July 29, 2025 – From May to July 2025, WPDI supported 11 women through a transformative three-month training program in social entrepreneurship and business development in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico. The participants, aged 28 to 58, came from various parts of the state and had diverse personal and professional backgrounds. Some were single mothers juggling multiple jobs, while others were artisans with traditional skills; all were aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. They shared a common goal: to build something meaningful, sustainable, and rooted in their communities.
This foundational workshop offered much more than basic training. Through a comprehensive curriculum, participants gained tools designed to enhance both the economic viability and social impact of their ventures. Key topics included financial management, market research, and product development.
As a final project, each participant presented a business plan that outlined a clear organizational structure and social value. They also held an exhibition of their products, which ranged from handmade crafts to organic goods. This experience demonstrated how the training significantly improved not only their confidence but also the quality and market readiness of their work.
Elizabeth Martínez Muñoz, 58, originally from Taxco, Guerrero, has lived in San Cristóbal de las Casas for two decades. She has worked in jewelry-making since childhood, an art that has been passed down through her family’s generations. “Learning new things to apply to my work and daily life is what has motivated me to be here,” she shared. “I feel more capable of undertaking new projects. On a personal level, I enjoyed learning to become more confident and achieve my goals. Now I have more confidence in myself and my inner self, and I have dared to start a new project. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to strengthen my finances and support my family.”
Magdalena Isabel Molina Estrada, 41, is a single mother who juggles multiple jobs, from massage therapy to selling goods at local bazaars.
“One of my most interesting experiences was gaining more knowledge about business. Each topic helped me see things from new perspectives,” she said. “There was a great harmony between my classmates and the facilitator. Many of them were women with experience and vision. I now feel more confident, happy, and excited. With a good plan, any dream can succeed and give us the financial peace we all seek.”
Vicenta María Hernández Vázquez, 47, comes from a community in Huixtán and balances her roles as a mother, wife, daughter, employee, and entrepreneur.
“My motivation for joining the workshop was to learn more in order to improve my business,” she explained. “What I liked most was learning about the SCAMPER model, it was very fun and useful for improving my products. Thanks to the workshop, my goods have improved in how they’re presented, which has led to better sales and greater economic growth.”
The training not only equipped the women with essential tools, it also created a sense of solidarity, resilience, and empowerment. Many of the participants entered the program with a desire to grow; they left it with the confidence to lead.
WPDI is deeply proud to support women entrepreneurs as they pursue their visions for change. Investing in women is one of the most potent ways to uplift communities. With the proper support, these graduates are not only creating better futures for themselves but also generating ripple effects across families, neighborhoods, and local economies.