Business Council For Peace, Inc. (Bpeace)

Bpeace is making a difference in the world and through volunteering with Bpeace, you too can make a significant impact on improving people's lives. Bpeace will connect you with a family owned, typically woman owned or led, business where you can volunteer as a "Skillanthropist" to utilize your experience and skills to help coach the businesses toward meaningful improvement. Bpeace does all the background and leg work and will help facilitate your coaching sessions, whether in-person or via Zoom.
I have volunteered to consult businesses in both El Salvador and Guatemala and I highly recommend Bpeace for their professionalism, purpose, and opportunities that they provide both to small companies and for the volunteers.

I had a great experience volunteering for BPeace, where I worked with a small business to provide advice/expertise in my subject area. BPeace was very helpful in pairing me with the most appropriate business, facilitating the onboarding process, and providing support in meetings as needed. Strongly recommend volunteering for BPeace!

BPeace is so effective--it's been a pleasure being a volunteer skillanthropist with them over the past few years, and I feel together we have really had an impact on helping small businesses succeed.

Through Bpeace, I have worked with organizations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and the US on and off for the last three years. As an independent HR consultant and coach, Bpeace offers the perfect outlet to share my expertise while giving back and investing in female-led businesses and growing communities. The business owners I have worked with come prepared with questions, are engaged in the discussion, and are gracious for any guidance provided. The Bpeace support staff is easy to work with - readily available and handles all logistics. For some engagements, I have used a Zoom translator and that process has been seamless. Finally, this work has also allowed me to stretch and grow - exposing me to unique HR challenges in countries and industries that are new to me.

I first started working with Bpeace almost 2 years ago. I have found every engagement with small businesses in Central America to be very interesting and rewarding. It has been great to apply my business knowledge to these companies and assist them grow. I have also learned a lot along the way improving my business consulting skills. For anyone interested in applying their business knowledge to have a tangible impact, I would highly recommend volunteering for Bpeace!

Over the past two years, I've enjoyed partnering with Bpeace to offer leadership and talent development support to business owners (primarily women) in Guatemala and El Salvador. I've witnessed firsthand how much thoughtful and tailored support they offer each of the beneficiaries of their support - it is life-changing.

I have volunteered twice in El Salvador working with small businesses. Both times, I felt like my skills were useful and that I was making a difference. Additionally, the BePeace staff was there for me every step of the way. I am so thankful for their help.

I am a volunteer Skillanthropist for Bpeace and have worked with them for most of a decade. I can't say enough for the organization - a benchmark for non-profits. I have done projects remotely for them and in person in Guatemala and El Salvador. Their on-site support is superior and the Fasts Runner clients thoroughly vetted, committed and incredibly appreciative. Their mission to help small businesses and therefore improve the economies in developing, formerly war-torn countries is important and timely. I can't recommend them more highly.

Bpeace qualifies and selects businesses in need of assistance to become more successful. Then it matches those companies with volunteers like me who have skills to share and a desire to help. Bpeace staff coordinates and supports this effort to ensure success.
This is a great organization. I feel that my skills are valuable and I am really helping the organizations I participate with. In many cases the people I help become friends.

I have volunteered with this organization over the last 5 years and it is incredible effective and well run. They do so much to help entrepreneurs succeed in developing countries.

As I said in my very first review of Bpeace and continue to say today, for me, this is a match made in heaven. I’ve always wanted to give back to the country that gifted me such a happy childhood and Bpeace has enabled and empowered me to do so in the best possible way - combining my interests, professional skills, personal connections, and cultural background. What has kept me here since 2017?
- The satisfaction of being able to make a tangible difference … that’s highly appreciated.
- The close relationships I’ve been able to build with the businesses I’ve mentored.
- The commitment I see from the President, the Board, the Executive Council ( which I am a part of now) and the whole organization to making this a better and better organization every day ( the sky is the limit attitude).
- Last but not least, the unbelievable support and camaraderie from the Bpeace staff out in the field, which to me, is their secret to success.

Bpeace has a admiral mission, strong values, and well-rounded leadership.

Bpeace is driving valuable outcomes for small businesses around the globe. It is rewarding to be part of this broader purpose.

Volunteers have opportunities to bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and skills to Bpeace. They are also given a voice- Bpeace is open to continuous improvement and evolves to meet the needs of the businesses they serve and volunteers that support them.

I thoroughly enjoyed my volunteer experience with Bpeace. I was impressed by their commitment to the mission and their exceptional support throughout my journey consulting for one of their clients. If you have the bandwidth, I highly recommend lending your time and expertise to support Bpeace and the small businesses abroad.

My experience as a Skillanthropist for the Bpeace Women Forward program was amazing!
I heard about the organization while networking and it sounded like something I'd enjoy.
As luck would have it, they were in need of one more volunteer, so I was able to help.
I was a little nervous at first, because I didn't necessarily consider myself a mentor or coach.
It didn't take long to realize we are all the same, we all have had the same struggles and insecurities and my years as a manager and HR leader provided me with lots of experiences & lessons learned I could share with the mentees. I honestly benefited from the experience as much as they did. Our weekly meetings were something I really looked forward to and enjoyed. I have told everyone I know about it. What an amazing organization. I'm honored to be a part of it!

My involvement with Bpeace has been incredibly rewarding, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for international development. As a student of Global Development Studies, I have actively looked for ways to serve and provide impact. Through my firm, I found Bpeace and knew it was exactly what I was looking for! By joining Bpeace's mission, I have found a meaningful way to utilize my consulting skills and contribute to the empowerment of local businesses in El Salvador. I had the opportunity to lead goal-setting workshops guiding businesses on the emphasis on sustainable growth.

The connections formed during the workshops have proven invaluable, creating a solid network of like-minded individuals committed to fostering positive change in the business community. Witnessing the growth and success of businesses we have supported is inspiring, and contributing to stronger and more resilient local economies is fulfilling.

Bpeace's focus on empowering business growth through transformative workshops has been a truly fulfilling journey for me. I look forward to getting involved again and playing an active role!

It all started with a bike ride... Since 2014, I have been actively volunteering with Bpeace. It has been a wonderful experience that has allowed me to have tremendous positive impact on communities in need. Through the Objectives and Key Results workshop, I have helped hundreds of small / medium women led businesses set and align their corporate goals to drive growth. The work is inspiring, and it is great to be able to give back with the skills I've developed and honed through a decade of management consulting. I also learn from the "fastrunners" every time I engage in a probono project.

Over the years, I had the pleasure of introducing Bpeace to my company and the relationship has blossomed - with many others being as inspired as I by the mission and impact of Bpeace. Last year alone, 28 of my colleagues volunteered with Bpeace.

It is a great group of people and a wonderful way to give back. I couldn't recommend getting involved more highly!

Volunteering with Bpeace continues to be such a rewarding experience for me. Almost 14 years ago I joined this amazing non-profit to which I share my knowledge and skills with entrepreneurs that Bpeace has thoroughly vetted. The impact that we make is astounding!!

