Manuela, Lisa and Valentina are the founders of Manukafashion. They attended a Master in Development Economics at Tor Vergata University in Rome. After travelling extensively in developing countries, they decided to roll up their sleeves and set up a project which supports entrepreneurship development rather than aid.
I am responsible for Mankuafashion’s strategic development, partially for social media and communication activities, and for seeking out new fabrics. After my Master degree in Economics, I pursued a career with international organisations and no profit organizations and I spent the last 8 years living abroad: in South-East Asia, Africa and Middle East. I am a positive, creative and dynamic soul and I love learning new languages, hiking and capoeira.
I am the Partnerships Development Manager. I focus on fundraising and on seeking innovative ideas and partnerships to create a dynamic network. After obtaining a Master degree in Economics I worked on cultural heritage projects before taking my current role as international development coordinator in a private university. I co-manage a cultural association for improvisation-theatre and I write for an on-line theatre magazine.
I am the Operations Manager: I manage relationships with suppliers and tailors and I design new products for the team and together with Lisa and Manuela am responsible for ensuring quality of Manukafashion products. After obtaining my PhD in Economics, I have been working as researcher in Rome and as a consultant for international organisations. I have a passion for swimming, photography and, in particular, reportage.
I am based in Lilongwe (Malawi), and I was a night guard before I got involved in this project in 2011. I learnt tailoring from my father and now I sew for Manukafashion and help with the supply of fabrics. Manukafashion is supporting me to develop my skills. Manukafashion provided me with a sewing machine in 2012 and thanks to Manukafashion I attended tailoring and business classes. I have three young children.
I joined Manukafashion in 2014.I am originally from Ukraine, where Iwas a professional tailor, and I am now based in Rome. Prior to working for Manukafashion I was employed in a dry-cleaning shop. With the support of Manukafashion I can now increment her income and work from home, speding more time with my two children.