My fascination with immigration and the refugee experience began in February 2014 when I went on an Alternative Break to the border of Mexico and the US. There, we met with people who had devoted their careers to advocating for the rights of the thousands of people that cross the border illegally to flee from… Read More Ecuador’s refugee situation – an opportunity for economic gain

A few weeks ago, I visited the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal with 2 objectives: buy gifts for my impending family  vacation to northern Michigan and learn more about the sourcing of artisanal products in the city, the latter being one of the many objectives for my project with Extreme Response. La Mariscal is one of the most popular artisanal markets… Read More Unlocking the potential of female entrepreneurs in Ecuador

Gardens and I have had a complicated relationship. The idea of a garden sounds really great in Michigan in May when its just warm enough to want to be outside but not so hot that weeding is a terrible chore. But as July approaches and temperatures in Mid-Michigan sore into the high 80s, my interests… Read More Local food in Ecuador – the power of grassroots organizing

Walking on to the site of a waste transfer station in the north part of Quito, the stench is almost overwhelming. I had heard a lot about this site from my partners at the Christian mission’s women’s program where I had been working the past few weeks and wanted to take a look for myself.… Read More Los recicladores—the most underappreciated people on the planet

I didn’t have a job when I graduated from Alma College. I still don’t. I bought a plane ticket to Ecuador in May and that was as far as I got in making any kind of plan. It wasn’t exactly the first time this had happened. In the summer of 2012, I had been awarded… Read More My post-graduation “plan”