Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, 29, is the only Filipina included in Forbes' "30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs" for 2015.
Fernandez-Ruiz is the co-founder of R2R (Rags2Riches Inc), a for-profit social enterprise creating bags and home accessories using upcycled scrap cloth, organic materials and indigenous fabrics. Women from poor communities have bee
Forbes noted that Rags2Riches is the "first fashion and design house empowering community artisans in the Philippines."
"It has trained 900 artisans and directly employ 50 people--professionals, in-house artisans, marketers, and strategists who are all working together towards the same goal. The organization experienced a consistent 100% annual growth rate for their first five years in existance (2007-2012)," the magazine said.
This is not the first time Fernandez-Ruiz has been recognized for her efforts. The Ateneo graduate also received the Rolex Young Laureate award in 2010.
According to its website, R2R was started in 2007 in Payatas, where many women make rugs from scrap fabric. R2R tapped these women workers and provided them with skills training.
R2R is known for its fashionable "Buslo" bags, as well as designer collaborations with Rajo Laurel, Oliver Tolentino, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, and Olivia d’Aboville.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
