International Development student is making a difference

Monica Snow is a student in the International Development Bachelor of Environmental Studies program in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED). She has been involved in the World Vision Canada Youth Ambassador program for many years. It was through her involvement in this program that she learned about the devastating effects of child labour and slavery – and decided that she could make a difference in the world.

Two years ago, Monica and her mother started a business called The Sol Company.

Monica and her mom knew that there is a market for beautiful products and believe that ethical business practices are key to ending global poverty. Treating workers fairly and paying employees a fair wage has a profound impact on breaking the cycle of poverty. The more they realized that their purchases could help change lives, the more they looked for ethically made products. In 2018, Monica and her mom travelled to Honduras where they met their first wholesale partner, Mi Esperanza, which employs women who live on the outskirts of the capital city of Tegucigalpa.  The company provides the women with a fair pay and a safe place to work.

Sol means sunshine in Spanish. The name was chosen because of the people Monica and her mother have met on their travels. The goal of their company is to help send a little sunshine to customers and send a little sunshine to those who are living in poverty.

Over the last two years, The Sol Company has grown and now carries jewelry, clothing, leather bags and wallets from many countries around the world. The company gives back a portion of their profits to World Vision each year.

Learn more about SEED’s International Development program and how you can make a difference.