Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.

Today’s guest is Dr. Arisbe Mendoza (Gen X), Director of Global Impact, Advocacy, and Partnerships atFairtrade International in Bonn, Germany. A proud Mexican woman and passionate advocate for women’s leadership, Arisbe believes that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about impact.

In this inspiring conversation, we explore how Fairtrade transforms global trade into a force for equity, how women’s leadership creates ripples of change, and why joy, empathy, and authenticity are essential to leading with heart.

✨ In this episode, we cover:

• The powerful origin story of the Fairtrade movement — and its deep roots in Mexico
• How Fairtrade works with more than 1.9 million farmers and workers across 67 countries
• Why true leadership is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and purpose
• The Fairtrade Women’s School of Leadership and its impact on confidence and equality
• How young people are driving awareness through the Fairtrade Ambassador Program
• What sustainable livelihoods really mean — and how fair pricing changes lives
• How global collaboration and trust build resilience across supply chains
• Arisbe’s reflections on capitalism, resistance, and the ongoing relevance of Fairtrade
• Her message to her 20-something self about trusting her voice and being bold
• The leadership lesson behind her favorite phrase: “Joy in the everyday”
• 
  

⏱️ Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Dr. Arisbe Mendoza (Gen X)
00:30 – Leadership as impact, not title — how Fairtrade reflects that mission
01:49 – The Fairtrade story: from Mexican coffee farmers to a global movement
04:42 – Why producers stay committed — and the challenges they face today
06:45 – Connecting farmers to fair markets and meaningful partnerships
09:29 – Empowering women through the Fairtrade Women’s School of Leadership
11:24 – Youth advocacy and the Fairtrade Ambassador Program
12:18 – Arisbe’s personal journey from Mexico to global leadership
15:28 – The strategic vision for Fairtrade’s next decade
17:18 – Sustainable livelihoods and the shared responsibility of supply chains
20:36 – How listeners can support Fairtrade and ethical consumption
24:00 – Why Arisbe remains hopeful amid global economic shifts
27:07 – Her message to her 20-something self: trust your voice, even when it shakes
28:34 – Her favorite pick from the GTTL shop — “Joy in the Everyday”
30:03 – Final reflections and celebration of Fairtrade Month

💡 Key Takeaways

🌍 Fairtrade began as a movement for justice — and continues to support millions through dignity and fair pay.

💫 Leadership thrives on empathy, purpose, and impact — not position or title.

🌱 Sustainable livelihoods depend on shared responsibility across the entire supply chain.

👩‍🌾 When women lead, entire communities rise.

💛 Joy and purpose often live in the everyday moments that connect us.

🗣️ Trust your voice, even when it shakes — that’s where leadership begins.

✨ Connect with Dr. Arisbe Mendoza & Fairtrade International

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: fairtrade.net
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/fairtrade
📸 Instagram: @fairtradeofficial

💌 Store Highlight

Arisbe’s favorite from our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop was our “Joy in the Everyday” card — a gentle reminder that true leadership often lives in small, intentional moments. She also loved our You Bundle (“You Got This,” “You’re Amazing,” “You Rock!”) — the perfect way to lift others up with kindness and gratitude.

Explore these and more guest-inspired designs at girltaketheleadpod.com/shop

📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host

🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com
📸 Instagram: @yocanny
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny