Mercedes at Work
Speaker, Consultant, and Coach
As a Sustainable Food Systems Consultant and Gender Mainstreaming Expert, I am committed to advancing gender equality in the food systems sector. Through my expertise in gender analysis, policy development, and capacity building, I work to ensure that women and other marginalized groups have equal access to resources and opportunities in the food systems value chain. My goal is to promote sustainable and inclusive food systems that support the well-being of all individuals and communities. With a passion for social justice and a deep understanding of the complexities of food systems, I am dedicated to driving positive change in this critical field.
My Vision
My vision is to paint a personal tapestry that reflects my deep commitment to humanism and the oneness of humanity. My aspirations extend into the realms of empowering female food producers, advocating for global sustainable food systems, and fostering positive change through diverse innovation. I envision a world where access, agency, and opportunities abound for all.
As Seen in:
Past Projects
Strategic Planning with Asociación de Pequeños Productores Agropecuarios SAANT – TUNANTE in Morona, Ecuador
Conducted a SWOT analysis and provided training to strengthen the capacity of an indigenous association of cacao farmers transitioning to chocolate production.
Promoting Gender Equality in Ecuador’s Cacao Industry: APEOSAE and ASOPROMAS Initiative in Zamora
Through immersive workshops and lectures on gender socialization, cultural norms, and cooperative dynamics, cooperative members gained a deeper understanding of gender issues and their impact on community development.
Revitalizing Namangan Agrologistika: A Technological Leap in Agriculture in Fergana, Uzbekistan
Through farm and factory visits and a comprehensive business development worksheet, valuable insights were gained to inform future decisions and foster the company’s success and growth.
Boosting Brand Awareness for Maroqand Meva Sabzavot in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Conducted farm and factory visits and facilitated a comprehensive business development worksheet. Gathered valuable insights to guide future decisions and promote the company’s success and expansion.
Business Management Mastery for Original Juice & Luke’s Manufacturing in Charity, Guyana
Through targeted consulting sessions, educational workshops, and strategic guidance, the company gained insights into improving profitability, resource utilization, and overall efficiency.
Strengthening Farm Management Skills and Financial Skills in Lusaka, Zambia
Conducted field visit, provided training on farm business planning, record keeping, and basic financial management. Empowered Kabambuzi Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited for improved efficiency and profitability.
Strategic Planning and Leadership Development in Fayoum, Egypt
Reviewed procedures and goals, establishing a strategic plan for maximizing resources. Enhanced capacity of Nahdat Bani Suif Foundation for future activities.
Organizational Capacity Building in Nahmatanda, Mozambique
Trained Chiverano cooperative, aiding in marketing plan development for sales increase and product value addition.
Organizational Capacity Building in Bani Suif, Egypt
Enhanced the capacity of Nahdat Bani Suif Foundation (NBSF) to maximize the use of their limited resources for the maximum benefits of their beneficiaries through establishment of an efficient strategic plan for future activities.
Organizational Capacity Building in Bani Suif, Egypt
Enhanced Nahdat Bani Suif Foundation’s capacity through efficient strategic planning for beneficiary benefits.
Organizational Strengthening and Leadership Development in Pusu-Namongo, Ghana
Engaged with ACDI/VOCA’s Farmer-to-Farmer program. Provided comprehensive training on cooperative management, marketing, and finance to Tumsomma Farmers Association.
Dairy Marketing for Nicaraguan Farmers in Rivas, Nicaragua
Supported dairy cooperatives’ marketing strategies in Nicaragua. Provided Gender Mainstreaming training, and advised Cámara Nicaragüense del Sector Lácteo on the development of their dairy consumption campaign.
Organizational Capacity Building in Mampong, Ghana
Assessed the records, facilities, and all business operations of the Sekyere Odiasempa Cooperative Farmers and Marketing Association and provided training to the executive board to implement improved standard practices.
Marketing of Indigenous Poultry in Meru, Kenya
Developed marketing plan and negotiated contracts for local poultry in Meru, Kenya. Provided training on small business management, record keeping, and the “Marketing Mix.”
Cooperative Strategic Planning in Easter and Central, Kenya
Revised strategic plans for 8 USAID-funded associations. Enhanced competitiveness and market access through capacity building.
Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Program in San Andres, Colombia
Strengthened public-private alliances for Raizal community benefit. Guided productive partners and monitored coordination activities.
Financial Management for Female Entrepreneurs in Endasaki, Tanzania
Provided training to women members of the Usomama SACCOS (cooperative community savings) to transform their small business and subsistence farming practices into successful micro-enterprises.
Cooperative Strategic Planning in Meru, Kenya
Strengthened Papawani Pineapple Cooperative Society’s business management capacities. Provided training and generated technical reports.
Organizational Capacity Building in Pepawani, Ghana
Strengthened Papawani Pineapple Cooperative Society’s business management capacities. Provided training to farmers, resulting in an 11% increase in annual income.
Monitoring & Evaluation for Associations in Beni Suef, Egypt
Developed M&E framework for USAID-funded associations. Focused on Results-Based M&E Systems for agribusiness.
Cooperative Strategic Planning in Neyri, Kenya
Wrote strategic plans for 4 USAID-funded associations. Enhanced competitiveness and market access through capacity building.
Monitoring & Evaluation for Associations in Fayoum, Egypt
Developed M&E framework for USAID-funded associations. Focused on Results-Based M&E Systems for USAID-funded agribusiness.
Improving Women Fish Dealers Cooperative Business Skills in Mopti, Mali
Provided needs assessments for women’s fish dealer cooperatives. Conducted value chain analysis and made recommendations for sustainable growth.
Production and Marketing of Sachet Honey in Kaduna, Nigeria
Developed national production and marketing plan for sachet honey. Facilitated market linkages and increased national honey production by 200%.