Skip to content
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, Investor Relations, Financial Services Industry at Juniper Square
Ruth Alvarez-DeGolia, Executive Director at Mercado Global
Marta Bezoari, Co-Head of Global Human Resources at PIMCO
Mark Donatiello, Retired Fashion Industry Senior Executive
Maria Geenen, Development Committee Chair
Melody Hart, Board Treasurer
Karae Lisle, Board Chair, Nonprofit CEO at Vista Center
Jacqueline Varela, Managing Director, Private Equity at IBM
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
Lisa Bannister, Omni Channel Strategist
Denise Baca, Luxury Executive Santoni
Stephanie Bakkum, Global Sustainability Consulting Director at Ogilvy
Lauren Brescia, Managing Director at Blackstone
Mark Donatiello, Director at Chu Baldwin
Vanessa Granados, Head of Alternative Investments for Latin America, J.P. Morgan
Elisa Hay, EVP Sales and Operations at Patio 3 Group/ Allancia
Lucy Jackson, Founder & Chief Clarity Officer
Carla Vazquez Jones, Director of Communications
Julia Kisla, CEO at The Lions Management
Stacy Lamendola, Executive Director at W. P. Carey
Alison Long Poetsch, Fundraising Professional
Gustavo Marroquin, Audit Director at KPMG
Susan McLaughlin, Community Outreach Leader
Trisha Miller, Executive Managing Director at Redbrick
Claudia Montufar, Director of Omni Channel Experience at John Hardy
Lexi Orozco, Manager at PwC
Kevin Rippon, Head of Growth at Outcome
Hillary Roman, Managing Director at Ares Management
Pamela Seagle, VP Exclusive Entrepreneurship, Bank of America
TJ Toce, Senior Vice President, Liverpool Los Angeles
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.
Michael Arkes, Founder at HHPLIFT
Sindy Benavides, Executive Director at I Aquí
Claudia Blanch, International Operations Manager at Fortescue Future Industries
Miguel Zepeda, Managing Director at Brink
Carrie DiLauro, Director, Operations at Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners
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 KPMG
Amanda North, Founder, CEO at Plan C Advisors
Helen Onbright, CEO at MAP Marketing Research
José Antonio Ortega Carrero, Prisa Brand Solutions
Isabel Serra Paiz, CEO at Cygnus Funds
Carmen Sanchez, Country Manager at Visa
Jagtej Singh, Vice President at Walmart Global Tech
Awinash Sinha, Vice President at VMware
Antonio Tijerino, CEO of Hispanic Heritage Foundation
Thy Tran, Vice President at Micron Technology
Fashion Advisory Board
Industry experts providing strategic guidance on design, merchandising, and market opportunities to elevate our brand presence and expand partnerships within the fashion ecosystem.
Carmen Artigas, Circular Fashion Designer and Consultant
Denise Baca, Head of Women's Business, Santoni
Lisa Bannister, Global Omni-Channel Retail Strategist, The Missouri Rowe Collective
Trish Barillas, Life Coach, Founder of 3GS Charity
Fabiola Beracasa Beckman, Film and TV Producer
Carlos Belmonte, COO at Sanderlak
Amie Blumberg, Founder & President, Amie Blumberg Coaching
Joni Breschel, Sourcing and Materials Manager at Teton Outfitters
Raquel Calvelos, Founder, PURPOSEFULL
Megan Taylor Collins, Principal Designer at Manzanita Home
Amy Cunha, Founder, Big Picture PR
Dana Davis, Brand Strategist & Consultant at Dana Davis Consulting
Mark Donatiello, Retired Fashion Industry Senior Executive
Jennifer Gootman, Global Head of Sustainability & ESG Strategy at Tory Burch
Marilyn Harrison, Retail Marketing Director at Helpers Community Inc
Elisa Hay, EVP of Sales and Operations at Patio 3 Group/ Allancia
Luisa Herrera-Garcia, Chief Officer, Production and Development Sourcing, Alexander Wang
Xitlalt Herrera-Saltazar, CEO & Founder at X Level Inc
Karl Holzwarth, Director of Affiliate Marketing, Group 8A
Katie Irving, Trend & Product Strategy Consultant, MOONSHOT
Lucy Jackson, Founder & Chief Clarity Officer at Studio Jackson
Carla Vazquez Jones, Director of Communications
Christine Keeley, Photographer/Content Creator and Strategist at NYC
Otaner King, Vice President of Marketing, Liverpool Los Angeles
Julia Kisla, CEO at The Lions Management
Julie Koch-Beinke, Partner and Co-founder of Alternatives at ALT NY
Bonnie Mackay, Creative Advisor to Startups and Corporate Businesses at B Mackay Consulting
Marie Mamone, Director of Business Development at Ars Sutoria
Diane O'Brien-Kumi, Vice President Diverse Vendors Incubator, Belk
