When faced with the very common conversational statement, "You have to believe in something" I always think of the courage that it takes to believe in the good of humanity. For International Women’s Day, my thoughts are drawn to the remarkable strength and resilience of the Mishky women in Chazuta, Peru, who touched my heart. After losing their husbands and sons to regional violence, these women transformed their lives by forming a cacao cooperative with the support of USAID. They learned to process cacao and established a thriving chocolate factory, creating products sold across Peru. When I visited, they expressed their gratitude through a heartfelt song—a moment I will cherish forever.
The Mishky women also gather macambo, a cousin of cacao, from the Amazon. This unique seed has become a valued ingredient in our nut-free chocolate factory, adding a delightful crunch to our Jaguar Nibs bar. As USAID funding dwindles, initiatives like these remind us of the critical role international aid plays in transforming communities—from terror to prosperity. But with reduced support, it is now up to individuals, corporations, and nonprofits to fill this void, often not knowing where to begin.
Organizations like the Amazon Conservation Team, where I proudly serve as a board member, are vital. Our staff on the ground empower Indigenous women, helping them become leaders and build sustainable livelihoods that safeguard the Amazon.
This International Women’s Day, I invite you to support these efforts, because women are key to driving change in vulnerable communities. I am grateful for your purchases of Castronovo Chocolate or support for the Amazon Conservation Team—because these initiatives really do make a difference.