If ever you'd like to get involved, we are a virtual organization, and your time commitment is 100% up to you, if at all. You will make a difference!

My wife and I are retired executives who have been volunteering our time for BPeace for several years now. BPeace supports small businesses in El Salvador and Guatemala that help stabilize the local economies and increase employment opportunities. The greater the economic stability in those countries the less reason for illegal immigration. We act as free business consultants and have volunteered to work with well over a dozen different businesses in those countries. The Bpeace staff is exceptionally professional, providing critical support to the business volunteers. Additionally, this non-profit runs very lean and uses very little of monetary donations for staff and expenses.
I will continue to volunteer my time to Bpeace knowing that it is a proactive way to give back and create a more stabile world for countries south of the US.

I can't say enough positive about Bpeace and my experience volunteering as a traveling mentor. I've done this for the past several years and love being able to make a significant impact on the many growing businesses that Bpeace supports. I've learned so much along the way as well as made many lifelong friends. I highly recommend participating in this wonderful organization.

My experience has been nothing but positive. BePeace is an organization that puts the effort into getting to know our "Fast Runners" as to pair them with a qualified "skllathropist" that specializes in their area of need. Visit www.Bepeace.org to learn more about how you can join us on our mission of peace through job creation.

Being a member of the Bpeace organization has truly been a meaningful and impactful experience. From getting to know the Bpeace staff to interacting with the incredible women they serve across the globe, this organization is helping make a real difference -- and they will continue to do so for years to come. They are changing lives and changing the economy.

As a skillanthropist and member of their executive council, I highly recommend that others consider Bpeace as they look to get involved in philanthropic endeavors.

Bpeace is one of the most impressive organizations I have worked with. The team running the organization is communicative, efficient, kind and hail from a variety of impressive backgrounds. More importantly, the impact is evident. I've worked with numerous small businesses during my time at Bpeace, and each has compelling stories and significant community impact. Bpeace's platform is a unique way for business professionals to share their skills with small business owners who are eager for their guidance and advice. Highly highly recommend on all fronts!

I have been volunteering for Bpeace since 2005 and the experience has changed the trajectory of my life. I’ve traveled to other countries to mentor amazing entrepreneurs and have made lifelong friends. I’ve had the chance to use my skills to do good in the world. The Bpeace leadership makes it fun and easy to volunteer.

Bpeace changes lives of women and their families, and minorities in Central American and the USA with their highly effective model of providing pro bono consulting by experienced volunteers to small and medium businesses. This contributes to revenue growth and job creation. The results, which are rigorously measured and documented, show the huge impact of the Bpeace model and mission.

Bpeace has to be the best kept secret in the development world.

From Afghanistan to Rwanda to Central America, for 20 years, their network of highly skilled volunteers have provided counsel to entrepreneurs that has led to countless new decent jobs.

Jobs have an outsize influence in these places. They bring hope, they create opportunity and they countless lift families and communities.

Additionally their Women Forward program helps to mentor and guide women leaders in a highly engaging and meaningful way.

Bpeace: a proven model with proven impact.

I encourage everyone to check them out online: www.bpeace.org

Bpeace is one of the most well structured and well organized non profit I have worked with. Their staff is amazing and their results are outstanding due to the commitment of their team and the volunteers that support their programs. It has been such a fulfilling experience to be part of Boeace.

I have been a remote Skillanthropist with Bpeace since 2015, and am very proud to serve on the Executive Council. Bpeace's model is extraordinary in terms of the hands-on direct impact that a Skillanthropist can make. This year I've had the opportunity to work with a variety of women- and family-owned businesses included a printing company, a packaging company, and a fashion designer/retailer to name a few. I so appreciate being able to share my knowledge with them to help them grow their businesses, and also to learn from them. Win+Win!

This is a wonderful organization that empowers so many women around the world and helps create sustaining relationships within the business community.

BPeace provides an opportunity to do more than talk about the problems of poverty and high unemployment, it provides a proven format to work to solve those problems in countries and areas of the US most in need of assistance. The problems of poverty and conflict are not easily solved, but helping hardworking entrepreneurs who are building sustainable businesses and creating job opportunities offers a start. BPeace as an organization is run by a team of dedicated professionals who were accomplished in their careers prior to BPeace. The understand the need and work hard to make sure it is being fulfilled with a lot of support from BPeace employees to maximize the value to the clients' we are helping. After 30+ years of experience working with large companies and investment firms, it's been incredibly rewarding to work with business owners who are providing direct benefits to their communities.

I have been part of Bpeace for over 15 years. Bpeace's cause is realistic and much needed to ultimately create a place in the world for more peace through creating employment opportunities in areas where it is needed. Through Bpeace's programs the direct contact a volunteer has with fast runners is incredible as you see the impact one can have immediately. It is so rewarding to be a part of this organization!

Bpeace is amazing to work with. The opportunities they provide to small businesses is invaluable. I still keep in touch with my mentee in El Salvador from two years ago and she is flourishing due to the support Bpeace provided her.

I had the privilege and honor of working with ~50 + extraordinary female business owners / leaders from El Salvador who had never before been mentored and had never before gotten feedback from their colleagues. Each of their stories and how they got into their businesses and grew them was an inspiration. Watching these women leaders transform before our eyes when they got the feedback from their colleagues as to what people saw as their leadership values, strengths, and suggested directions to take was a gift not only to them but to me as the deliverer of that data. It is a rare moment when we get to see how others view us in full and how we impact the lives of others. Many of these women were moved to tears in the best possible way because they saw how genuinely gifted, talented, strong, capable, motivating, and exceptional they were. This process not only strengthened their confidence, but enlightened them on what to double down on and what new directions to take to fulfill their dreams.

I have worked as a Skillanthropist volunteer with BPeace for 2 years now. I have consulted with an advertising agency, restaurant group, bath and body products manufacturer and micro-finance company in Guatemala, and pharma company in El Salvador. The experience has been life changing on every level. The leadership at the companies I have worked with is primed and ready to grow their business and create jobs at their companies. Together we’ve hired new employees, created focused marketing plans to grow revenue, created a plan to break into the US market, and began an Amazon retail program. The information I’ve been able to provide has been dwarfed by the learnings I’ve gained as a professional working with these incredible entrepreneurs—best practices, local trends and the impact of hustle! I can not recommend BPeace enough!

BPeace is a special organization that benefits both program members and the volunteers. I get to use my business skills to help other businesses grow and while doing so I get to meet interesting people in other communities and learn something new that enriches is my life. It’s a win-win all around!

I have been a volunteer with Bpeace for the last 18 months. In that time, I have worked one on one with FastRunners in El Salvador and Guatemala, and helped to conduct a Learning Lab for a group of 13 FastRunners. As a retired Director of Human Resources for a large Japanese company, I'm very used to working on multi-country teams, and I've found Bpeace to be one of the best structured, best managed and best supported non-profit or for profit organizations I know of for the support of executive entrepeneurs and businesses. They make it easy and fun to have a great impact.

Bpeace is a great organization. They have been helping me and my company for a few years by connecting us with excellent skillanthopists as they call the people that donate their time and knowledge with us. We have grown faster and better beacause of them.

