Women Stories | Women's Empowerment International

Zoia | San Diego, CA

Apr 14, 2026 | California, Featured News/ Events, Women Stories

The Sweet Success of EnjoyFruitRolls

When Zoia and Konstantin arrived in the United States in January 2023 with their four children—two sets of twins—they were fleeing the war in their native Ukraine. Their journey was more than a relocation; they had lost everything familiar and now faced the challenges of a new country, a new language, and unfamiliar systems. Throughout these difficulties, they understood the importance of rebuilding stability, pursuing self-sufficiency, and upholding a family tradition rooted in love, health, and creativity.

As a devoted parent, Zoia was committed to providing their children with healthy, natural, nourishing snacks that were sugar-free and free of added preservatives. This dedication led her to make homemade fruit roll-ups from simple, whole ingredients. Soon, she wanted to share her creations with others, and this straightforward recipe, originally made for their children, became the foundation of her small business, EnjoyFruitRolls.

Zoia’s dedication to capturing the flavor and goodness of real fruit in every bite. She was offered an entrepreneurial opportunity in her new country, but the path ahead was uncertain. Building a food business in a new country meant navigating unfamiliar systems, regulations, and language barriers. By July 2024, Zoia had a clear vision of selling her fruit rolls at a local farmers’ market, but she did not know how to obtain the required permits or where to begin. She reached out to the IRC’s Small Business Development Center (IRC SBDC) in San Diego and was introduced to Small Business Development Counselor Hanna Rico. Zoia and the counselor collaborated to map out each step of the food business start-up process.

Through one-on-one technical assistance, the Small Business Development Advisor helped Zoia with business registration, licensing, and health compliance requirements. She identified training opportunities with the County of San Diego and helped Zoia schedule and attend the required training. Access to capital was another challenge Zoia faced. To address this, Zoia was among the 21 Ukrainian women who participated in the IRC WE STAR Program BWIA cohort in August 2024. After successfully completing the 5-week program, she received a $200 seed grant to cover her business registration and other startup costs. In September 2024, Zoia passed her home kitchen inspection and received a Class B Cottage Food Operations Permit from San Diego County, allowing her to start her EnjoyFruitRolls business. Committed to growing her business, Zoia continued to access IRC’s WE STAR one-on-one technical assistance and training sessions to support her expansion beyond the startup phase. Through one-on-one technical assistance, Zoia obtained trademark registration for her business name and planned a transition from a sole proprietorship to an S Corporation.

By early 2025, EnjoyFruitRolls had grown into a thriving family business. Zoia and her husband, Konstantin, sold at multiple farmers’ markets across San Diego, and by April 2025, their gross sales had exceeded $20,000. Soon, Zoia’s fruit roll business became the family’s primary source of income, allowing Zoia and her husband to work full-time on the business to meet increasing demand. As sales continued to grow, the family began preparing to transition from a home kitchen to a commercial kitchen. In September 2025, with continued support from the IRC SBDC, Zoia qualified for a $20,000 loan to purchase commercial equipment and scale operations. In December 2025, Zoia reported gross sales revenue of $160,000 for 2025. As a next step, she is exploring government contracting opportunities to further expand the business once the commercial kitchen is fully established.

Zoia said, “We are so grateful for programs like the IRC Small Business Program and the IRC BWIA Program in San Diego that support small businesses like ours. Even with very little English, we were able to obtain the necessary permits and access local markets. Step by step, we are building a business that supports our family and brings joy to others. Today, EnjoyFruitRolls is a proud local favorite and a reflection of steady progress from uncertainty to stability. Each batch is handcrafted in small quantities from fresh fruit using a slow, low-temperature process that preserves flavor and nutrients. With a strong foundation in place and clear plans for expansion, Zoia and Konstantin continue advancing their original mission, building a sustainable future for their family, and contributing to the local economy.”

