Maria Andrea Hernández

Nationality: Peru

Organization Name: Uma Peru

Impact Region: Peru

About the Social Business: UMA Peru is a social enterprise dedicated to addressing the social and economic marginalization and gender-based violence that female artisans face in Peru, particularly in the most poverty-stricken regions, such as Ayacucho and Cajamarca. UMA empowers women through economic opportunities by connecting local artisans with global markets for high-quality decor and clothing that reflects unique Andean art traditions. With a focus on quality, convenience, and quantifiable social impact, UMA not only ensures fair compensation for artisans but also promotes women’s empowerment and financial independence. Since its creation in 2020, UMA has expanded its reach and continues to drive change by integrating traditional crafts with modern business strategies, helping artisans achieve sustainable livelihoods.

About the Y&Y Fellow: Maria Andrea Hernández is a Peruvian infrastructure consultant with a strong commitment to public management and social entrepreneurship. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Universidad del Pacífico, where her academic focus evolved from finance to public economics, aligning with her passion for creating social impact. Maria’s career began at APOYO Consultoría, where she gained experience in public management, and later worked at Peru’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. She served as an economist at the Consejo Privado de Competitividad – Perú, and is currently a Strategy and Transactions Senior consultant at EY, specializing in infrastructure projects. Maria speaks Spanish, English, and French, and has further honed her skills through certifications in social programs impact evaluation, public policy design, and data science. Her dedication to improving the lives of marginalized communities in Peru is deeply rooted in her own family’s struggles and her desire to give back to her country, demonstrating her commitment to leadership and social change.

 

 

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