Zuleima, 43, left Denver, USA, where she had lived for 22 years, to return to La Laguna in the Chalatenango Department to care for her family’s property. Although the decision was difficult, Zuleima saw it as an opportunity to build something lasting for herself, her brothers, and her daughters.
Her return coincided with the launch of new opportunities provided by Work Is Progress, which helped Zuleima turn a personal challenge into a successful project. With no prior experience in coffee farming, she participated in an agricultural administration course, learning sustainable practices such as natural fertilization, ecological treatments, and techniques for improving quality.
Applying these new skills, Zuleima revitalized her family’s abandoned land and transformed it into a productive plantation. Her first harvest in 2023 was a success, and now she produces high-quality coffee under her own brand, managing everything from roasting and packaging to sales, including online. “With the support of Soleterre, I learned how to create a valuable product, optimize processes, and increase earnings” she proudly says.
But Zuleima didn’t stop there. With professional coaching from the program, she is now working on a sustainable tourism project: transforming the property into an ecotourism hostal. The plan includes bungalows, a camping area, and a restaurant offering zero-kilometer products, all powered by renewable energy and using ecological technologies to preserve the environment.
“I came back to show that a woman can run a farm and create opportunities here, without migrating”, Zuleima says. Thanks to Work Is Progress, she has turned her return into a symbol of resilience and development for her community.
To learn more about Zuleima’s story and our beneficiaries, download the full version of our 2024 Report and stay updated on our upcoming programs for 2025 in El Salvador!
Keep following us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on our work and initiatives!
