At Handmade by Friendship Bridge®, we see our clients empowered to develop innovative products and expand their businesses through the training they receive. It’s all done with the larger goal of changing the course of history for future generations of their families. 

This was the inspiration behind our Empower Women Wine Charm collection, featuring a wide range of prominent women who have all changed history and impacted society in different ways. Learn about these individuals, then purchase a set of wine charms with the confidence that you are continuing to empower other brave artisan women in Guatemala.

Rosa Parks 
In 1955, Rosa Parks’ refusal to relinquish her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparked a pivotal moment in the struggle for racial equality. This act of defiance not only ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a year-long protest that ultimately led to the desegregation of buses, but also symbolized the power of individual action in challenging systemic discrimination. 

Wu Zetian
Wu Zetian became the only female emperor in Chinese history. Rising from a humble background, Wu defied societal norms and shattered traditional gender roles to ascend the throne in the 7th century. Her reign marked a period of political stability, cultural flourishing, and administrative reforms, as she challenged the notion that women were unfit for leadership.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg
As a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg dedicated her career to advocating for women's rights and gender equality, shaping landmark decisions that dismantled discriminatory laws and practices. Ginsburg's strategic litigation efforts, both as an attorney and as a judge, helped to establish legal precedents that promoted gender parity and expanded opportunities for women. 

Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo, a revolutionary artist of the 20th century, left a mark on women's empowerment through her introspective artworks. By depicting her physical and emotional pain in her self-portraits, Kahlo challenged societal norms of beauty and perfection, showing that authenticity and vulnerability are sources of strength. Through her art, Kahlo celebrated the female body and its complexities, demonstrating that women's experiences are valid subjects for artistic exploration.

Michelle Obama
First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama championed women's empowerment through her initiatives, advocacy, and personal example. Her "Let's Move!" campaign addressed childhood obesity and encouraged healthy lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of women's roles as nurturers and caregivers in promoting their families' well-being. Beyond that, the "Reach Higher" initiative aimed to expand educational opportunities, inspiring young women to pursue higher education and career aspirations. 

Clara Barton
As the founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton created a platform that enabled women to actively engage in humanitarian work during times of crisis. Her dedication to providing medical care and relief to soldiers during the Civil War showcased women's capabilities as caregivers and leaders in the field of healthcare. 

Junko Tabei
In 1975, Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei made history by becoming the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Her pioneering ascent shattered gender barriers in the realm of mountaineering, inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams. Additionally, she co-founded the Ladies' Climbing Club in Japan, fostering a supportive community for women to engage in outdoor adventures. 

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was the youngest woman ever elected to the United States Congress. She addresses issues such as income inequality, climate change, and healthcare, amplifying women's voices and concerns on the national stage. Her candid engagement on social media has fostered direct connections with constituents, encouraging young women to actively participate in civic discourse. 

Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai, a resilient Pakistani activist and Nobel laureate, has emerged as a powerful force for women's empowerment. Surviving a Taliban assassination attempt aimed at silencing her advocacy for girls' education, Malala became a global symbol of courage and determination. Her advocacy has led to the creation of the Malala Fund, which advocates for educational access for girls in underserved communities worldwide. 

Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was a writer, poet, and civil rights activist, with a career that spanned more than 50 years. With works such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," Angelou tackled themes of race, identity, and resilience. Her writings often celebrated the strength and resilience of women, encouraging them to find their voices and embrace their narratives. 

Rigoberta Menchú
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú, an indigenous activist from Guatemala, has been a powerful force in shedding light on the struggles faced by Indigenous peoples and women in her country. Her autobiography "I, Rigoberta Menchú" provides an account of the challenges she and her community endured, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural identity and promoting social justice. Menchú's leadership in various indigenous and women's organizations has played a pivotal role in advancing the rights of Indigenous women, particularly within a patriarchal society. 

Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond her feats in the air, Earhart's public speaking and writing encouraged women to embrace adventure, independence, and self-reliance. She showed that determination knows no gender and became an iconic figure who empowered women to pursue their dreams.

Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in the United States in 2009. Sotomayor's personal journey from a disadvantaged background to the pinnacle of the legal system has inspired women, especially those from underrepresented communities, to believe in their potential. She has consistently championed the rights of women and marginalized groups throughout her career.

Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s diary that documented her experiences during the Holocaust from 1942 to 1944 became a symbol of courage. She started writing at age 13 and continued for two years, while hiding from the Nazi regime. Anne's candid reflections on her dreams, fears, and aspirations still resonate with people worldwide. She died of typhus fever at the age of 15 at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany, just a short time before the camp was liberated by American forces.

Mae Jemison
As the first African American woman to travel to space, engineer and physician Mae Jemison shattered racial and gender barriers in the realm of space exploration. Beyond her space mission, Jemison's advocacy for science education and diversity has cultivated opportunities for young women to pursue careers in science and technology. She also developed The Earth We Share international camp program, designed to give students a chance to explore the fields of aviation, aerospace, space flight, and space exploration.

Juliette Gordon Low
Inspired by her own experiences and the desire to provide young girls with opportunities for growth and self-discovery, Juliette Gordon Low established the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912. Her organization aimed to develop girls' leadership skills, self-confidence, and community engagement. By introducing them to outdoor activities, life skills, and community service, Low empowered girls to become confident and capable individuals who could make a positive impact on society.