In our latest podcast episode, we had the honor of speaking with Penny Skarpeta, the dynamic CEO of Mexoxo, an NGO dedicated to empowering women worldwide. Her journey from the world of fashion to spearheading an international movement for gender equality offers a compelling look at how individuals can create change when passion meets purpose.
Penny’s story began in the fast-paced world of fashion, where she spent 27 years managing the importing and exporting of shoes. However, her trajectory took an unexpected turn in 2016 when she was invited to help Greek women artisans develop business skills. What began as volunteer work gradually transformed into a full-time mission, and Penny made the courageous decision to leave the fashion industry behind to focus entirely on supporting women through Mexoxo.
Her deep understanding of the business world, combined with her own experiences as a woman navigating a male-dominated field, has shaped her approach to leadership and empowerment. Penny spoke candidly about the challenges she faced in being taken seriously as a businesswoman, noting the crucial role of her father’s support in helping her rise above gender biases. These early experiences fueled her determination to break down barriers and empower women to believe in their own potential.
During our conversation, Penny discussed the origins of the name Mexoxo. Rooted in the concepts of self-belief and love, Mexoxo embodies a mission to embolden women by providing them with the education and skills they need to succeed.
Penny emphasized how Mexoxo’s work centers around helping women build that inner belief, especially in regions where traditional gender roles often suppress their ambitions. This mission has reached women across the globe, offering them not only the tools to thrive economically but also the mindset to overcome societal limitations.
Though the progress has been significant, Penny remains clear-eyed about the long journey still ahead. As she noted, while advancements such as women driving in Saudi Arabia are encouraging, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality on a global scale. Education, she argues, is the key to breaking down these barriers.
One of the key takeaways from our conversation with Penny is the importance of community in the work Mexoxo does. She spoke at length about the need for collaboration, not only within the organization but with local partners who understand the specific needs of their regions. Whether it’s translating materials into multiple languages or adapting course content to align with cultural expectations, Penny’s approach is always rooted in the idea that true empowerment is a collective effort.
Her personal advice to women is simple yet profound: don’t be afraid to fail. Penny believes that failure is an inevitable part of growth and that women should embrace it as a learning experience rather than a setback. Moreover, she encouraged women to seek out mentorship and support, reinforcing the idea that we are stronger together.
Penny’s story is a testament to the power of transformation, not just in her personal journey from the fashion industry to social impact, but in the lives of the women she and Mexoxo are helping every day. Her message is one of hope, strength, and a deep belief in the potential that lies within every woman, waiting to be unlocked through education, mentorship, and community support.
Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn more about Penny’s incredible journey and the transformative work being done at Mexoxo to change the world—one woman at a time.