Our Compañera: Viviana

Our Compañera: Viviana By Caitlin Lally, Marketing and Communications intern At 4,666 meters (15,308 ft) amid the mountains of Patacancha, Peru, I greeted Viviana in her native tongue of Quechua. “Allianchu compañera,” I said as I leaned in for a kiss on the cheek. After taking a walk with her and listening to her explain the uses of various medicinal herbs, I took a few moments to ask her some personal questions about life in the rural community. A weaver since she was eight years old, Viviana joined the Songuillay cooperative as a weaver and also is helping to lead...