Since 2008, Namaste has coached thousands of marginalized women in Guatemala to grow sustainable businesses and dramatically increase their profits. This increase in cash flow has given women increased agency over their lives, boosted their confidence, and has resulted in better education, housing, nutrition, and health outcomes for their families.
Our mission
Namaste’s mission is to empower economically vulnerable Guatemalan women with the skills and resources to grow profitable businesses, achieve financial security, and pursue their dreams.
Our vision
To significantly reduce poverty and violence against Guatemalan women by equipping them with the skills and resources they need to participate in the economy and achieve financial independence.
Our Values
Namaste’s work is guided by the following values:
Relationship-Based Approach
Our staff fosters respectful relationships that support women in growing their businesses and pursuing their dreams.
Impact-Driven
We measure our clients’ changes in profit, learning outcomes, decision-making power, and hundreds of other data points to analyze our impact.
Rooted in Social Justice
Namaste levels the playing field for marginalized women in Guatemala to achieve economic security, equipping them with the skills to earn more throughout their lives.
A Healthy Ecosystem of Women’s Empowerment
We seek partnerships with mission-aligned NGOs that provide critical services to create a healthy ecosystem of women’s empowerment in Guatemala.
Power of Proximity
Namaste’s programs are locally run by a dedicated Guatemalan team, well-versed in the languages and cultures of the women we serve
Our story started with experience and commitment
Namaste was founded by Bob Graham, who was inspired to improve the quality of life for Guatemalans after visiting the country during his Kellogg Fellowship in 1973. Fifteen years later, Bob was one of the first “social entrepreneurs” for microfinance in Latin America. In the 1980’s he was a founding pioneer for one of Central America’s first microloan NGOs, the Katalysis Partnership. In 2004 when Bob turned Katalysis over to its regional non-profit partners, Bob’s microfinance work encompassed 21 NGOs in 5 countries with more than 200,000 borrowers and a loan portfolio of $60 million.
With a genuine desire to make an impact and 25 years of experience in microfinance and development work, Bob established Namaste Direct to support marginalized women entrepreneurs in Guatemala. For microfinance to work best, Bob recognized not just the need to make money available to people in poverty, but also the critical need for effective mentoring and education to accompany loans. After extensive interviews with hundreds of Guatemalan women, Bob developed Namaste’s signature Creating Prosperity Program (CPP) which runs in nine-month cycles, during which women receive customized microloans, individualized business mentoring, and education, helping them break generational cycles of poverty.
Namaste’s Team
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Management Team
I love learning directly from the resourceful women we serve about their unique opportunities and challenges, and collaborating with our talented team to design innovative solutions that help women achieve economic independence and make their dreams a reality.
Desiree Lyons,
CEO, Namaste Direct
"I've spent 12 years at Namaste, and what I love most is receiving hugs from our clients, thanking us for what we do for them. I’m proud to work with a committed team to contribute to a better Guatemala and continue our founder's dream."
Eugenia Duran,
Executive Director, Fundacion Namaste Guatemaya
I’m inspired by seeing women regain their identity as successful individuals and become role models for others."
Edwin Ramirez,
Program Director, Fundacion Namaste Guatemaya
Our Team
"Working at Namaste has been transformative and energizing (thanks to coffee!). In these few months, I've seen how providing loans to vulnerable women changes lives. The dedication of the team is contagious, and each achievement is a reason to celebrate."
Abigail Paredes de la Cruz,
Systems Analyst
Astrid Villatoro,
Business Advisor & Educator
"I am thrilled to see women making their dreams come true. In my month at Namaste, I’ve realized how much of a difference we make in the lives of those who need it most."
Catarina Tambriz,
Business Advisor & Educator
"Namaste gives me the opportunity to support many women and do what I love—sharing and learning. No matter the weather or social and political challenges, we are committed to being there for the people we care about."
Mario Sakil,
Business Advisor & Educator
Manuel Cabrera,
Business Advisor & Educator
"Namaste allows me to support incredible women striving for a better future. Documenting their stories and successes fills me with pride. Working to help women is a vocation that inspires me to build a more just world."
Paulino Mixteco,
Assistant to Executive Director
"I love working at Namaste because one of our main goals is to provide financial education to Guatemalan women entrepreneurs, helping them manage their resources and grow their businesses."
Sara Cojolon,
Finance Manager
Board of Directors
Aliyya Mattos
Bob Graham
Belia Menses
Denise Lorenz
Doug Spencer
Edwin Xico
Ginger Hooven
Kristin Houk
Lara Weasea
Maria Rose Anderson
Michelle Green
Ruth Graham
Silvana Vanfretti
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Donate today to equip economically vulnerable Guatemalan women with the skills and resources to grow sustainable businesses, achieve economic security, and break generational cycles of poverty.
