After Volunteering or Interning with Runa

Runa deeply values the time volunteers and interns give to support us in our project, and we are committed to supporting our interns and volunteers after their time with us. Below are some examples of how we have supported previous volunteers and interns:

• Volunteer hired as full time Sales Rep in USA with benefits
• Volunteer hired as Regional Coordinator in Ecuador
• Volunteer hired as Volunteer and Internship Coordinator in Ecuador
• Volunteer hired as Architect in Ecuador
• Helped volunteer get new internship with bustling tech start up in San Francisco
• Fully paid to bring volunteers to Las Vegas to attend the World Tea Expo with Runa
• Helped volunteer receive a Fulbright Grant to come back and work with Runa.
• Wrote recommendation letters for MBA programs
• Intern hired as graphic designer
Name: Gaby Costa
Age: 23
From: Loja, Ecuador
Gaby’s Experience with Fundación Runa:
“I volunteered for Runa about a year before finishing my university studies. I found not just a new way of doing business, but also a meaningful objective behind it. I found a real sense of life purpose. I´ve always een interested in development, and I think Runa finds an excellent way of reaching it through fair trade. What I also found attractive is that many small communities participate in Runa’s project. I remember that a Runa tecnico called Silverio took me to visit a Kichwa community. He explained the indigenous customs to me, for example how there is a curaca who leads the group. He taught me a few words in Kichwa so I was able to say hi and thank you when it was needed. It was the first time in my life that I was in such close contact with a family from this side of Ecuador. It’s such a worthwhile way of understanding the wisdom and nature of the people.

Moreover, I met interesting people from the United States, México, Brazil, and Europe. The experience mixes a lot of elements; encouraging intercultural education, commerce, training and fortifying the cultural heritage. Also I had the chance to get to know the deepest and wildest part of nature…the pacha
mama (mother earth) and its stories. It was very meaningful to take such a trip, both spiritually and from an academic perspective. I am glad there are people engaged and working towards Runa’s goals.”