Lidieth Alvarez ('11, Nicaragua)
iLEAP International Fellow, 2011
Nicaragua
"In addition to understanding and maintaining environmental stewardship, the iLEAP International Fellowship program will help to provide me with more knowledge and experience in social justice programs. I can see the need that exists within my community and help them solve daily challenges seen within it."
Lidieth is the Founder and Coordinator of the Genesis Group. Grupo Génesis was formed in July of 2009 as a result of a visit to Limón from a Rivas-based government employee (of INPYME), who encouraged community members to confront the challenges posed by the region’s lack of employment and investment capital by working cooperatively. The interested community members began to meet regularly and decided to draw upon their existing knowledge and the seemingly unlimited local demand for bread products to start a baking business. In partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Development, Genesis Group is currently expanding their product offerings through a training alliance with a well-known bakery in Rivas. Lidieth inspires and provides employment opportunity for many local women entrepreneurs. She is also active in Youth Training Educational Development, which empowers youth and helps keep the community clean. This group is also active in encouraging recycling and composting. Lidieth also works in collaboration with the Green House Project, which is a student exchange program with a strong environmental education component.
