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Hello! My name is Nicole Borboroglu. I’m a dancer and educator from Argentina, currently living in Santa Barbara, California. I am very passionate about being of service for the well being and personal growth of individuals and communities.
My sister Alexia is a sustainable designer who loves learning about and incorporating different handicraft techniques. She is passionate about supporting the preservation of Indigenous art forms and cultural knowledge.
Why we are raising money:
In 2022, our lives took a surprising turn when we were invited to be part of a nonprofit organization that is doing beautiful work with Indigenous communities in La Guajira, Colombia.
One Thread Collective supports very vulnerable communities (that lack potable water, electricity, basic services, nutritious food, etc) in becoming more resilient. They do this by providing fair trade income earning opportunities for weavers, empowerment/skill building programs for women, and seed money for community-led projects. This is not an aid-based organization, but one that gives women the tools they need to be the authors of their own stories.
The two cofounders have been doing this work since 2020 without taking a salary. They invest 100% into communities. Every donation to the programs has a really direct, meaningful, and lasting impact on artisans and their families.
In August 2022, I was given the opportunity to go to Colombia with Jackie Gilbert, one of One Thread Collective’s co-founders, to visit the communities where these women live. I slept in their handwoven hammocks, got to know their families, shared meals with them and experienced what their life is like. It was a moving and unforgettable experience. I was able to witness how impactful this work is and how I could contribute.
Next month, I’m starting a new role as One Thread Collective’s Community Project Coordinator, (currently on a volunteer basis). I will be returning to La Guajira with my sister Alexia for a 10 day trip to visit the communities. My goal is to reestablish a personal relationship with the women and support them as they developing their community-led projects. Alexia’s goal is to work together with the artisans to create new types of products that the women can sell to international markets.
Half of the money we raise will help us to finance the trip and the other half will be donated to One Thread Collective. Any donation at all will be greatly appreciated and will help to make this trip as much of a success as the last one.
We both see this opportunity as an important step towards the careers we envision. I hope we can make this happen!
You can learn more about One Thread Collective here:
