Featuring:
Lexy McCauley
Class of 2017
Marketing Major
1. How did you initially get involved with Amani?
I got involved with Amani through Kate Combellick's Fair Trade and Microcredit class in the fall of my freshman year. A group of students and I started to sell the Amani products at the Lincoln Center campus two days a week.
2. What was your favorite part of managing Amani?
My favorite part of managing Amani was getting the word out. I am very interested in Fair Trade, and even more as a result of the class and my experiences. It was great to go to Lincoln Center and tell people about it, but it was also rewarding to tell my family everything that I know about Fair Trade.
3. What makes Amani stand out from other Fair Trade organizations?
Amani is different from other Fair Trade organizations because it is a student-run business. Also, the products come directly from the artisans. Kate travels to the countries to bring back the creations, and I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of that process.
4. Do you plan to continue your advocacy for Fair Trade post graduation?
I definitely will incorporate Fair Trade into my life and let other people know about it. It changes the way that you think about things--in a monumental way. I see things differently as a result of my exposure to culture and the idea of fairness and growth for all people and businesses.
5. Do you have any advice for students whose experience with Fair Trade and Amani are just
beginning?
For new students, I suggest immersing yourself into the concept of Fair Trade. It has really changed my life and my perspective. This will happen to anyone who participates fully in the process of the Fair Trade experience.
6. If you attended the class trip to India, can you please tell us a little bit about your experience there? Your favorite part? A key takeaway? A realization you may have had? Anything you’d like to share about the trip with other students.
The trip to India was a life-changing trip. I saw how people in India live and communicate, specifically the artisans. Each business that we visited had its own unique quality that set it apart from the others, but they were all on the brink of being successful in America. The beautiful products show the culture of India. Being able to stay at a business school also created a new perspective because businesses operate differently in India. It is a different way of thinking. Seeing the landmarks, temples, and sights of India enhanced the cultural experience. I don't think there was one specific takeaway from the trip, because every visit and every conversation contributed to the experience. I will never forget my experience in India. I realized that though you cannot help everyone in the world or support every cause, there are some people and things that you are drawn to. I am drawn to the artisans in India and their creativity and success.
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