I have been volunteering with Bpeace for over 15 years and each year has been more satisfying than the previous one. Mentoring businesswomen and men to expand their companies and create new jobs, where you can actually see the difference you make, is a life altering experience. The network of people caring to offer their expertise is inspiring. In the many projects I have been involved with in Bpeace, I have also grown and learned through the personal relationships formed.

The outcomes realized by the work of Bpeace are significant. I have seen first hand the incredible impact delivered every day to the people and communities that are served by Bpeace. Success is driven by a winning formula led by strong, passionate and talented people. I love being part of it and look forward to even greater things in the future.

I joined Bpeace a number of years ago and it continues to be the most worthy organization I have experienced. I am proud and lucky to serve on the Executive Council. By helping business owners in struggling areas, we also help families and communities who are bolstered by job creation and preservation. I have learned a lot from the smart and wonderful people we have helped, as well as from a network of great colleagues across Bpeace who have so much good thinking and action to share. Bpeace is a disciplined organization that backs up good intentions with real game-changing action.

I have great respect for Bpeace's mission and as an organization. Having been a donor for mant years, I only became more actively involved in the last few years and have been impressed by the dedication and integrity of staff members and volunteers who are committed to assisting small and largely women-owned businesses in strife-torn countries. Having participated in several projects in Guatemala and El Salvador, I have seen how Bpeace can make a difference and achieve measurable achievements.

As a well-meaning business person I always wanted to volunteer more but convinced myself that I was "too busy" to support any cause in any meaningful way.
Working with Bpeace has fully dispelled that myth.
It is a tightly run ship that deploys the skills of busy executives to great effect. It matches skills to needs. The result is time well spent for all involved. And the impact is real - job creation in the most challenged corners of our planet.
20 years young - and going strong!

Bpeace has provided so many SME businesses with the skills they need to thrive and to create jobs. The ripple effect of its impact is almost immeasurable although Bpeace does an excellent job of measuring the specific results on every client's business and its community. As a volunteer, it is super rewarding to give back, working with such a committed, impressive group of professionals. During the pandemic, Bpeace pivoted almost seamlessly, helping its clients stay the course and preserve jobs. It even began a US program during the pandemic, which is super exciting. I am so happy to be part of this organization!

I have been thinking about engaging with a nonprofit for a few years. All it took was one dinner meeting where I learned about Bpeace and the value that Bpeace delivers to help people in conflict-torn regions build peace through prosperity for me to realize this was the place where I might be able to make a difference. I sometimes think I don't have a talent to lend to others. With Bpeace I see that my business skills can make a real difference!

Being a part of Bpeace means doing something to create meaningful change in countries around the world. Bpeace enables professionals to give of their times and talents to build businesses, which in turn impacts communities. The opportunity I've had to meet and work alongside inventive and driven entrepreneurs in countries impacted by violence and war have given me so much more than I had imagined. Bpeace is with its skillanthropists every step of the way - coaching and facilitating discussions. The experience working with Bpeace is unparalleled. I can't recommend this organization more. I truly believe it holds the keys to improving our world.

My purpose is to learn and use my knowledge and experience to help businesses with innovation, strategy, operations, finance and leadership. Bpeace provides me an opportunity to achieve my purpose through vision, community and commitment to help businesses grow and innovate. I have enjoyed working with businesses and other skillanthropists and it has constantly helped me to learn and contribute.

Fantastic org that creates jobs and changes lives of many families. The leaders are truly inspiring.

Bpeace makes a difference not only in lives of the people it helps but in the lives of the people who volunteer for Bpeace. Some of the most rewarding work in my life has been in helping Bpeace fast runners.

Thank you Bpeace for giving me the opportunity to help make this world a little better. My experience mentoring a wonderful woman from Syria has changed lives, including mine. I have learned and experienced so much that would not have otherwise been available to me.

I must also mention that it is because of the strong Bpeace management team, under the leadership of Toni, that all these beautiful transformations are taking place. Thank you all so much for being a force for good in this world - we need you now more than ever.

I have been volunteering with Bpeace for many years and each year I am blown away by the skills shared by our volunteer skillanthropists, who freely offer their expertise to help our fast runners grow their businesses, create jobs, and learn how to be more successful entrepreneurs. At this difficult time, Bpeace is growing by leaps and bounds, with new ideas, new connectivity and expanded outreach.

Bpeace is a beacon of light in the darkness for business owners and entrepreneurs, for women, and for the communities they support.

The strategic thinking and brain power behind the organization is massive and the money goes where it needs to to do the most good. The results are clear and immediate: more jobs means less violence.

I am proud to stand with Bpeace.

In the midst of a particularly challenging year, Bpeace has been a beacon of purpose and belonging. I feel like I've taken more than I've given - that the community of Skillanthropists has been an uplifting and inspiring force in my life. Like everyone, Bpeace has pivoted its work, but has been unwavering in its mission. That makes Bpeace a truly great non-profit.

The incredible work BPeace has been doing to advance the economic viability of small businesses and women around the world is a shining example of the type of entrepreneurial goodwill needed in the world today.

It is an honor and thrill to be a Skillanthropist partner, I can’t wait until my next assignment!

I’ve been a Bpeace Skillanthropist since 2008 and have been on the Executive Council since 2009. Bpeace is an incredible organization that continues to
provide entrepreneurs in conflict-affected and economically challenged communities tools and resources to grow their businesses and create significant employment for all — with a particular focus on expanding the economic power of women. I am so proud to be a part of this organization and continue to be amazed at the impact Bpeace continues to have in El Salvador, Guatemala, Bolivia, Afghanistan, Lebanon and beyond!

Bpeace successfully help one of my friend's business and I was impressed with all the expertise they provided to position her business for growth and sustainability.I am a business consultant and her story inspired me to become a Bpeace skillantropist. I am honored to be part of Bpeace now!

I have been a part of Bpeace from the beginning as an active volunteer and board member. Bpeace has provided to me the opportunity to use my professional skills outside of my typical business network—to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, create more jobs, and ultimately move their communities toward stability. Bpeace is synonymous with integrity. I am proud to be a part of this organization.

I've been on the board of this organization for several years. The passion of our 'skillanthropist' volunteers and dedication of our 'fast-runner' entrepreneuers never cease to amaze me. Visit www. bpeace.org to learn how you can be a part of this group of business professionals who pay it forward and get even more in return!

This is a best in class non-profit organization with committed, highly skilled volunteers, an uber talented board, small but mighty staff and a powerhouse leader. I’m proud to be part of this phenomenol group and would highly recommend them to others. The work they do around the world is impressive and much needed.

I was looking for an opportunity to leverage skills I've built over my career to help others build their business, and BPeace offered me this chance! I had the pleasure of working as a remote skillanthropist mentoring a college student as part of the Lebanon team, and had a great time getting to know a wonderful student looking to leverage her computer science skills to build a program for local kids in her area to learn the craft. I would definitely participate in a program like this in the future, and hopefully will have the opportunity as a traveling skillanthropist in the near future!

