PepsiCo, in collaboration with the Foundation for Economic and Social Development (FUNDES) Latin America, celebrated in the Dominican Republic the re-launch of its successful “Women with Purpose” program, along with the graduation of the first group of participants in this new phase. This free training initiative seeks to support women in improving their job opportunities and business performance through a personalized learning plan.
The event featured a panel of women business leaders, led by Paula Santilli, CEO of PepsiCo Latin America, Myrna Macias, Senior Vice President of Operations (LatAm), and Maria Paula Mendez, General Manager of PepsiCo Alimentos in the Dominican Republic. The panelists addressed crucial topics such as networking strategies, the evolution of the labor ecosystem for women in the continent, key skills for professional success, integration of technology in business and access to financing for women entrepreneurs.
First edition of “Women with Purpose”.
In its first edition, from 2018 to 2022, “Women with Purpose” managed to benefit 2,014 women in the Dominican Republic, who became “certified” by successfully completing the program’s components. After a pause in 2023, the program is relaunching with a new investment of more than 3 million Dominican pesos, thanks to the support of the PepsiCo Dominicana Foundation and the PepsiCo Global Foundation[VW{1] . With this new phase, 600 additional women are expected to be certified, of which this event celebrated the graduation of the first group.
PepsiCo and Women with Purpose
“Women with Purpose” consists of four blended learning modules. These cover topics such as life planning, personal skills for success, networking, personal and small business finance. In addition, participants attend two Master Classes focused on high-impact topics for women entrepreneurs.
“Through ‘Women with Purpose’ we are not only empowering women; we are catalyzing change that extends to entire families and communities. This relaunch exemplifies PepsiCo Positivo’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth. We are also committed to creating opportunities where they are most needed,” said Paula Santilli, CEO of PepsiCo Latin America.
Foundation for Economic and Social Development (FUNDES)
Adriana Rueda, Growth and Partnerships Manager for the South America Hub of FUNDES Latin America, added: “Mujeres con Propósito has become a benchmark for female empowerment that has transformed the lives of more than 14 thousand women in Latin America. We are proud to accompany PepsiCo in this initiative that in the DR has supported 2 thousand women.”
The graduates shared their experiences, highlighting the tools and confidence acquired to face the challenges of the market. Elizabeth Florián emphasized that: “It is an initiative that we need to continue learning from excellent mentors”. She also assured the Dominican entrepreneur, who plans to apply the knowledge acquired in her organic hair products business.
Speakers
For her part, Carmen Neli Méndez expressed her determination to promote her projects with “trust, love and respect”. She also thanked “Mujeres con Propósito”: “The program has allowed me to discover myself and understand my potential”.
Milagros Guillén, leader of the social project “Horizonte Inclusivo”, thanked the program for its support in structuring and making her enterprise visible. This seeks to develop the talent of people with disabilities and connect them with companies, generating mutual value. “We will invite brave entrepreneurs who want to change the world, generating employment opportunities for our staff,” said this Dominican visionary.
“Women with Purpose” is part of the company’s social impact agenda in the region. It is also aligned with the company’s strategic transformation focused on sustainability called PepsiCo Positivo. The relaunch of the program in the Dominican Republic demonstrates the continued commitment to women’s economic empowerment and inclusive development in Latin America.
Source:Cdn.com.do
