Mercado Global (New Haven, CT) is an American nonprofit that assists Guatemalan artisans in improving their quality of life by marketing their products in the USA. Conceived and founded by Ruth DeGolia and Benita Singh while studying at Yale University, Mercado Global works to provide the tools, training and logistical support to connect rural women’s cooperatives in Guatemala to mainstream U.S. companies and consumers.

Mercado Global (MG) now helps provide fair wages to over 200 artisans and about 1,500 of their dependents. Sales have tripled on average for MG’s artisans and all children of the artisans are enrolled in school.

In the USA, MG has teamed up with business partners such as Levi Strauss and Whole Foods to design ‘market-ready’ products and provide sales outlets in America for the finished goods.

American partners are able to market socially responsible products, and help Guatemalan families to improve their quality of life.

Handmade Guatemalan products can also be purchased online thru Mercado Global’s online store on their website. 100% of profits are returned to the partner cooperatives to promote fair wages and investments in their children’s education.

Mercado Global has also funded 142 scholarships for children in partner communities and has aided in disaster relief.

Information on purchasing items, or businesses interested in carrying their product lines can be found on their website.