I have been a Bpeace member and volunteer for more than 10 years. I've volunteered in a variety of ways- from Spanish to English language translation to overseeing research projects. The organization does a phenomenal job of creating win-win scenarios by pairing seasoned professionals with business acumen with pro bono clients who use this expertise to grow their businesses and their payroll, providing more opportunities in their communities. My most rewarding and memorable Bpeace experiences have been interacting with business owners around the world who juggle not only the typical challenges of running a small business, but larger more complex challenges like local security issues. Their motivation to overcome these challenges and to be responsible business owners within their communities has been more inspiring that I could have imagined when I signed up to volunteer all those years ago.

I’ve been working with BPeace just over one year. I am very impressed with the BPeace team, their processes and the Fast Runners they screen and select. I was paired with a Fast Runner team in Guatemala and it was chemistry and effectiveness immediately. Being a Skillanthropist has been a wonderful, enriching, and a learning experience for me. I recommend it highly.

Working in Finance, I was looking for a way to give back to the community, gain global exposure, and get exposed to a diverse set of successful business folks to learn from. Bpeace exceeded my expectations in all areas. Toni has truly formed an incredible culture, and Alex has done wonders as Program Manager making strides in El Salvador, Guatemala and Lebanon. What a pleasure it's been being a member of this organization for the last 2 years facilitating workshops, and helping entrepreneurs in these developing economies. Only thing I haven't done yet is travel to meet these entrepreneurs in person, which I hope to do soon! Anyone who considers joining Bpeace will be rewarded with an incredibly fulfilling experience and impressive professional network of other Skillanthropists.

I’ve volunteered for a number of years because Bpeace is making a difference in supporting entrepreneurs in areas of conflict. Economic empowerment has the capability to end oppression!

As a retiree, Bpeace is a perfect fit for me. I can share my knowledge learned throughout my career with entrepreneurs in conflicted countries who strive to build their business and thus hire people who desperately need jobs. "More Jobs Mean Less Violence" is our strategy. While our current focus is in El Salvador and Guatemala, I still advise people in Afghanistan that I worked with 8 years ago. Bpeace is an exceptionally well run organization with experienced leadership, dedicated volunteers and amazing results.

Bpeace is a solution's based non profit that helps create stability through job creation. Primarily focused on entrepreneurship with a bias toward women in conflict countries, this organization does volunteer business consulting and has tracked their results from the beginning. I started volunteering in 2009 and have been impressed and astounded by the astute and lean way this organization is run, demonstrating best business practices as they help businesses in other countries do the same.

I love lending my time and expertise to Bpeace - they are lean, mission-focused, and create an incredible and lasting impact in the economies where they work. The benefits to me are amazing: I get to meet other Skillanthropists in the Bpeace network and grow the value of my own professional network, and it gives me the opportunity to get to know businesses and people doing great work in places I would not otherwise have the chance to interact with locals. And when I donate, I can be confident that my money is being used efficiently.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been involved with such an outstanding organization as BPeace for over 15 years. Many of us have careers we are proud of but it is usually what we do through our volunteer and nonprofit work that reflects more accurately who we are as individuals and how we want to change the world. Witnessing and participating in the wonderful work that BPeace does and the positive changes it brings to the world is truly rewarding. BPeace lives up to its mission 100%.

I have been a member of Bpeace for many years and recently joined the Executive Council. I am so proud to be part of this organization. I can use my business skills to help promising small businesses, often run by women, or at the least who hire women, in violence torn areas. I've been able to witness the impact helping these business can have in raising the quality of life for these communities. Bpeace proves the adage that peace comes from prosperity. I would highly recommend joining Bpeace to any person with a business skill who would like to help make the world better. I promise, you will get more than you give!

A perfect marriage of business people in need and business people with skills and experience to give. It is run by a purpose driven, no-nonsense, passionate and results-driven team. No better ROI for your time or money. Bpeace changes lives -- including mine.

On the surface what I do on behalf of Bpeace seems so simple. I volunteer as a Skillanthropist and donate my capabilities and experience to business owners and their teams to help them grow their businesses. However it is the knock-on effect where the real impact is made and felt. A growing business creates more jobs. A job lifts an individual and his or her family out of poverty. A community where people are working and in turn contributing to the economy lifts the community and makes it healthier. More jobs in countries like El Salvador and Guatemala means less violence. The impact is real and visible and it is one of the most gratifying things I do. Bpeace makes a difference and working with them, so can you.

My experience with BPeace has been great and continues to be. My trip to Guatemala was an excellent opportunity to get to know both the country and it's people but also a chance to make a difference in someone else's life. My entrepreneur was vibrant, smart and really wants to make a difference for her customers that she serves. She took care to make sure that I was safe, well fed and made sure that I saw and understood her country. I had the opportunity to meet her parents and sister in addition to working hard at improving her business. Her family made me feel like I was part of their family. It was very rewarding and we continue to have a relationship after the trip. Stephany and Marcela from BPeace made sure that all of the plans were put in place and any needed arrangements were taken care of.
I would recommend this opportunity to anyone who has talents that they can share with others, you will find it to be very rewarding.

I previously reviewed Bpeace in 2014 and I have continued to have a great experience volunteering with them since then.

Through Bpeace, I have had the opportunity to travel to El Salvador (May 2014) and Guatemala (July 2018) to provide consulting to two different software companies. The work and the people have been great. Bpeace and the client companies are very professionally managed, welcoming, and open to new ideas and opportunities. Bpeace and the clients have a genuine commitment to creating jobs and developing employees' skills.

I have also enjoyed volunteering as an online mentor in Bpeace's new program for female university students in Lebanon.

Bpeace really excels in putting volunteers' specialized skills to good use and in making the right matches between volunteers and clients/mentees. I highly recommend this organization.

My experiences to date with BPeace have been exceptional. They provide a channel to utilize your skills and expertise to help others and, hopefully, make the world a better place. It's a wonderful experience to give back. The Fast Runners I worked with were smart, eager, appreciative and full of potential. I plan to work more with them in the future!

I recently returned from my second trip with Bpeace to Guatemala City (third trip overall). I went down to Guatemala to run an innovation popup lab for their current FastRunner cohort and the broader local community.

The trip was beautifully orchestrated by Stephany, the local Bpeace manager and Alex in New York. It really enabled me to focus on working with the FastRunners to solve their challenges without having to worry about the logistical issues that these trips can sometimes face.

I fully support Bpeace's mission of empowering local entrepreneurs in conflict zones and can't speak highly enough of the work they do so well. Toni Maloney, the Founder of Bpeace is also a class act.

Bpeace has an amazing mission, a great team and an excellent model for helping to grow businesses that will employ more people (particularly women) in conflict areas around the globe, believing (rightfully) that increased employment can decrease conflict as well as enhance the lives of people. Having had the pleasure of working with entrepreneurs in Guatemala for Bpeace i experienced first hand the magic that Bpeace can create in areas of the globe where the have nots far outnumber the haves and people are in dire need of worthy employment to better their lives and build their self esteem.

