" Maria Gracia Panduro was born in Peru, Lima, raised in Madrid, Spain and currently studying her degree in International Business with French at the University of Greenwich in London, UK. Alongside with an additional professional qualification in AAT Accounting.
Has a passion for philanthropy in supporting communities in need, having volunteered as an English Teacher in Ecuador and fundraising events for UNICEF, Save The Children and A21 campaign, as well as projects for various churches.
Maria has a strong vision for social business innovation and socioeconomic to help ease many issues through social development projects. She is one of the winners of the Greenwich Social Enterprise competition 2016 and is aiming to encourage wider society in social innovation and volunteerism. "
Maria’s social venture idea: Nuna Peru
Nuna Peru is a social venture with the vision to support vulnerable artisan women in the most affected and poorest areas in Peru. Nuna Peru has establish a plan to sell hand-crafted Alpaca products globally with the aim to develop programmes allowing Peruvian artisans to benefit and improve their quality of life and providing more jobs.
Our mission is to provide training to up skill and develop their capabilities and to help create better opportunities through some further business education. Therefore, leading to a model of sustainable income which will continue to support the community and the families within it. "
Maria’s host organisation:
Startup Canada
online programs, national awards, flagship events, and partnerships with private sector and government to foster a community for startup and small business success across Canada.
Meet Maria’s mentor
Victoria Lennox is a social entrepreneur, commentator, program architect and policy advisor who has a track record of creating meaningful political and policy inroads to advance entrepreneurship.
As the co-founder and CEO of grassroots non-profit Startup Canada and the founder and President Emeritus of UK-based Charity NACUE, Victoria is recognized by the UNDP and EU as one of the foremost experts in entrepreneurship education; ecosystem and program architecture, governance, development and implementation; and, in fuelling entrepreneurship movements and awareness campaigns. Victoria contributes actively on the global stage as the founder of Startup Generation; a catalyst of the Startup Nations; through speaking at global forums; as an advisor to more than 20 youth enterprise organizations; and, by supporting colleges and universities in countries across the world in enhancing student entrepreneurship.
Victoria is the first Canadian and one of the youngest recipients of the Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion on the recommendation of the British Prime Minister; is the recipient of the UK's 'Enterprise Support Network Builder Award' and 'Overall Enterprise Champion of the Year Award' and has been recognized as a 'Top 30 Under 30' by Real Business Magazine, 'One to Watch' by Spectator Business, and as one of Canada's 'Top 30 Entrepreneurs' byProfit Magazine.
Victoria is from Cambridge, Ontario and now lives in Ottawa. She completed her MSc. Global Governance & Diplomacy at Oxford University in 2008, before becoming the first woman President of Oxford Entrepreneurs. Victoria completed her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Governance & Public Policy at the University of Ottawa in 2006.