Editorial

In June’s editorial, I narrated a touching story of solidarity, which goes beyond any logic of international cooperation for development. It was not about a public policy or strategic line of a corporation, but about the value of the movement of a person who moves and inspires many of us.

Just saying that a group of Venezuelan hairdressers began to raise funds, offering their work and giving classes, to help their colleagues in Cesena (Italy) who had been affected by the floods, is news that strikes anyone. For this reason and since I am a believer in the “culture of encounters”, and that “reality is more important than the idea”, as Pope Francis has insisted so much, I decided to go to Maracay to be able to live the experience.

And there was Gloria, with her daughter Caty and her little grandson José, many teachers, students, other entrepreneurs from the community, and guests. We found ourselves with an overabundance of kindness, gratitude, solidarity, enthusiasm, collaborative work, and wishes for education and work to become the pillars of a better future for our country; all spontaneous, transparent, showing the best of them, and with an infinite desire to grow and get ahead.

We could stop here and it would be an exceptional story, very motivating, full of feeling, and that very likely can have an impact on other people. However, something told me that it was not all: there had to be something else.

When something so true happens, beyond being a full stop, it opens you up to questions that need time to find answers. Is it only gratitude and solidarity that move these people? What is the true need of the human being?

Weeks later, picking up the conversation with Gloria, I realized that a person is always in need of another, regardless of their socioeconomic status. It is a human characteristic, because we are structurally in need, especially of the meaning of things. Precisely because she has suffered a lot in her life, because she lives that need, because she has been helped, she spontaneously wants to start helping others.

But the dominant mentality sells us the fantasy that we are self-sufficient and that everything depends on the success we have, and it is not. Being able to meet, and look at reality, however difficult it may be, allows us to go from a need and a gesture of solidarity to realizing what we need to live.

You can live in scarcity, and still be aware that we always need something bigger than material to give meaning to our lives. With Gloria, we named it God.

Alejandro Marius
Entrepreneurship and Nutrition program begins with 66 participants

On July 10, within the framework of the beginning of the VI cohort of the Entrepreneurship and Nutrition program in alliance with Ford Motor de Venezuela, the first training class was held in each location. Carúpano and El Tocuyo had twenty-five participants each, while Valencia had sixteen. In total, sixty-six women entrepreneurs joined this new training process that will take place for nine weeks in a hybrid modality, using the Emprender360 methodology. Throughout the training, the participants will receive classes in aspects related to personal development, entrepreneurship, and trade. The respective coordinators were present in each city: Lineth Rosario in Carúpano, José Gregorío León in El Tocuyo, and Yralí Palacios in Valencia. All participants showed great enthusiasm and interest during their first face-to-face classes.

Chocolate entrepreneurs in Lara organize their first meeting

On July 28, the first meeting of chocolate entrepreneurs from Trabajo y Persona was held in Lara state, with the purpose of reconnecting and reencountering. Each attendee shared their life story and the current state of their venture, addressing various issues that affect the growth of their projects. During the meeting, proposals were generated to improve and continue growing together in the world of chocolate. The local coordinator, Francys Bandres, was also present at the meeting. The graduates enjoyed a fun environment with various dynamics that allowed them to share laughter and experiences with each other.

Entrepreneurship and Nutrition in Carúpano begins with a practical class on local pantry

On July 27, within the training process of the VI cohort of the Entrepreneurship and Nutrition program in collaboration with Ford Motor of Venezuela, the Carúpano participants enjoyed their first practical class called “Local Pantry,” directed by chef Jesús Mendez. During the session, they explored the origin of the Sucre state pantry and the region’s native products, as well as how to prepare two dishes using local ingredients. The excitement was evident among the participants, who greatly valued the opportunity to strengthen their ventures. Also present at the event were the local coordinator, Lineth Rosario, and as a support team, Mileyvi Figueroa.

