September 13 Chiapas Project Brunch RECAP sponsored by NAWBO Past Presidents
By Co-Director of Marketing Katrina McBride
 
The Chiapas Project NAWBO D/FW Kickoff Brunch was held on Saturday morning September 13 at the home of Lucy Billingsley.  The event was sponsored by former presidents of the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO D/FW). The morning included a spread of delicious delicacies and an opportunity for those attending to network and enjoy Lucy’s beautiful Highland Park home.
 
The purpose of this event was to introduce NAWBO members to the Chiapas Project, a unique micro-lending program for women who are starting small businesses in Chiapas, Mexico.  More than a year ago, Lucy became involved with this project, vowing to raise money from Dallas businesswomen to help Chiapas women with newly created businesses.  The Chiapas Project is truly an opportunity for women helping women on the most basic level.
 
Wendy Lopez, current president of NAWBO D/FW gathered the crowd into the living room to remind attendees why our chapter was taking this opportunity to support this project and to introduce our hosts, past presidents of our chapter.  Those past-presidents in attendance included Valerie Freeman, Doris Thomas, Gayle Watson, Dianne Patterson, Gerry Myers, Marilyn Bushey, Anita Porco, Diane McCartney, and Dorthy Miller Shore. Ms. Shore was responsible for organizing past presidents’ involvement.
 
Lucy introduced Directoras General of Chiapas Project Pilar Garcia Quintana and Claudia Rovelo.  They came from Chiapas, Mexico to speak passionately about the exceptional Mayan women of Chiapas who are involved with the micro-lending program and who our donations will benefit.  The ladies gave us insight into how they slowly gained the trust of the women of Chiapas to initiate the program six years ago.  Pilar and Claudia conveyed the newly found self-respect and rise in status of these women as business owners and the effect of their success on the next generation.   
Every one in attendance was touched by the stories and photographs that Pilar, Claudia, and Lucy shared of these courageous women. We all left with a commitment of support and encourage other NAWBO members to consider contributing to this worthwhile project.


 
 
              

	Claudia Rovelo and Pilar Garcia Quintana Directoras General of Chiapas Project

 
 

           

Our Hostesses- Past Presidents of NAWBO D/FW, l to r Gayle Watson, Marilyn Bushey, Dorthy Miller-Shore, Gerry Myers, Dianne Patterson, Valerie Freeman, Doris Thomas, Anita Porco, Diane McCartney

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 

NAWBO D/FW President     Wendy Lopez & Lucy Billingsley