At the end of January, I spent one week in Ecuador visiting Quito, Cayambe, and Otavalo, my first time seeing CWOW’s work in action internationally. After 2 years of serving behind the scenes and in the store, this trip was eye-opening in the best way. It gave me a clear, unfiltered look at how the “Unlocking Your Design” curriculum impacts women’s lives and how our global partners are doing life-changing work every single day. 

Thirteen of us traveled to Ecuador, eager to celebrate the graduates and see CWOW’s impact firsthand. Some had been before, others were experiencing this work up close for the first time but for all of us, the week held more than we expected.

Partnering With Vida en Libertad: Quito

Vida en Libertad is a beautiful organization supporting women transitioning out of jail in Quito. This year was the first time CWOW partnered with them, and as part of their parole process, the women completed “Unlocking Your Design” course we offer.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear how deeply Vida en Libertad cares for the women they serve. Their team doesn’t just assist with re-entry, they walk alongside each woman as she rebuilds confidence, restores dignity, and takes practical steps toward stability. They ensure women have access to basic needs and therapy, believing that healing the soul comes first. Partnering with them this year has truly been an honor.

The graduates we met had just finished CWOW’s program, and hearing them share their business ideas was powerful. Many were exploring new possibilities for the first time, and they spoke with a sense of ownership and clarity about where they want to go next. Being in the room as they outlined their goals was a meaningful reminder of why this work matters.

Partnering with Sumak: Cayambe

In Cayambe, we spent time with the women of Sumak, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence. We’ve had the privilege of working with Sumak for the past three years, and our collaboration continues to be a meaningful one. While they focus on helping women rebuild stability and regain control of their lives, we support the business side. Nine women graduated from Unlocking Your Design, and we had the chance to hear their business plans. Restaurants, clothing lines, candle making, and more. It was inspiring to see so many talented women ready to take the next steps toward earning independently and shaping their own futures.

Visiting a CWOW Graduate: Gloria’s Story

One highlight was visiting Gloria, a past graduate with the most vibrant spirit and smile, whose panadería has grown from one location to three! Hearing her story left all of us in awe. She shared how she carefully chose her newest location to meet the community’s need for fresh bread, how she manages her team, and how she applies the 5-pocket accounting method from CWOW’s Unlocking Your Design course to keep her business organized and thriving.

Gloria is amazing proof of what happens when women get the right tools, knowledge, and support. And yes her bread, croissants, and doughnuts were absolutely delicious, a *sweet* reminder of the care she pours into everything she does. What an honor it was to meet her! 

A Glimpse Into the Challenges: Luzmila

Luzmila, a graduate this year, owns a large flower greenhouse and gave us a tour of her rows and rows of vibrant roses. She manages every step herself with the help of a small team planting, cultivating, and harvesting, yet currently only receives $0.20 per rose, a tiny fraction of what her flowers sell for once exported. She’s now seeking a direct exporter so she can finally earn a fair return for her work.

Standing among her blooms, listening to Luzmila talk about every part of her business, I realized how much a few key resources could change everything for her greenhouse and her family. In Ecuador, many women are still expected to focus only on home and family, so seeing someone like Luzmila running a business with this much skill and determination was inspiring! She even gifted each of us a forever rose! Not pictured was her daughter, celebrating her graduation in a matching outfit, even down to the shoes. Luzmila pretty quickly captured all of our hearts. 

Honoring Ana Cristina & Our Translators

So much of this program’s success in Ecuador is due to Ana Cristina, our International Education Lead, who leads the course with strength, compassion, and vision. We were able to watch her interact with the graduates, encourage them, challenge them, and celebrate them. It’s clear the women truly trust her, not just as a teacher, but as someone who sees their potential before they fully see it themselves.

During our time in Ecuador, Ana who planned the trip served as our translator, along with her sister Amanda, and Pedro. They were the best guides and translators we could have asked for. A huge THANK YOU for keeping us hydrated, making sure we were taken care of, and teaching us about Ecuador! 

My Personal Takeaway

Having worked behind the scenes at CWOW, I’ve always believed in our curriculum, but this was my first time seeing its impact up close. One of our translators pointed out that, for some graduates, this might be the first time they’ve ever seen their names written anywhere positive - on their graduation certificates. Being a small part of giving women that experience was incredibly moving. Even if it had been just one woman, it would have been worth it, but it wasn’t. The week was filled with woman after woman sharing their dreams, some likely allowing themselves to dream for the very first time. What Lorelei, CWOW’s founder, and everyone involved with CWOW has built is clear in the ripple effect from past graduates to new.

Ecuador is beautiful, and if you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it! We do these trips every year, and I can assure you that you’ll go back home feeling a little more connected, not just to the women we serve, but also to your fellow travelers, our translators, and everyone you meet along the way.

Coming Up: Join Us at Empower Her World

If you’d like to hear more stories like these and be part of a growing movement of women empowering women, join us at Empower Her World. Early bird tickets are now available, and we’d love to have you there. We are honored to have Dr. Sharon as our key note speaker who has traveled to Ecuador with CWOW 3 times! 

Want to Get Involved? I’d Love to Chat.

If reading this sparks something in you, I’d love to talk with you. Whether you want to learn more, get involved, sponsor, partner, join our board or committee work, or simply help spread the word, there’s a place for you in this mission.

Did you know our store helps fund this work?

Every time you shop at the CWOW boutique located in Downtown Fort Wayne you directly support women like the ones we met in Ecuador! We hope to see you soon. 

With Gratitude,

Jamie Grabner, Co-Executive Director 

Jamie@gocwow.org