From May 5 to May 8, students were invited to support the Pulsera Project and the Spanish Club by purchasing handmade bracelets during lunch.
The table was decorated with a vibrant display of colorful, handwoven pulseras/bracelets and bags, each item telling its own unique story. The bracelets featured a variety of patterns and colors, ranging from bold reds and orange to calming blues and greens. Some pulseras were decorated with geometric designs, while other had more organic, flowing patterns that symbolized nature or cultural symbols from the artists’ homelands. Attached to each bracelet was a small tag that included the artist’s name, a brief bio, and a snapshot of their life and community. The cause behind the fundraiser is more than just a cultural celebration; it represents empowerment and education across borders.
“It’s not just about selling bracelets. It’s about connecting with the stories of the artists who make them,” Cristina Goiria (’27), the new co-president of the Spanish Club, said. “Each pulsera tells a story of resilience, creativity, and hope. We want our fellow students to feel that connection.”
According to the Pulsera Project, pulsera sales support a nonprofit organization that empowers Central American artists with a platform to sell their handmade goods in US schools. The funds raised go towards wages, scholarships, and educational programs, directly impacting the lives of the artists and their families. Additionally, the organization invests in community development projects, in order to help break the cycle of poverty through education and opportunity.
“We’re not just raising money. We’re raising awareness of the economic and social challenges faced by communities in Central America,” Sarah Villa (’27), a volunteer for the project, said. “This is an opportunity for other students to learn about how even a small purchase can make a big difference. Every bracelet is connected to someone’s life, a reminder that our choices matter”
Throughout the week, the Spanish Club set up a display showcasing the intricate patterns of each bracelet. The display included a poster with colorful maps of Nicaragua and Guatemala, the two primary countries where the artists live. Alongside the maps, students could read more about the organization and the Pulsera Project altogether.. Alongside the display, students could read about the individual artist and their stories attached to each bracelet, adding a personal touch to each purchase.
“Every bracelet is a piece of someone’s lie,” J’lyn Dejesus (’27), another volunteer, said. “It feels good knowing that buying one can help provide for someone’s education or healthcare. It makes the bracelet more than just an accessory, and an even more meaningful gift for a loved one.”
By supporting the Pulsera Project, students are not only embracing Latin American culture but also participating in a global movement that promotes fairness, dignity, and opportunity. All in all, each bracelet sold is a thread in a much larger masterpiece of hope and cooperation, woven together by hands across borders.
