Empowering Women Through Equity, Opportunity, and Community
The Mercedes Parra Foundation was established in 2010 in honor of Mercedes Maria Parra Forbes. Her legacy continues through our commitment to women, families, and communities across the world.
The foundation provides programs and services that promote gender equity, sustainable development, and social impact. Through training, consultancy, direct support, and community-based initiatives, we help women access the tools they need to thrive.
Our Mission
The Mercedes Parra Foundation works to advance female empowerment through five key areas:
- Economic participation
- Economic opportunity
- Political empowerment
- Educational attainment
- Health and well-being
We believe that when women have access to resources, leadership opportunities, and community support, entire families and communities become stronger.
Our Programs and Initiatives
Agrofem
Agrofem supports women agriculturalists in developing countries as they move from subsistence farming to market-oriented farming.
Through grants, interest-free loans, capacity building, and technical assistance, Agrofem helps women build stronger, more sustainable livelihoods.
Micro Grant Program
The Micro Grant Program provides small grants to support the humanitarian work of women.
These grants help women respond to local needs, launch community projects, and create meaningful change with limited resources.
Operation Santa Claus
Operation Santa Claus provides clothing, books, and toys to families in need on the island of San Andrés, Colombia.
This initiative brings care, dignity, and joy to families during the holiday season.
Ladies and Lattes
Ladies and Lattes promotes sisterhood by creating space for women to meet, connect, and have meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting.
Whether in person or online, these gatherings help women build genuine relationships over their favorite beverages.
Women’s Leadership Circle
The Women’s Leadership Circle supports women through an immersive exploration of self-awareness, confidence, and transformative leadership.
This program welcomes women from all walks of life who want to change the direction of their lives, businesses, and careers.
Our workshops are facilitated by Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes and other dynamic women across various fields. We also offer social and networking opportunities designed to spark conversation and build authentic connections.
Health for Haiti
Health for Haiti focuses on the needs of rural women and children.
This initiative works to improve infrastructure, increase access to care, and build stronger community engagement around health and well-being.
Junk to Jewels
Junk to Jewels addresses two urgent issues at once: economic opportunity and environmental degradation.
This project supports women from the marginalized Raizal community in San Andrés Island, Colombia. Through the program, women learn to create and market jewelry and handbags made from upcycled debris collected from the island’s shoreline.
The initiative also includes a business incubator that offers training, support, and guidance as women grow their creative enterprises.
Get Involved
We are always looking for volunteers to support our programs and initiatives.
Many volunteer opportunities can be done remotely, so you can contribute from wherever you are. Whether you have skills in writing, fundraising, mentoring, program development, communications, or community outreach, there is a place for you in this work.
To learn more about volunteering, contact us at info@dgspeaks.com or visit us on Linkedin.
Who We Are
Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes
Founder & Executive Director
Douglas Synder
President
Adwoa Aidoo
Vice President
Julius Powel
Treasurer
Claudin Rountree
Member-at-Large
Mahmoud Hassan
Country Liaison Officer, Egypt
Willot Joseph
Country Liaison Officer, Haiti
Nancy Muthee
Country Liaison Officer, Kenya
Loretta Bent
Country Liaison Officer, Colombia
Collins Dankwa
Country Liaison Officer, Ghana
Alfousini Sidibe
Country Liaison Officer, Mali
Join the Work
The Mercedes Parra Foundation exists because we believe women deserve access, opportunity, and support.
Through agriculture, leadership, health, education, and community care, we continue to build programs that help women move forward with dignity and purpose.
To volunteer, partner, or learn more, contact info@dgspeaks.com.