Grecia | El Salvador

Nov 12, 2025 | El Salvador, News, Women Stories

Meet Grecia from El Salvador

Grecia Mancias is a 36 years old women, who live at Colonia Rodríguez, at Usulután. Her family is constituted by her husband and 2 children who are 9 and 15 years old, respectively. All family members and Grecia are blind, but they all together deal with daily challenges with courage. Grecia began a small business providing massage services, 14 years ago. She use to provide the service at customers home, which just let her to serve a maximum of 4 customers a day, besides the risks of moving from one place to another and require someone else to take care of their children. She looked for financial support at different financial entities, which did not consider Grecia as a customer. OEF community facilitator was able to know Grecia and offer her an inclusive loan, which was approved for USD$350.00. Grecia invested the money on developing a space inside her house to receive customers, buy a cooler and a vibrating device to improve provision of massages.

Since she was able to open the space at her house, she is able to take care of her children at the same time that she works. Also, she promote her small business on social media and currently she is able to serve between 6 and 8 patients every day, which has improve her income to support her family. Grecia’s husband also provides for family support since he is also a entrepreneur who practices street vending of different product.

“Together we can make dreams come true and build a fair and inclusive society!!” Grecia comments.

Rosa | Honduras

Apr 30, 2025 | Honduras, News, Women Stories

Meet Rosa from Honduras
A Story of Determination and Growth

In the heart of Tela, Atlántida, Honduras, Rosa has built a thriving business making handmade corn and flour tortillas. Recently, several Women’s Empowerment board members and their families joined Adelante staff on an impact tour and had the opportunity to meet Rosa, a new Adelante client who had just received her first microloan, with the support of a WE grant. With warmth and enthusiasm, she welcomed the group into her home—which also serves as her place of business—to show the improvements she has already made.

Rosa’s day begins early in the morning to ensure her customers have fresh tortillas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Her dedication keeps her working until 8:00 PM, with only a few short breaks throughout the long day. Her commitment to quality has earned her a loyal customer base, with most of her tortillas now sold through standing orders, leaving only a few available for passersby.

As a single mother, Rosa proudly supports not only herself but also her two daughters and her elderly parents through her tortilla business. Before receiving her loan, she struggled with excessive heat and direct sunlight while working in front of her home, which affected both her comfort and productivity. With her first loan of $200 from Adelante, she made a strategic improvement by extending her roof to create better protection from the elements. She also purchased additional ingredients to increase her production capacity and meet growing demand.

In Honduras, qualifying for a traditional loan without excessive interest rates is challenging for women—especially a single mother with limited means—regardless of her business skills or work ethic. Rosa expressed sincere gratitude for providing her the opportunity to grow her business, improve her workspace, maintain her home, increase her income, and enhance her family’s quality of life. With a determined smile, she shared, “This won’t be my last loan. Thank you!”

Adelante has been a WE partner since 2007, with our grant funds supporting this vital microfinance program for women in Honduras, aiming to alleviate poverty especially in rural communities.

Through Rosa’s story, we see how targeted microfinance can transform not just individual businesses but entire family trajectories, creating sustainable paths out of poverty through entrepreneurship and hard work.

Evelyn and Michelle | San Diego

Apr 30, 2025 | California, News, Women Stories

Meet Evelyn and Michelle

Recently, with the support of a WE grant, Urban Corps of San Diego County had the privilege of assisting two dedicated Corpsmembers, Evelyn and Michelle, in purchasing their own vehicles, a transformative step for each of them as they overcame significant barriers to success. Despite coming from different backgrounds, these Corpsmembers share common challenges—particularly in accessing reliable transportation—which previously hindered their ability to fully engage in their education and work at Urban Corps.

Evelyn and Michelle had both been facing the daily struggle of waking up at 4:00 a.m. to catch the earliest trolley to arrive at Urban Corps on time. With the down payment assistance provided by the WE grant, they were each able to purchase their own car. Their new vehicles now allow them to commute comfortably, safely, and promptly, ensuring they can contribute fully to their work and education. They have even begun carpooling with other female Corpsmembers, understanding the challenges of early-morning commutes and helping others get to work on time. This act of solidarity not only strengthens the community within Urban Corps but also reflects their commitment to giving back and supporting their peers.

