GoodWeave

Staff

Nina Smith is the executive director of GoodWeave USA, having launched GoodWeave’s US organization in 2000. A fair trade advocate and marketing professional for over 15 years, Nina won the 2005 Skoll award for Social Entrepreneurship, acknowledging her work to employ market strategies for social change. Nina was formerly the executive director of The Crafts Center (1995–1999), a nonprofit organization providing marketing and technical assistance to indigenous artisans around the world and publisher of Crafts News. As president of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) from 1996 to 1998, Nina raised funds for and launched FTF’s first consumer education campaign. Nina’s overseas experience includes a crafts export consultancy to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamsala, India from 1994 to 1996, where she oversaw the development of new market-driven product lines, quality control mechanisms, and artisan training programs. Nina’s broad expertise includes nonprofit management, writing and publishing, marketing, public relations and small business development.

Cyndi Janetzko is GoodWeave USA’s director of operations. Previously an independent consultant with background in green products marketing, investment fund development and strategic planning, Cyndi has experience readying smaller socially responsible businesses to compete in the private sector and attract both capital and clientele. Beginning in 1997, she was a member of the Environmental Enterprises Assistance Fund (EEAF) fundraising team to capital the fund, then developed its project origination strategy and marketing materials. While there, she was instrumental in the organization of Terra Capital Investors, a biodiversity fund for Latin American small business.

Scott Welker is GoodWeave USA’s director of business development. Scott has an extensive background in international brand management, business development and operations. While living abroad as the Area Market Manager for BAT, he developed distribution channels within emerging markets across the globe. Most recently Scott managed all aspects of a multimillion-dollar e-commerce entity. He has also provided operational and marketing expertise to a number of national and international non-profit organizations on a volunteer basis.

April Thompson, GoodWeave USA’s director of marketing and communications, blends experience in communications, international development and socially responsible business. A freelance journalist of more than 10 years, April worked for three years in Guinea, West Africa in various capacities for the UN World Food Programme, Winrock International and the Mano River Women's Peace Network. April holds a dual master's in Business Administration and International Development at American University, and has worked with fair trade businesses in a variety of industries, from sports balls to crafts. She has also worked as a consultant on fair trade issues for TechnoServe International in Tanzania, and as a media specialist for Modern Architects for Rural India in Andhra Pradesh, India. 

Rebecca Shaloff, GoodWeave’s director of development and partnerships, rejoins the staff after three years as the screening director of the Green Business Network. While there, she oversaw the accreditation process and sustainability standards for companies to earn Green America’s Seal of Approval. From 2005 to 2008, Rebecca was GoodWeave’s development officer managing both foundation and individual donor relationships. Prior to her work in the social labeling and green business arena, Rebecca was a labor researcher with a trade union in Mumbai, India. She is also co-author of Green and Just Celebrations: A Purchasing Guide for Washington's Jewish Families. Rebecca currently sits on the Board of Directors of Green America (formerly Co-op America) and AVODAH: the Jewish Service Corps.

Biko Nagara, international standards and policy officer for GoodWeave USA, has a master's in international affairs from Stanford University with a focus on social, environmental and economic development. His experience working for leading research institutes and national nonprofit organizations ranges from grassroots organizing and advocacy around environmental issues to the administration of civic leadership trainings and public health programs. While working at the United Nations Secretariat, he focused on human rights and civil society, reporting on developments and current events for the UN Chronicle. He also wrote on the topic of sustainable development for the Worldwatch Institute’s State of the World and has extensive experience in website development and graphic design.

Beth Gottschling Huber is an independent consultant serving as GoodWeave’s program manager for Afghanistan. Beth has more than 15 years of experience working with handcraft businesses in the Central and South Asia region, including seven years managing Aid to Artisans' programs in Asia. She has also consulted for a range of organizations including UNESCO, CARE and DAI. In addition to her nonprofit work, Beth served as director of operations for the communications and design firm Free Range Studios. She holds an MA in International Development from American University.

Mindy Chong is GoodWeave USA’s development officer. Mindy has an extensive background in fundraising for nonprofit organizations such as Oxfam America and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Her experience includes direct mail, telemarketing, new media, and canvassing. She also worked as a marketing manager for an advertising sales and management firm for associations.

Maia Lee is GoodWeave USA's online marketing and media associate. Maia has a diverse background working in marketing and communications for nonprofit organizations. Hailing from Philadelphia, she previously worked with the Chemical Heritage Foundation and the Rosenbach Museum & Library, where she developed and managed a variety of communications, from social media to web content. A freelance graphic designer, Maia holds a BFA in art history, painting and weaving from Moore College of Art and Design.

Fayette Fox, GoodWeave USA’s program assistant, was previously an assistant commissioning editor and freelancer with Lonely Planet Publications in London. Long fascinated with South Asia, Fayette traveled throughout the region writing “Typewriter Tango,” a blog created to promote cross-cultural understanding. She spent four months in India and Nepal, including working as a volunteer teacher with dalit (“untouchable”) teenagers in India. While writing her novel The Deception Artist, Fayette worked in executive support roles at companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council. Fayette has a master’s degree in publishing from London College of Communication.