Gayle Robbins, Design and Product Development Leader, Brand Strategist
Linda Schlesinger-Wagner, Founder/CEO of Skinnytees
Alan Spalter, President at Retail Assistance Corporation
Lisa Staprans, Owner of Staprans Designs
Kelly Talamas, Co-founder at LATINNESS
Dionne Thompson, Design Consultant, Speaker, Associate Professor
Julie Verdugo, Sustainability + Social Impact Advisor
Loretta Volpe, Partner & Co-Founder of GMLV
Impact Council
Alicia Ix, Manager - Digital Services Finance at Charles Schwab
Callee Roscoe, CPA
Estelle Vu, MBA Candidate
Marley Ashem Hibbert, Student at Fashion Institute of Technology
Matthew Strong, Senior Counsel, Legal Affairs at NBC Universal Media, LLC
Megan Coffey, Manager at BSR
Michael Hinkson, Customer Strategy and Growth at N1 Health
Paul Pescovitz, Counsel at Reddit
Sofia Rivas, Corporate Development and Strategy Associate at Neuberger Berman
Rucha Desai
Natasha Fernandes, Category Authenticator - Womens Wear
Jimena Benito Rodriguez, Account Analyst at PIMCO
Community Photographers
Carrie klemencic, Summer 2025
Regina Roque, Summer 2024
Nehemias Sancoy, Fall 2023
Diana Alvarado, Fall 2022
Rodrigo Saravia Lino, Fall 2022
Anna Watts, Spring 2018
Kim Paul Nguyen, No Frontiers Media, Fall 2017
Ali Campbell, Fall 2016
Leadership
Ruth Álvarez-DeGolia
Executive Director
As Mercado Global's 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 March 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. In 2025, 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 integratesinnovation, sustainability, andcommerciality in her work.Previously, she was Design Director at VOZ, creatingluxury collections in partnershipwith Chilean Mapuche artisans.Today, she focuses on empowering artisans and celebrating their art forms.
Development & Partnerships
Julianne Hanckel
Development and Communications Manager
Julianne is a communications strategist, marketer, and storyteller with over 15 years of experience helping organizations find their voice and utilize it effectively. An award-winning journalist, Julianne has led communications and marketing efforts for a range of organizations, including nonprofits, social impact organizations, higher education institutions, and small businesses. Known for her ability to turn complex ideas into clear stories, Julianne’s strategic rigor and creative intuition deliver impactful campaigns that inspire and move audiences to action. As a proud alumna of Howard University, Julianne approaches storytelling with curiosity, cultural awareness, and empathy. She is especially drawn to communications work that preserves legacy, elevates underrepresented voices, and helps organizations communicate not just what they do, but why it matters.
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.
Colin Dempsey
Development operations
associate
Colin is a Scranton native and Temple University alumnus with over 20 years of experience across the nonprofit, tourism, and education sectors. After moving to Guatemala in 2013, he developed a deep connection to the Indigenous communities of Antigua and Lake Atitlán, which inspired a career dedicated to meaningful social impact. With a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and extensive experience in Latin America, he now leverages his professional expertise to support Mercado Global’s mission and empower the talented people of Guatemala.
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
Senior 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.
Guadalupe Marín
Graphic and Web Designer
Originally from Mexico City, Guadalupe brings expertise in communication, design, and marketing to Mercado Global. With a background in Communication Sciences and Graphic Design, she is passionate about using storytelling and culture as tools for social impact. Previously, she supported small businesses at a leading financial institution, a role that deepened her commitment to human-centered communication. At Mercado Global, Guadalupe leverages her creative vision to amplify artisan stories and strengthen their connection to the global community.
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.
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.
Other ways to support our work:
3X more likely to have their children enrolled in school
2X more likely to have the food their families need
3X more likely to have their own bank account