Having safe and reliable transportation has been a critical factor in their continued participation and success at Urban Corps. As Evelyn and Michelle near graduation, they have already expressed plans to further their education and pursue their professional development. With the independence afforded by their vehicles, they are now able to focus on their academic and career aspirations without the burden of unreliable public transportation. They are no longer limited by this barrier to success in San Diego County.

This vehicle assistance program has played a pivotal role in helping women overcome significant obstacles, enabling them to achieve their goals both at Urban Corps and beyond. We are proud to support them in their journey toward independence and success, and we look forward to hearing about their future endeavors and accomplishments!

Mariat | Uganda

Apr 29, 2025 | News, Uganda, Women Stories

From Struggle to Success Through Microfinance

Meet Ahimbisibwe Mariat, a 60-year-old grandmother from the Rukungiri District in Uganda. Mariat’s journey from financial struggle to successful, small business owner demonstrates the profound impact that financial inclusion and training can have on families experiencing poverty.

“Before joining the Kigiro granny group, I struggled to meet the basic needs of my family such as paying for my two grandchildren’s primary school fees, aged 5 and 10. I had no stable sources of income and lacked business skills and knowledge.”

The turning point came when she joined Nyaka’s grandmother support program, which receives funding from a WE grant. Through this initiative, Mariat received comprehensive training in financial literacy and business management. She also received a UGX 500,000 loan (approximately $139 USD) from WE funds. Applying the financial knowledge and skills gained from the Nyaka grandmother team training, Mariat established a small retail shop in Ikuniro Trading Centre in Rukungiri district.

The results have been remarkable. Through diligent application of her savings and bookkeeping knowledge, Mariat’s business has flourished. She now earns a monthly profit of UGX 100,000 (approximately $28 USD) and has increased her savings to UGX 2,000,000 in capital (approximately $545 USD).

“Thanks to Women’s Empowerment funds, my dreams have become a reality, and I can now pay school fees for my two grandchildren and provide for basic needs, while repaying my business loan. I am deeply grateful to Nyaka and Women’s Empowerment for this opportunity.”

About Nyaka:
Nyaka, WE partner since 2014, works with communities to nurture and protect children so they can learn, grow, and thrive. WE supports Nyaka’s Grandmother program, which recognizes the critical role grandmothers play in caregiving, while addressing issues including gender-based violence and poverty through microloans and comprehensive training.

With WE’s support, the number of grandmothers accessing microfinancing, training, and ongoing support increases each year. These remarkable women have significantly improved household incomes and their grandchildren’s wellbeing, maintained children’s school attendance, and developed valuable financial literacy skills.

The program demonstrates exceptional impact: for every $40 invested in a grandmother-led household through this program, there is a 285% return within just 36 months—proof that supporting grandmothers like Mariat creates sustainable, multi-generational change.

Firoza | San Diego

Apr 29, 2025 | California, News, Women Stories

Meet Firoza from San Diego

A WE grant partner since 2022, Urban Corps of San Diego County is a nonprofit and certified local conservation corps, providing opportunities for underserved, low-income young adults ages 18-26. The unique work-learn program allows youth to finish high school while earning a paycheck, learning real-world job skills, and giving back to the community through professional services. Barriers to Corpsmembers’ success are addressed with emergency food, clothing and shelter, job training, certifications, drivers’ licenses, and one-on-one case management and trauma counseling. Corpsmembers also receive support toward their goals when they graduate through career and college readiness activities.

Not having a personal vehicle is often cited as a barrier to successful and sustained employment for Corpsmembers in San Diego County. WE grant funding helped launch a successful pilot program to provide vehicle down payment assistance for female Corpsmembers to support their success in and out of the program, setting them up for financial success and self-sufficiency after graduation.

Firoza, who has successfully completed the Urban Corps program, is preparing to welcome a baby and continue her studies in medical school after graduation. The acquisition of her own vehicle has been life-changing. It not only provides her with the means to attend medical appointments but also allows her to pursue her education uninterrupted. Prior to receiving this vehicle, Firoza faced the possibility of having to pause her studies due to transportation limitations. Now, she enjoys greater independence and is confident that she can achieve her educational and career goals. This has had a ripple effect on her family, where she is seen as a role model for her siblings, demonstrating that perseverance and determination lead to success.

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