Between September and December, our founder Nora Carrillo, together with our ally Cuauhtémoc Domínguez — both proud Chevening Alumni — launched a transformative initiative to support indigenous heritage artisans — 80% of whom were women — through a series of four in-person business development workshops across the Yucatán Peninsula. The program aimed to build key competencies that bridge the gap between local artisan communities and international markets, fostering both economic growth and cultural visibility.
Each monthly session welcomed up to 100 artisans, engaging them in practical, hands-on learning experiences. Participants travelled from eight rural towns — Oxkutzcab, Tekax, Muna, Acanceh, Teabo, Chumayel, Tipikal, and Dzityá — as well as from Mérida, to attend workshops in the state capital. Over the course of the program, 120 artisans were trained in total.We were proud to collaborate with five Chevening Alumni with business expertise, who generously volunteered their time and insights. Their contributions not only enhanced the learning experience for participants but also deepened alumni engagement within the Chevening community. Together, we created a meaningful space for knowledge exchange, mutual support, and dialogue around shared challenges and solutions.
By combining education, market access, and community-building, this project marks a vital step toward empowering indigenous artisans and ensuring their voices are heard on international platforms.
Muuch Creative 