Thank you Bpeace!

I just came back from Guatemala, where I worked with two women entrepreneurs to help them improve quality and efficiency for their productions. This is my second time being a traveling mentor with Bpeace. Bpeace is a great organization: First, they have a process to select the "Fast Runners", which is already good and keeps improving. Second, they put fantastic coordinators on the ground, who coordinate the project, coach the entrepreneurs, and help the traveling mentor navigate on the field. The result is a very fulfilling experience for the mentor and real results for the Fast Runners. Then , there is the personal relationships I build. I so L O V E working with these women: they are very motivated, they are really smart and it is great to get to know them by working closely with them. And I learn so much from them: about the local culture, the perils of running a business in a difficult environment, the history of their country. I look forward to my next time!

I was in El Salvador in February for a Traveling Mentor trip. I delivered a 1-day workshop, provided 2 days of consulting for two businesses, and had three other shorter-term work sessions with 3 other businesses. This was my second trip to El Salvador, and my fifth trip for Bpeace (the other three visits were to Guatemala). As always, I come back from these trips very jazzed. It would be hard to exceed the level of appreciation the Fast Runners overtly and consistently share. They do not have easy access to experts, both locally and certainly not internationally, so working with a traveling mentor is a unique experience for most of them -- one that few other programs offer. They are fully engaged in the work sessions, and they readily accept any assistance a Traveling Mentor has to offer.

As a Traveling Mentor, one gains valuable insights as well. I always learn more about the country's economy, culture, government, communities, and business challenges and opportunities. Though our touch points are not extensive, the Fast Runners are very warm and gracious hosts. You are given the VIP treatment from the start. In addition, our program staff has a very organized and professional approach during the entire process. They prepared me for the trip with lots of data regarding each of the businesses and the Fast Runners; they tracked the action items we developed with each Fast Runner; and they are managing the follow up with rigor.

I strongly recommend the Traveling Mentor experience, and I will certainly volunteer again.

My work with Bpeace has been an inspiration for launching my own consulting business helping people bring their product ideas to life. My trip to El Salvador made me realize how much I like being in this role. What a gift!

BPeace has been a great resource for my business to grow and chart a clear roadmap. The ideals within BPeace are clear from everyone inside the organization, everyone working with them and the rest of the Fastrunners. The people inside the organization truly love that they do and since what they do is help out organizations. I can without a doubt say they are a group of excellent people who love to help.

My experience with Bpeace as a Fast Runner has been extraordinary. I have found people who are passionate and willing to go out of their way to help me and my business grow. I recently met with Angela Scalpello, a wonderful lady from whom I´ve learned a lot and has helped me see my business from a different perspective. I’m very grateful for all the support and can´t wait to implement all the ideas we´ve come up with.

I discovered BPeace thanks to a colleague and was immediately drawn to their mission and the fact I could use my professional skills to benefit others. Shortly after joining, I volunteered as a traveling mentor in Guatemala to coach 20 small companies in brand strategy.

My week there was a wonderful experience. The fast runners were all amazing entrepreneurs with so much drive and passion. It was highly rewarding to work with them both in a group workshop and through one-on-ones, and be able to have an impact and help them define their brand stories to grow their companies.

The organization and the projects are all very well run and everyone is lovely and so helpful. I highly recommend Bpeace to anyone who is looking to volunteer and help others in a meaningful and sustainable way.

I have volunteered with Bpeace for the last four years and I cannot say enough good things about their work. If you are looking to make an impact, Bpeace is moving the needle on some of the most important issues of our time; the organization provides simple turnkey ways for volunteers to get involved and from a volunteer perspective you are able to see how your time and energy make a difference. I highly recommend this organization and will continue to work with them for years to come.

This is a very worthwhile experience for anyone who wants to help the world by improving the standard of living of developing countries. The Bpeace team, is excellent at arranging and organizing the work and my time meeting 20 companies in 1 week was well structured and very meaningful. Thank you for engaging me and keep us the great work

My weekin Guatemala working with three female Fast Runner entrepreneurs proved to be an extraordinary experience. Immediately seeing some of the impact and value of the work we did together gave me enormous personal satisfaction. I left with the knowledge that the Bpeace mission is very powerful and very much needed around the world. I would volunteer again given the excellent ground support and care provided by the staff in Guatemala.

My experience with Bpeace has been amazing which is why I wanted to be a part of the Young Professionals Leadership Council. I love being part of an organization that not only is working towards a world with no violence but also empowers women.

My experience with Bpeace has been wonderful and amazing. They are passionate with great mission of helping people in undeserved communities to grow their skills and create job opportunities. As one their former Fast Runners I am extremely grateful of having their consultation and support by my side. Bpeace is a life changing organization.

I welcome the opportunity to be part of an organization led by a talented team and supported by dedicated members who all strive to increase community capacity and stability. Investing knowledge and skills to empower others is the stepping stone for growth and change--making a difference in the lives of others and the world around us.

Bpeace is an extraordinary organization. For context, I've had the opportunity to lead projects for Bpeace HQ and a Salvadoran entrepreneur (i.e., "Fast Runner"), travel and consult over 20 Salvadoran and Guatemalan Fast Runners in person via workshops, create tools to simplify and advance Bpeace processes, participate in Pedal for Peace, and much more. I am always amazed by the passion from all involved, ranging from the Fast Runners to the Bpeace staff and board. The mission is palpable, and everyone rallies behind it to make an impact. There are so many ways to get involved, and I cannot recommend Bpeace enough for anyone looking to make a difference!

BPeace has been wonderful to work with. The executive team, board of directors and executive council are nothing less than outstanding at there efforts.

In early 2015, I was feeling a little burned out. I've been involved in process improvement (Lean and Six Sigma) for 18 years and while the companies I've worked with appreciated the efforts and my contributions, I always felt that I could use my skills to help others more broadly. More by serendipity than by any active measure on my part, I discovered Bpeace and their mission to connect organizations with mentors. As I discussed the opportunities more with their program managers I realized that this was what I was looking for.
My trip to Guatemala to support my Fast Runner Organization was amazing. The planning and discussions done ahead of the trip helped me to prepare, analyze, and understand the real needs of the company. The BPeace staff member on the ground was friendly, helpful, and really help facilitate a strong start to the week. The people at the Fast Runner organization were so appreciative and willing to listen, adopt new thinking, and strive to become better. From the first moments I stepped out on to the shop floor and saw how hard everyone was working and the pride they took in their product, I knew that I had to provide them with the best roadmap to success that I could. These are good companies looking to be great companies and in doing so really help a region in need of higher wages, better services, more employment, lower crime, and an overall improvement in quality of life. The week ended with me feeling like one of the family and invested in the success of the organizational goals. I am both looking forward to seeing the success story that this team creates as well as helping future organizations accomplish the same.

Being part of Bpeace has giving our company, our staff and me personally an opportunity to grow and learn. I strongly believe being part of the BEBE (Bpeace Executive Business Exchange) program has made our company more profitable, more in tune with the markets needs and our people have become more productive. As a result from this program we have aligned as a company and as a leader I found a group of other Bpeace entrepreneurs who will be key to the growth of my company.

