Shaped by her upbringing with her parents in Peru, who dedicated their lives to helping children with disabilities, Gabriela Gaitan developed a drive for social impact. Witnessing their relentless efforts to create a more inclusive society ignited Gabriela’s passion for using her own voice and initiatives to drive meaningful change.
“My parents dedicated their lives and work to kids with disabilities in Peru. In the 80s, there were no oral health specialists who focused on this population, and the treatments they received were risky,” Gaitan said. “It was from a young age that I knew I wanted to replicate what they were doing, using my projects and my voice to make a positive impact on others’ lives.”
While pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the Universidad del Pacífico in Lima, she conducted a research project focused on individuals over 50 in Peru. This project opened her eyes to the prevalence of age discrimination and its effects on their quality of life.
“Age discrimination is the most widespread in the world, and this results in a lack of opportunities for this population,” she observed. “Throughout the research, I also met many older people who did not fit the existing stereotypes. These were individuals with a drive to move forward, with ongoing projects, goals, and objectives, and a desire to pursue what they hadn’t been able to do until then.”
Her encounters with these individuals, coupled with the harsh realities faced by many elderly citizens, such as violence, poverty, and abandonment, motivated her to take action. In 2021, she founded Parlare, a social enterprise aimed at enhancing the quality of life for low-income older adults.
“The main challenge we aim to solve is social isolation and limited opportunities faced by adults over 50 years, especially those living in vulnerable situations,” Gaitan said. “Our target audience consists of adults who are looking to learn new hobbies or bring their projects to life.”
Parlare provides opportunities for education, skill development, and community engagement, fostering economic independence and social inclusion for older adults. Her understanding of what it means to be a social entrepreneur evolved further through her participation in the Y&Y Fellowship Program. Although she was introduced to the concept during a university course, it was the mentorship and hands-on learning of the program that crystallized her vision for Parlare.
“It wasn’t until I entered the Y&Y fellowship program that I was able to deeply understand what [social entrepreneurship] entailed and the impact they generated on society,” Gaitan reflected. “It was here that I realized that Parlare was a social enterprise, and I started changing some processes to generate the greatest possible impact on people.”
While her work brings fulfillment, Gaitan acknowledges the complexities and constant pressures of running a social business. She remains steadfast in her sense of purpose and motivation for her cause.
“Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to expand my knowledge, develop new skills, and broaden my perspective. Moreover, it is very rewarding to see how ideas materialize, and over time, we make decisions that help more people to benefit,” Gaitan said. “Sometimes there are obstacles that are more challenging than others, but it ultimately depends on our motivation and determination to overcome them. And if we happen to stumble, it’s important to gather the strength to rise again.”
At the heart of Gabriela’s work is a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of older adults who have often been overlooked by society. Her advice to aspiring social entrepreneurs reflects this commitment to purpose and impact: “Fight for the world you want to create and never lose sight of the initial motivation that drove you to embark on this journey. Stay passionate, persistent, and committed to your purpose.”
Through Parlare, Gabriela Gaitan continues to redefine what it means to age with dignity and ambition. By fostering community, promoting self-sufficiency, and challenging societal norms, she is paving the way for a future where older adults can thrive, contribute, and be valued as essential members of society.