56 Entrepreneurs from Caracas and Guarenas completed the Gastronomy360 Diploma

On July 13, at the Monteávila University Auditorium, the graduation ceremony for 56 entrepreneurial graduates of the Gastronomy360 Diploma, from Caracas and Guarenas, took place. The ceremony was attended by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Caracas, His Eminence Cardinal Baltazar Porras, the Rector of the Monteávila University, Dr. Guillermo Fariñas Contreras, and the President of Trabajo y Persona, Alejandro Marius, who addressed words of appreciation and congratulations to the new graduates.
This diploma was carried out in alliance with the Archdiocese of Caracas and the Diocese of Guarenas, receiving congratulatory words from Mons. Tulio Ramírez and being represented at the ceremony by the Episcopal Vicar, Father José Antonio Barrera. In addition, Monteávila University endorsed the program, while the coordination was in charge of Trabajo y Persona. During the diploma, there was the valuable participation of renowned allies such as chef Víctor Moreno, CAVENIT, chef Damián Boada, Plaza’s Cooking School, El Pan Nuestro Gastronomic Center, KKO Real School of Chocolate and Confectionery, Espacio Suizo Foundation and Plaza’s Foundation, Tequeños Las Tías, Bufalinda, Ananké, Torondoy, Cáritas de Guarenas, Empresas Polar, Puro y Simple, Guatire Gastronómico, Guatire.com, La Fogata Restaurant, and Moreno Restaurant.
Outstanding graduates María Elena Palacios and Rosnardi Vegas gave inspiring words on behalf of their colleagues from Caracas and Guarenas, sharing the significant experience of this training both in their personal and professional growth. As a closing of the activity, a tasting of products made by the graduates was carried out, which was shared with the authorities and invited allies, in an emotional closing of this successful training day.

Carmen Pinto presents the relaunch of her brand Mikuticum Chocolates

The graduate of the II cohort of the Diploma in Chocolate Entrepreneurship, Carmen Pinto, has relaunched her brand Mikuticum (@mikuticum) in July, presenting new packaging with a graphic identity that seeks to capture the magical flavors of her chocolates in different symbolic figures. The 54% dark chocolate is now represented by a hummingbird, which is important in the oral tradition of the Venezuelan indigenous peoples. The choice of this symbol highlights the sweetness of cocoa, its beauty and its natural charm, highlighting its importance in cocoa crops. Likewise, the 70% dark chocolate bar is printed with a cocoa pod, aimed at those consumers looking for pure, strong chocolates with a lot of personality. The 100% organic chocolate formulation, free of added sugars, is aimed at those who value the purity of ancestral cocoas. This variety is represented by a cocoa tree and its fruits, with green tones that symbolize the humid tropical jungle, home of Venezuelan cocoas. With these relaunches, Mikuticum highlights its connection with nature and Venezuelan culture, offering a unique and authentic experience for its consumers.

+Chocolate was present at the 19th edition of the Venezuelan Film Festival

The venture +Chocolate (@_maschocolate), created in Merida by graduates of the Diploma in Chocolate Entrepreneurship, stood out at the 19th edition of the Venezuelan Film Festival, held from July 9 to 13 in Mérida. During the event, they presented their exquisite products and were interviewed by the press, highlighting their outstanding participation. In addition, other allied brands, such as Seminilla, Kamila Milkshake, Mimo’s Heladería, and Cacao Lab, also participated in the event.

Sarimar Castillo promoted her chocolate brand in Barquisimeto

The Chocolate Entrepreneur, Sarimar Castillo (@cacaopurpura), during the month July, promoted her brand in training events held in the city of Barquisimeto, Lara. She managed to bring her famous colorful chocolates to important conferences such as the SER MUJER program, which took place on July 20.

Verónica Carvajal opened her store in Cabudare

The graduate of Gastronomic Entrepreneurs in alliance with the NGO CESAL, Verónica Carvajal (@delicakebarqt), achieved one of the goals of her business plan after much effort. Recently, she celebrated the inauguration of her own sweets and fast food establishment in the La Estancia Shopping Center, located in the city of Cabudare, Lara state. In her new place, Verónica offers a diverse variety of desserts, breakfasts, cakes, and cupcakes, among others, all made with the quality guarantee that characterizes her.

Christie Zerpa gave a chocolate workshop in partnership with two entrepreneurs

The graduate of the II cohort of the Diploma in Chocolate Entrepreneurship, Christie Zerpa (@postresambar_), led a personalized chocolate workshop together with two entrepreneurs: Venere from @loraine.vzla and Virginia from @berenjenaycalabacin. During the training, they shared their knowledge of making chocolates and the chocolate painting process. For the graduate, it was really motivating to share her experience and see the great interest shown in this type of training.