Karina Koper
General Manager
Mylife, Guatemala

"The experience of working with Bpeace has allowed us to renew the vision of our company to achieve objectives of growth and job creation that we never knew we could achieve in the short and medium term. Everyone involved with the project from the board of Bpeace to the various volunteer professionals with whom we worked have provided invaluable support and world class mentoring. Thanks Bpeace! "

One of the best instrumental organizations to facilitate transfer of resources and expertise to developing countries. Bpeace.org model of creating more jobs means better peace is quite practical. I and our team at Digitalpedia.ca are proud supporters of Bpeace.org.
We highly recommend them.
Rasheed Walizada
Founder, Digitalpedia.ca
Digital Marketing Boutique
Toronto, Canada

I had the opportunity to serve as a summer intern and had an incredible experience with the organization. Bpeace is run efficiently by a dedicated and intelligent team that is well-versed in the work they do. The experiences of the members, Fast Runners, and mentors attest to the impact that this organization makes. Its unique strategy to creating peace, efficient fundraising plans, and strong network of business professionals all contribute to the success of Bpeace. I am honored to have had the chance to work with such an outstanding team and organization.

As the owner of a small change and turnaround consultancy with 25 years of professional experience --- I first became involved as a traveling mentor to businesses in El Salvador and have since had the opportunity to return to El Salvador and Guatemala with Bpeace 2 more times as a mentor and also as a judge for a State Department Fellowship program that Bpeace administered. In the US, from my home in New York, I have also had the opportunity to match SMEs in the Bpeace / State program with US host companies and help them to build out learning agendas that positioned the 'Fast Runners' in Bpeace lingo for growth and improved profitability. Engaging with Bpeace has been very rewarding for me personally, not only for the work that I have done with dozens of SMEs in Central America and the relationships I have developed with their owners but also the relationships I have developed with the Bpeace staff and other volunteers. Importantly, Bpeace actively solicits input from its volunteers in the strategy of the organization itself which leads to a richer more meaningful experience. Sometimes as a volunteer one can feel just like free labor and this doesn't happen at all when engaging with Bpeace - your input is well received and considered.

I am so proud to be celebrating my second year with Bpeace as mentor.

To use a quote from my latest Fast-runner,
" I was expecting to receive some help from Bpeace when I became involved. But now, after connecting with people from New York and you came to visit. I feel like I'm living a dream. My imagination could not even touch the reality of my happiness." May 2015, Guatemala.

What more could I possibly write.

Peace,

I am so proud to play a small part in helping move forward the meaningful efforts of Bpeace, both by serving on the Executive Council and as a traveling mentor in El Salvador. We are put on this earth to help others, and Bpeace is a great way to do so in a way that perfectly mirrors the mantra "think global, act local." The core Bpeace mission is to help create "more jobs, less violence" in countries emerging from periods of upheaval and turmoil, with a focus on Central America, and it is precisely economic opportunity that is needed to drive long-lasting change. Bpeace identifies local entrepreneurs and small businesses, dubbed "Fast Runners," who receive training and mentors from the US to help fast track their growth, including virtual mentorships via technology, in person visits by mentors to their home countries, and trips to the US to visit companies in the same industries.

Through Bpeace I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to El Salvador to address hundreds of women entrepreneurs at a business conference and to meet with small groups of small business owners working with Bpeace. I also hosted small groups of Fast Runners during their visits to my home city of New York. Each facet of the experience was a joy.

I am a firm believer in business as a force for good -- whether a Fortune 500 multinational or an individual entrepreneur in a small community. When business flourishes and economic opportunity exists, the entire community benefits and the perpetrators of violence lose their power. It does not get more simple than "more jobs, less violence."

Great bunch of people and a great vision "jobs and economic stability"= "peace and cultural growth".

I was so happy to find a charity that was happy for me to help them virtually in a meaningful way and not just by sending money. So many other charities just want you to do social media work or are very unorganized. This is not the case with BPeace and I am so happy that I have been able to make a difference from the first week I signed up. I love giving back and as I have traveled to many third world countries I know what a difference we can make.

Working with BPeace in El Salvador has opened new opportunities personally and professionally. As a volunteer with other organizations I have found the BPeace experience extremely well organized and production. The companies we have mentored have continued to maintain contact to build on the initial experience. Look forward to seeing their products and companies grow and flourish in new markets.

Volunteering for Bpeace and working pro bono in El Salvador was one of the hardest decisions of my life having been in the cooperate world for 30 years. The reality was that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The commitment of the Bpeace people both on the ground and behind the scenes is amazing as is their choice of the fast runner companies that they seek to help. The desire for knowledge and willingness to accept ideas of the small bakery that I worked with was truly humbling. Bpeace is an inspirational organization and long may it continue to help worthy causes.

I joined Bpeace because I truly believe in the mission - the path to peace must be lined with jobs and opportunities - and over the past year I have discovered that Bpeace is truly delivering. Working with Bpeace has been a fascinating, heart warming and inspiring experience. It has been my honor to tell the stories of several real Afghani heroes. Their work ranges from building a ski and tourism industry, creating films that tell the unheard stories of Afghani women, implementing critical education programs, building businesses and creating jobs for Afghani women. These Bpeace fast runners unfailing offer fresh and valuable insights into their world and are at the heart of rebuilding their communities and creating enduring social change. They are a great investment – as is Bpeace!

Bpeace is an incredible organization that is passionate about its mission and thoughtful about how to make the best impact. While their leadership is lean, they run the organization like a Fortune 500 company in the way they set goals, create their strategy, and launch initiatives. Their network of volunteers is dedicated to the cause, and Bpeace has made a serious impact in the 10+ years it has been around. The best part is that while making an impact, the work is extremely rewarding for its volunteers. I was able to participate in pro-bono consulting for an entrepreneur in El Salvador, and the experience has been one my most positive professional experiences to date. I look forward to continuing to be involved with Bpeace, and I can't wait to be a part of the continued successes.

I have been a member of Bpeace for five years now and have loved every minute of it. I was able to adjust my level of engagement to match my schedule- the more time I had the more involved I could be. Bpeace's model of creating peace in post-conflict countries by creating more jobs is very powerful and proven to be effective. It takes the time to throughly investigate countries before it begins working there to ensure Bpeace's model will be a good fit for that country and will be able to make an impact. Since beginning as a volunteer in 2009, I am now a member of the Young Professionals Leadership Council and Executive Council- there are a number of roles to be played at this organization and they are always happy to help you find just the right fit. I can't recommend this organization enough. Their mission, their methods, and the people that work there all receive five stars.

Bpeace does fantastic work. I have contributed pro bono time to BPeace to support both an El Salvadorian entrepreneur and BPeace HQ. I am impressed with the level of impact that the organization is able to have with limited resources.

