My first semester at FIU, as I browsed for organizations to get more involved, I discovered the International Business Honor Society (IBHS), which is an organization that focuses on professional development, and as the name suggests, provide opportunity to work hands-on on an international projects with a focus on social corporate responsibility. I participated as coordinator for IBHS activities in the village of Bandhwari, India as Product Development Director. The goal of the Bandhwari Project is to empower women to become financially independent while at the same time supporting local economic development to break the cycle of poverty that exists in their rural village by supporting the development and marketing of their products which they handcraft. What made me fall in love with this project is the opportunity of proving that women, in a third world country where they have been heavily abused and culturally discriminated can acquire, the necessary skills to initiate a micro-business for themselves, and encourage them to explore and fulfill their handcrafting talent as a way of empowerment and self development. I was able to connect with these women, gain an understanding of their needs, and plan for ways to help them become more independent, so they can seek better living conditions, health services, and healthier lifestyles for themselves and their families.
Taking up the role as Product Development Director of the Bandhwari Women's Project, working so closely with this group of women gave me a chance of providing global awareness to both our members and those of the Bandhwari village. Visiting India and working with the partnered school and the Women's Center gave me the chance to really live a true cultural exchange.
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