Tex Dworkin

Tex Dworkin studied Social Thought and Political Economy at the University of Massachusets in Amherst while working at a cooperatively-run business, gaining valuable business skills and witnessing first hand how an alternative business model can lead to both profit and empowerment. After graduating with a B.A. Tex moved on to Whole Foods, working as Housewares Buyer and Store Shift Leader. As a buyer, she introduced new product lines from artisans and cooperatives throughout the world. Tex headed west in 1998 and landed in San Francisco, working as Marketing and Promotion Coordinator for KCBS Radio, coordinating events and creating online content for KCBS.com.

Believing in the power of business enterprise as a tool for social change, in 2002 Tex's passion for socially conscious business drew her to the Fair Trade movement and Global Exchange where she works as the Manager of the Global Exchange Online Fair Trade Store. Since her start at Global Exchange, Tex helped to launch the new and improved Online Store website, she created the successful Fair Trade Corporate Gift Program, and has traveled to various parts of the world on direct buying trips and delegations. Speaking regularly with artisans and students, vendors and producers from around the world has allowed Tex a unique perspective on the needs of various individuals within the expanding Fair Trade movement. Tex is currently working on a book entitled This Little Piggy Went to Market: Bringing Products from the Village Market to the Global Marketplace.

Topics covered

• Fair Trade
• business enterprise as a tool for social change