Woman Led: Meet Nicxi, Farm Manager
Women Making a Difference
Organics Unlimited is a proudly woman-owned and woman-led company. We believe that through diversity and inclusion in the workplace we can foster creative collaboration and empowerment that strengthens our communities and economies. To celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month we’re highlighting the women leaders that make us who we are.
From Nature Lover to Natural Leader
Nicxi is a Colima native. Her final college year internship and subsequent first job after graduating was at El Tesoro, the primary farm Organics Unlimited sources from. Her work ethic and dedication enabled her to quickly grow within her role to become Assistant Manager.
After moving to a neighboring farm to master the processing and packing aspects of the operation for a couple of years, she returned in 2021 to become El Tesoro’s first female manager. This achievement is significant in a society where a sexist mindset still prevails. It is no small feat to gain the trust and respect as the leader of an operation such as this one. Today, she oversees the organic production of over 150 hectares of banana farmland. From soil and plant nutrition, to harvest planning, and managing a team of over 100, she is a total super woman.
Nicxi’s love for the plant is immediately sensed whenever you talk to her. She has an absolute respect and sense of wonder for Mother Nature. She is an active member and advocate in women’s organizations in the region.
Q & A with Nicxi
Why are you passionate about what you do?
Nicxi: The career I chose is one of the most beautiful, I am in touch with with nature. I am an Agricultural Engineer and I’m passionate about food production as an art form because it is not manufactured, it is grown and nourished. If we do this in a conscious manner within our society, incredible things happen.
Who has inspired you/who is your role model?
Nicxi: My greatest inspiration are my parents. My father is a coffee farmer and lover of nature. He is a disciplined hard worker, from whom I learned that if you dedicate yourself to what you love, it’s a pleasure to serve.
My mother, a woman who knows no limits when it comes to her goals, instilled in me the power that we have as daughters, mothers, and individuals.
My role model is Dr. Marco Buenrostro, a professor from college who taught me not to doubt my goals and that nothing is impossible. If you believe it you can create it and the limits are only in your mind.
What are your hobbies?
Nicxi: I like to visit new places, especially places where I can experience nature, new cultures, walk on the beach, and see the stars.
What advice would you give a woman who’s just started her career?
Nicxi: Believe in yourself, don’t give up. Think big and visualize your goals, dreams, achievements, etc. Discipline, consistency, and perseverance are tools required to reach your goals. We must believe in ourselves as warriors, as magical, loving, brave, bold, intelligent, strong, and capable leaders.
What values are most important in a leader?
Nicxi: Honesty, service, responsibility, and respect.
GROW Scholar: Meet Cintya
Opportunities for Women
The reality is that economic conditions in growing regions can often result in family pressure for girls to drop out of school and help at home. The GROW Program offers girls and young women the resources necessary to continue their education, from middle school through college. Because of this they are able to follow their dreams and help break the cycle of poverty in their communities.
Aspiring to College
Cintya was born in Tecoman, the youngest of nine kids. She grew up and studied in Cerro de Ortega and later went on to Colima to earn her college degree.
She began her college studies in 2008 but in 2010 it was difficult for her to continue her education due to her economic situation. Through the GROW Program and Project Amigo she was able to finish her studies and had a place to live while she finished her school semester.
“Being part of the program gave me the opportunity to meet extraordinary people and the tools that aided my personal development. I had the opportunity to travel abroad and participate in noble projects such as the vision clinic.”
The program had such an impact on her that the friendships she made transcended the length of her participation in the program and continue to this day.
She finished her studies with a master’s in education with a specialty in the administration of centers for learning. Today she is the proud mother of a seven-year-old son and works as a Technical Pedagogy Advisor in special education.
What’s Next for Cintya?
“I still have a long way to go. The process of empowerment has not been easy. I have faced many obstacles but none of them impossible to overcome.”
Cyntia recognizes that at times work can demand so much of women, she shares that it is important to give ourselves room to let off steam and recharge our batteries so that we can keep working toward our goals.
And she isn’t done yet! She hopes to be recognized by her peers for her contribution to centers of education, to establish a non-profit association that supports women victims of domestic abuse, and most importantly, to guide her son in becoming a great part of this next generation.
Way to go Cintya, we’re so proud of you!
Woman Led: Mayra, our Founder & CEO
Women Making a Difference
Organics Unlimited is a proudly woman-owned and woman-led company. We believe that through diversity and inclusion in the workplace we can foster creative collaboration and empowerment that strengthens our communities and economies. To celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month we’re highlighting the women leaders that make us who we are.
Female-founded
Mayra is the daughter of Carlos Cortes, the first to market organic bananas in the states. As a teenager she was active in the Organic Movement alongside her father and soon joined the business fulltime. Mayra followed in her father’s footsteps when she founded Organics Unlimited in 2000, after her parents’ retirement. Organics Unlimited was a product of her roots but has her signature flair which to this day is visible in the fun, bright colors of the brand.
When she founded the company, she knew she wanted to leave a positive mark on the communities the business touched which is why in 2005 she started the GROW Fund. You can learn more about the program here.
Her team knows her as a creative leader who leads through instinct and puts her all into everything she does.
Q & A with Mayra
Why are you passionate about what you do?
Mayra: I´m passionate about doing what I enjoy, and working towards a better environment
Who has inspired you/who is your role model?
Mayra: My dad, he started the Organic banana movement and has mentored me throughout the years until his passing last month.
What are your hobbies?
Mayra: I love to read, workout, and socialize with friends.
What piece of advice would you give a woman who’s just started her career?
Mayra: Be open to opportunities, have a clear set of goals, and cultivate a positive culture with your team
What values are most important in a leader?
Mayra: Honesty, resilience, passion and commitment.
