A Life Impacted stories highlight the individuals and families whose lives are changed through the work of our investees. These stories offer a deeper look at how expanded access to opportunity can create lasting social and economic mobility.
Leticia is a hardworking wife, mother, and restaurant owner in New Jersey. She uses her family’s recipes for the menu at La Fortaleza, which specializes in “cemitas,” a sandwich popular in Puebla, Mexico where she’s from. Leticia’s mother first opened the restaurant and employed Leticia as her right-hand woman. When her mother passed away, Leticia took over to carry on her legacy. The restaurant not only supported Leticia and her family, but also held sentimental value – the memories of her mother carried on in the food and experience of their devoted patrons.
In 2020, Leticia expanded to a second location. But it wasn’t long before the pandemic forced people to shelter in place, and Leticia had to adapt to the new environment.
Though she had tried to gain access to capital before the pandemic, Leticia was denied by traditional banks on the grounds that she lacked sufficient credit history to become a borrower. “I had two rent bills, two electricity bills, and every other cost doubled,” she said. “No one was coming in, and I got worried because I had too many expenses and not enough revenue.”
Encouraged by a friend, Leticia joined Grameen America to keep her business running. Grameen America– a Blue Meridian investee – provides microloans, peer networking, asset- and credit-building services, and financial, business, and health education to build social capital and broaden entrepreneurs’ support systems, with a focus on women. The benefits were quickly evident – Leticia not only found the financial support she needed to keep the restaurant afloat, she found a community that both taught and empowered her.
Since Leticia joined, Grameen America has invested $50,000 in her business. She is proud of her improved credit score, and she gained a new understanding of the importance of saving for her future. “I have a long-term vision now, and Grameen America is helping me achieve it,” she explained. Leticia is saving to purchase a liquor license and possibly expand to New York City. As a successful entrepreneur, she continues to think big, saying: “If it was up to me, I would bring cemitas to all fifty states.”
"I want people to know that when the road gets tough, there are organizations like Grameen America that will help build your vision and connect you with others who want to support your goals."
Leticia
Grameen America participant