Patti Carpenter

Photo: Roland Bello

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Textile Importer
After volunteering with Aid to Artisans, a nonprofit group that promotes craft businesses in developing countries, Patti Carpenter was so impressed with the handwoven and embroidered textiles made by the African and South American women, that she started a business importing their wares to stores like Dean & Deluca and Bloomingdale's.

How her efforts have helped artisans in unexpected ways