Yilein Ariza presented her venture in a Helvetic celebration

The graduate of the Caracas 360 Gastronomic Entrepreneurs Diploma, Yilein Ariza, received a special invitation from Espacio Suizo Foundation. Her venture, @azuukar, participated in the commemoration of the 732nd anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. The meeting took place at the Caracas Sports Club facilities and brought together friends and allies in a festive atmosphere. This valuable opportunity allowed her to present her products in said space. It should be noted that Yilein had the fundamental support of her colleagues Kiara Lorenzo and Daiyoli Garcia, who provided advice and support.

Chocolate entrepreneurs participated in an exhibition in Carúpano

The Chocolate Entrepreneurs graduated from the Venezuela Tierra de Cacao program, Marian Rodríguez, Virginia Rodríguez, Lucy Luna, and María Fernanda Quintero, stood out in an exhibition of products held at the Carúpano Historical Museum, in Sucre, as part of the reception to representatives of the NGO INCIDE. During the event, they offered a tasting of handmade appetizers, rums, and chocolate. Visitors were amazed by the quality and unique flavors of the products presented.

Navigating in Chocolate: Talk with TyP entrepreneurs 

The Américo Vespucio Technological Institute extended an invitation to the Chocolate Entrepreneurs, Marlene Briceño and Emma Torrealba, to participate in an event entitled “Sailing in Chocolate”, organized by tourism students. On this occasion, they had the opportunity to share their knowledge about the history and the different varieties of cocoa.

Deyanira Díaz presented her products at the World Poetry Festival

The Chocolate Entrepreneur, Deyanira Díaz (@nattivocacao_chocolate), stood out with her products at the Librería del Sur “Aquiles Nazoa” of the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas, as part of the 17th World Poetry Festival 2023.

Graduates from Guarenas are trained on web pages

The graduates of the Gastronomy360 Diploma in Guarenas had the opportunity to participate in an induction workshop on web pages, courtesy of Guatire.com and directed by Luis Leal. This initiative, a reward for having completed their training, seeks to strengthen their presence on digital platforms and portals, providing them with valuable tools for the online world.

Chocolate entrepreneurs immerse themselves in the Bean to Bar process

The Chocolate Entrepreneurs, Sarimar Castillo, Maria Alvarado, and Mery Tovar, participated in the Bean to Bar course taught by the outstanding Venezuelan cook and chocolatier María Fernanda Di Giacobbe from @cacaodeorigen. Throughout this course, the participants had a unique experience when visiting the Don Nacho Farm, where they had the opportunity to visit a cocoa plantation. In addition, they learned the art of transforming cocoa beans into high-quality chocolate. This opportunity materialized thanks to the alliance between Trabajo y Persona and the Adelis Sisirucá School of Gastronomy (@adelissisiruca), thus reinforcing the training and growth of these entrepreneurs in the chocolate world.

Sarimar Castillo promotes Venezuelan cocoa on national TV

The Chocolate Entrepreneur, Sarimar Castillo (@cacaopurpura), has stood out throughout her career not only for promoting her brand but also for promoting the consumption of chocolate in the state of Lara. Her focus is on highlighting the value of Venezuelan cocoa and the potential it offers to boost the country’s economy. On July 21, she had the honor of being a guest on the “Una Buena Mañana” program on Promar TV, where she addressed the issue of Venezuelan cacao and presented her chocolates. This opportunity represented her first foray into television, an experience she thoroughly enjoyed, as she was able to promote her brand and her various chocolate products such as chocolates, bars, and truffles.

María Paola Galarraga commemorated Cocoa Day on Instagram

The graduate of the II virtual cohort of the Venezuela Tierra de Cacao project, María Paola Galarraga (@maria.paola.gv), went live on Instagram to commemorate International Cocoa Day on July 7. During the event, she highlighted the fascinating history of cocoa and its nutritional value, underlining the importance of its consumption both nationally and internationally.

Chocolate entrepreneurs were invited to the XII National Diabetes Congress

The Chocolate Entrepreneurs, Marlene Briceño and Emma Torrealba, had the honor of being invited to the XII National Diabetes Congress at the Renaissance Hotel in Caracas, where they held a tasting of rum chocolate. In this event, they had the participation of medical doctors from various specialties, who enjoyed an exceptional closing led by the graduates.