Participating in the Frontier Market Scouts Program was truly one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had at the Monterey Institute so far! The training was practical and insightful and Maya Mountain Cacao was an ideal placement for me to learn and contribute. The company is a perfect example of a triple bottom-line enterprise making commendable strides in all three areas (people, planet, profit). Scouting for Village Capital provided an opportunity for thoughtful consideration of the social enterprise landscape across southern Belize.  All of the connections I made were with inspiring individuals who love their country, its resources, and its people and who want to capture and preserve Belize’s natural and cultural uniqueness while bringing needed economic development to their communities.  And though Belize may not be VilCap Accelerator ready just yet, I would advise keeping a close eye for big things are yet to come. The people I met across Toledo are strong, determined, and hard working. Thanks to MMC, I learned first hand that great social enterprises are successful when dedicated individuals unite over a common mission for a greater cause.

I want to thank the MMC team for an incredible summer, for letting me work beside you and with you, and for sharing with me your beautiful Belize!

Miss these guys already! (Kerri, Anna, Emiterio, and Emily)