clear vision of creating opportunities. As a bilingual Indigenous woman and the first in her family to attend university, she is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration. Her strategic mindset and results-oriented approach support the artisans at Mercado Global, where she contributes to the team's success and collective growth.

Irma Ben Julajuj

Inventory Manager

With a background in office administration, Irma is always eager to learn new things and has a strong will to succeed. As Inventory Manager, she is the head of managing Mercado Global's inventory in Guatemala. She joined the team in June 2017

Mirna Patricia Alonzo Felipe

Production Assistant

Mirna is from San Jorge la Laguna, Sololá. She is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Universidad Mariano Gálvez de Guatemala. She is focused on learning more about inventory management and business operations. Mirna is proud to be part of an organization that supports artisans through commitment and innovation, providing them with new sources of income through their work.

Finance & Accounting

Yessica Vega

Finance Manager

Yessica Siomara Vega Hernández is a Certified Public Accountant and Auditor with over 14 years of experience in accounting, finance, treasury, internal and external auditing. Throughout her career, she has successfully planned and organized teams, implemented process improvements in various sectors, including commercial, construction, agriculture, banking, government, and education. As the Financial Manager at Mercado Global, she is responsible for implementing accounting and financial policies and procedures to ensure timely financial, accounting, and tax information. She assesses internal controls and proposes continuous improvements. She also supports the community development team in providing training to artisans on tax-related topics and other areas that benefit the communities.

Cristina Sic

Accountant

As an accountant for Mercado Global, Cristina is responsible for managing finances for donations, training modules for the artisan groups, and inventories. She is studying to achieve a Bachelor's degree in auditing and public accounting from the University of Mariano Gálvez in Guatemala and has worked on finance projects with the Spanish Cooperation AECID and the Guatemalan Foundation Fundasistemas. She joined the team in September 2013.