Bpeace is one of my favorite organizations. I really like their model of helping people through economic empowerment. Their members take an active interest in teaching and supporting entrepreneurs who want to bring peace and prosperity to their countries. I have met several groups of "fast runners" - people who have what it takes to make a difference and are being given an opportunity and the support they need to succeed. Not only did I get great satisfaction from being able to help in some small way, but the "fast runners" also taught me about their cultures and inspired me with their courage and perseverance.

I volunteered on the Young Professional committee and was simultaneously able to help an amazing cause and gain valuable professional experience. I helped host Rwandan fast runner entrepreneurs on a visit to NYC, I planned events with 20 to 400 guests, fund-raised from individual and corporate donors, and researched new countries for Bpeace expansion. Through this work, I was connected to many other volunteer professionals in all stages of their careers who were happy to help out fellow volunteers with career connections and advice.

It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Bpeace as well as other volunteers and those that are learning and improving their entrepreneurial skills in developing countries. I am impressed by the dedication of the team at Bpeace toward trying to help empower the entrepreneurs and help them improve and grow their businesses so that they eventually become self-sustainable. As a volunteer at Bpeace, I have learned a tremendous amount and continue to do so.

Bpeace connects people across the globe with dignity and positivity. It has been an honor to be part of their community for over 5 years and to meet the inspiring Fast Runners from around the globe and impressive volunteers from across the US.

I can't say enough about how impressed I am by BPeace. It is incredibly effective in achieving its mission of supporting entrepreneurs and creating job growth in conflict affected countries. I believe that focusing on job creation is key to creating a lasting impact in these communities, so the mission is one that I'm 100% sold on. The dedication and commitment of the management team (Toni, Marla, Lauren, etc.) inspires a great deal of confidence in the organization and its direction. From a personal perspective, I feel that my efforts as a volunteer are impactful since I see the results firsthand in the entrepreneurs I work with. I highly recommend BPeace to anyone looking to make a real difference to the people who most need it.

For nearly a decade I have been involved with Bpeace. I am constantly amazed by the accomplishments of this volunteer based organization. By combining the talents and resources of its members, Bpeace has created an incredibly successful mentor program that reaches out to entrepreneurs in regions of conflict or post conflict and stimulates their growth - not through micro finance or loans, but by rolling up sleeves and offering guidance, support and mentoring geared to foster employment and growth. The results are staggering -

I have been volunteering with Bpeace for 7 years and during that time I have been blown away by the accomplishments achieved by the Bpeace members along with the men and women entrepreneurs in Boeace programs. This organization continually inspires as they help make more jobs in post conflict countries.

I have volunteered with Bpeace for the past 7 years and year after year I get back more than I give. I get to work with some of the brightest, most talented people I've ever worked with, who are here for one reason- to contribute to the greater good. I have traveled with Bpeace to Afghanistan, served as a mentor, coached their staff and worked on several Bpeace initiatives. I have had the privilege to witness the direct impact our work has on the lives of entrepreneurs and their businesses and the profound ripple effect it has on the broader society. I am proud to be a member of Bpeace and hope to continue to contribute.

Thank you Bpeace and a special thank you to Toni!

Bpeace is an extremely well organized and impactful organization. I have been continually impressed with the quality of the staff, selection of participates and results of their combined efforts.

I have been a member since 2005 and was inspired to help found their Young Professionals Committee. The enthusiasm among young professionals has been incredible. Bpeace is pioneering a model in which business professionals can volunteer their skills to help entrepreneurs in conflict-affected countries. The result is more jobs, and a reduced incentive locally to fight. Making a difference in an entrepreneur's business can be life-changing for the person volunteering, the entrepreneur, and even their employees. We make a strong impact, and I am now a proud Board Member.

I have been a Bpeace member and volunteer since 2008 and it has been such a rewarding experience. My work has primarily been with the Young Professionals group which I helped run for a couple years, recruiting and engaging younger members.

What I love most about Bpeace is that I can use my business expertise to help the organization and entrepreneurs around the world. As a young professional I was able to execute high level, impactful projects that I might not have experienced for years in my career. And through hosting entrepreneurs in the US, I was able to interact directly with the people we were helping in an intimate and meaningful way.

Bpeace's mission of job creation for peace is one that resonates around the world and I am proud to be a part of such a worthy cause.

I have been volunteering with Bpeace for four years now and have witnessed its impact on women entrepreneurs it works with. I have been an active volunteer, that is I have worked with entrepreneurs directly, mostly in Afghanistan. Very rewarding experience, it expands your knowledge of cultures, entrepreneurship, it is intellectually stimulating since resources and tools that are readily available here in US are not in countries we operate, so you need to be creative, and finally emotionally very fulfilling when you realize by just sharing your knowledge and know how you made a difference in lives of not just those you worked with directly but indirectly (as the company grows and jobs created) in the community the business operates. You can do all of this from your office (as a host or as a mentor via skype) or when the opportunity comes, be a traveling mentor. Try it and you will never want to do anything else!

Hi Toni,

It is always go to hear that there are successes. The team moves ahead one client at a time with very directed money and assistance. I remember watching the movie, "Where's my goat?". The Canadian film maker was trying to track down the specific goat he purchased through Plan International for a family in Gambia. After some considerable effort, he did track his money through their ledgers and visited the family who received his goat.

In the film he had a discussion with young professionals in Gambia regarding the goat program. The Gambians pooh poohed the program as too little and ineffective to the country as a whole. The filmmaker countered with the argument that each goat made a very significant difference to the receiving family. They had cash income from the milk, etc that helped fund their child's school fees. I convinced my kids to forego big Christmas presents and we bought a herd of 12 goats. I have been trying to find my goats
:-[
My point is that you are not splashing money around in a way that invites corruption and graft. The process Bpeace follows insures that viable candidates are assisted (and possibly funded) with extended hand holding. You do not just put a filter on the phonebook and fund everyone who come out of the filter.

I am quite pleased to be part of your resource pool.

Regards,

Eric Geis

I'm so inspired by Bpeace. I've seen a lot of nonprofits in my day, and Bpeace is leagues ahead in terms of its vision, execution and impact. The leadership is bold and inventive, the volunteers are so organized and committed, and the results, well, they speak for themselves. I've had the great pleasure of working with Bpeace for three years now through an entrepreneurial venture in Rwanda. Bpeace helped us get it off the ground and continues to be a tremendous source of support. I'm deeply grateful for the work they do in Rwanda and across the globe to help ALL OF US live in a peaceful, prosperous world.

I'm ending my incredible 2.5 years as a Bpeace staff member, though I won't stray far from this organization. The Bpeace community is like a family.

Our Afghan entrepreneurs are smart, engaged and intelligent. I have learned so much from their deep passion and commitment to their businesses. I stand in awe of them every day--they surmount incomprensible obstacles. They are all hungry for knowledge and support and handle themselves professionally as they learn from our members, staff, and each other.

Bpeace members/volunteers are unstoppable. Many lead their own businesses or work at some of the most prestigious companies in the U.S., yet they make time to work one on one with our entrepreneurs to teach them best practices and transfer the skills and knowledge they worked so hard to attain. Bpeace members are generous with their time and understand how to articulate their knowledge and share it in order to make a real impact.

