CWOW Visit

At the end of January, we had the joy of welcoming the founders of Creative Women of the World’s (CWOW) Unlocking Your Business Design program for a series of exchange meetings and mutual learning.

Together with the first and second classes of program graduates, we participated in a rich conversation and a vibrant business fair where women showcased their products and services across a diverse marketplace.

The new, third class of graduates presented their business plans, sharing the strategies they will implement to strengthen their enterprises—steps that will foster stability, security, and well-being for themselves and their families.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and recognition to the women who have completed this process and who now form part of a growing network of creative, strong, and innovative entrepreneurs.

Carla’s Testimony

My name is Carla, I’m 19 years old, and I live in Ibarra with my mother and younger brother. I arrived at the SUMAK Comprehensive Care Center a little over a year ago, after filing charges against my stepfather, who assaulted my younger sister and me. Because we needed psychosocial support, we found SUMAK and FACE, organizations that have opened many doors for us, including access to therapy and psychiatric care, along with guidance throughout the legal process my family is pursuing with the Prosecutor’s Office.

A year ago, my mother and sister graduated from the CWOW training program. At the time, I couldn’t participate due to my studies, but I was always eager to hear everything they were learning. For some time now, my sister Marisol and I have been creating knitted figurines to sell as keychains.

In 2025, I finally had the opportunity to join the training program myself. I am very proud and grateful to have participated, because it helped me realize how much I didn’t know about starting and managing a business. With the knowledge I’ve gained, I feel confident that I can grow our small business alongside my sister. Our family’s finances are not always stable, but we work hard to move forward, and I trust that what we’ve learned will help us strengthen our business and create better opportunities for our future.