The Faces

 

AMPARO DE LEÓN DE RUBIO
Amparo is the president of Trama Textiles, and is passionate about improving opportunities and livelihood for women. Amparo’s father died when she was 11 years old, leaving her mother and siblings destitute. She learned to weave to support her family and has devoted her life to empowering other women through weaving to support themselves, their families, and their communities.
As Amparo can read, write, and speak in Spanish, she considers herself lucky since the majority of weavers represented by Trama Textiles are illiterate. Amparo has worked with Trama for over 23 years and is based at the Trama office in Xela,  teaching weaving classes, organizing the local shop, and coordinating the work of the 100 weavers.

 

ORALIA CHOPEN
As the current vice president of Trama Textiles, Oralia’s dream is to employ the 100 women who work with Trama fully. For Oralia, paying women a fair wage for their products is rewarding, as it has a direct impact on empowering women within the community.
Oralia joined Trama as a teenager, and encouraged to pursue Trama’s mission as her father was passionate about helping women affected by the civil war.
Oralia lives in Xela with her family, and in addition to managing the Trama cooperative, she teaches weaving at the Trama office and organises accommodation for our volunteers and guests.

  

Photos are taken by Veronica Di Maggio