I may be biased, but the staff at Bpeace is stellar. Toni and Marla both have long, varied careers that inform how they manage Bpeace. The organization is run like a business--efficient, effective, and proven. They are honest and communicative and it has been my pleasure to work with them.

I am looking forward to my changing role at Bpeace as I go from staff to a member/volunteer. I am eager to stay involved in this community as it continues to evolve.

This past August I had a great opportunity to volunteer for a Bpeace research project in Rwanda. It was an amazing experience and the Bpeace team couldn't have been more helpful during/after the project. The commitment Bpeace shows to its Fast Runners is undeniable. I hope to volunteer with Bpeace again to help in its efforts of creating jobs and making an impact

I had a great experience as a volunteer with Bpeace. I went on a research mission to Rwanda and the team was extremely helpful and committed to arranging the trip. They were always quick to respond and lovely to work with. They have a great track record of creating jobs in countries recovering from conflict and their work really makes an impact.

I come from the other end of the equation- representing Inzozi Nziza (sweet dreams)/ Blue Marble Dreams, a Rwanda based ice creamery and coffee shop run by a cooperative of women drummers. We received much needed assistance from BPeace. I can't speak highly enough of this group! We are establishing a long-term business, which is new to us, and need guidance and capacity building in small business development. Over the last two years, we have received much needed training over telephone, email and in person from creative, dynamic and dedicated people. In the most recent BPeace visit, a very talented accountant was able to help us to understand concepts in a few hours what we struggled with for months! We can't speak highly enough of BPeace and are so thankful for our continued relationship.

This is a terrific organization really making a difference in the lives of poor women in war-torn countries. The organization is run by business women and professionals in a very businesslike and professional, and efficient, way, and the help provided to individual women is leveraged many times in that the women start and then expand their businesses, thereby expanding employment.

What could be better than joining an organization filled with impassioned women and men that are joined together by a common thread - their love of helping individuals grow their businesses and create jobs? Bpeace, a nonprofit that I joined five years ago, specifically focuses on helping women entrepreneurs (and a growing number of men) significantly grow their businesses in Afghanistan, Rwanda and a soon-to-be named third country. We roll up our sleeves, and get our hands dirty. We learn about the world and have a direct and positive impact in our associates'(the individuals we train/support) lives and their communities. Additionally, we get to know each other and form lasting bonds of friendship and networking. I could go on and on, but Bpeace is an extremely unique and remarkable organization that is appropriate for young individuals all the way up to senior citizens. Bpeace also provides a valuable service. Entrepreneurs in regions of post-conflict lack support in which to run their businesses. We step in to help at a critical juncture and the funds we raise go directly to help such programs. A donor never had to wonder if their funds are getting caught up in bureaucratic red-tape.

After a career in Municipal Finance, I decided to stay home when my children were born. But I had a lot of energy, and, I felt, skills that could be helpful in "problem-solving". Thus began a commitment to various non-profit organizations. After 15 years in many volunteer roles, a friend encouraged me to investigate volunteer opportunities with Bpeace. Her reasoning was, "You have done so much for organizations here at home, now it's time for you to expand, go global!" She brought me to a Bpeace meeting in March,2005. Several Bpeace volunteers had just returned from a trip to Kabul, Afghanistan. One of the women was a photographer who showed slides that captured life in newly-liberated Kabul. The smiles of hope on the Afghan men, women and children captured me. Bpeace was supporting women who created beautiful handcrafts. These women employed other women and the network of family members who relied on their incomes was expansive. Sometimes these women sat around a small living room,working under kerosene lamps and ironing their finished pieces with old-fashioned irons heated with a bunsen burner. In 2006, some of these "Bpeace Associates" came to the US to attend workshops at the Fashion Institute in New York. Meeting these remarkable women, many who had educated themselves in the refugee camps of Pakistan, convinced me that I wanted to commit myself to Bpeace's mission of helping the women of Afghanistan - and Rwanda where there are similar groups of strong women entrepreneurs. The assistance that Bpeace provides is direct and effectively impacts the business development of Bpeace Associates. In 2007, Bpeace expanded their group of enterepreneurs beyond handcrafts to such enterprises as food processing, commercial printing and soccer ball manufacturing. In 2009, the net grew to include men. I am proud to be a small part of such an intelligent, talented group of business women and men who know how to help these entrepreneurs and who are commited to their success.

Although a skeptic of many NGOs, when a colleague introduced me to Bpeace in 2005, I instantly knew they were making a difference. A volunteer-run organization, Bpeace empowers people in countries of conflict and post-conflict to provide for themselves, their families, and to build their communities. Bpeace doesn't make handouts or teach in a one-way fashion. Rather, Bpeace is an exchange of business people helping business people, and fosters learning about breaking down barriers in an increasingly global world. We believe business, job creation, vocational training, and access to resources are essential ingredients to fostering stability and peace.

One of the best non-profits I have ever worked with! I can't say enough about the organization and my fellow volunteers. The organization is made up dedicated professionals who selflessly give their time and expertise to making this world a better place. I am honored to be part of this organization!

Can-do! Bpeace is a can-do group of people, pooling their experiences, networks and resources together, to share with others. Positive and upbeat. They just do it! Members are very involved with projects that interest them- and Bpeace staff helps enable members to achieve their goals. Bpeace is constantly setting new project goals for the organization to work toward. Bpeace achieves and exceeds expectations each time. Great organization, great energy, connecting expereinces- making a difference and making the world smaller!

Bpeace is a phenomenal organization! I first learned of Bpeace at a conference at the UN and was so inspired by their work that I had to join immediately. Bpeace has a group of motivating and fearless leaders that are passionate about changing the world. How can you not want to be a part of that! By creating more jobs and opportunities, we are creating peace.

I've been an active member of Bpeace since February of 2009. The Bpeace mission - more jobs mean less violence - and its approach really resonate with me. By providing long term business services to women (and now men!) in post conflict countries, you not only help the individual entrepreneurs, but also their families and communities, by creating more jobs and opportunities for a peaceful future. The network of volunteers I have met are such a dynamic and dedicated group, I thoroughly enjoy working with them!

Bpeace is the most well-run organization I have ever volunteered for. It is due not only to the incredible leadership but also the dedicated and talented volunteers who are professionals in their own industries. This shows in Bpeace's ability to have such a positive impact on the women entreprenuers that benefit from Bpeace's services. I highly recomend Bpeace as an organization to get involved with if you want to make a difference for women entreprenuers in post-conflict countries.

It was overwhelmingly inspiring to visit and work with women in Rwanda who have experienced so much loss, pain and hardship. We were there to help them with business issues and they gave us more hope and inspiration than imaginable. These entrepreneurs want to strengthen their capabilities and move forward. We assisted in that goal by our training seminars, our ability to convey our experience and learned lessons in business and by our networking skills and global connections.

As a Bpeace volunteer for over 4 years, I have traveled to Afghanistan to mentor women in the Bpeace program, select new businesswomen for the program and assist with the classes. I attend meetings via conference call on a regular basis.