Empowerment Blooms in Green Dreams

Are you ready to be inspired by a tale of resilience, empowerment, and global impact? In episode 114 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I, Bret Schanzenbach, have the absolute pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Tara Tharani Jayaratnam, founder of Green Dreams Women.

From the trials of a civil war in Sri Lanka to the classrooms of Harvard, Tara's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. How did an engineer turn into a champion for women's rights and social responsibility? And what led her to create an initiative that not only supports Sri Lankan women but also ensures a green supply chain?

Tune in as we explore Tara's transformative path from auditing supply chains for safety compliance to spearheading the post-war rebuilding efforts in her homeland. Discover how Green Dreams Women has trained around 600 women to create beautiful handcrafted quilled greeting cards, and how Tara has kept her mission alive even while caring for her ailing father during the pandemic.

Looking to make a difference? Find out how you can get involved with Green Dreams Women, whether it's through partnerships, volunteer opportunities, or by snagging some ethical, handcrafted products. Plus, get the scoop on their participation in the Rotary Wine and Food Festival on June 8—your chance to support a great cause!

Don't miss this incredible story of turning adversity into action, right here in North County, California.

While our website is getting a makeover, connect with us directly or via social media:
- Instagram: @greendreamswomen
- LinkedIn: Tara Jeyaratnam
- And remember to mark your calendars for the Rotary Wine and Food Festival on June 8!

Join us on this episode of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact" for an unforgettable conversation with Tara Tharani Jayaratnam. Let's celebrate the power of purpose-driven lives!

Tara Tharani Jayaratnam's Bio:
Though trained as an engineer with a strong background in compliance and ethical supply chains in the manufacturing, retail and tech industries Tara has always been passionate about issues concerning women and girls.  She established GreenDreamsWomen, a nonprofit, based in Carlsbad, CA in 2013 which has trained and impacted over 500 women in income generating activities in Sri Lanka. In the last few years, the eco-friendly, handmade cards and art have been a regular feature at North County Maker's Markets.
Tara restored her family home and turned it into an empowerment center. Located in Northern Sri Lanka, the center serves as a safe gathering place for women to earn a decent living. The center now employs a dozen women who earn a guaranteed income who have successfully broken out of the cycle of violence and poverty. 
Tara was appointed commissioner from District 5 to the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women where she served on the Human Trafficking Committee. She has a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government where she was a Mason fellow.

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting