When branding specialist Araceli (Cheli) Cuevas immigrated to Canada from Mexico, she brought with her a passion for graphic design and a desire to stay connected to the global community. As fortune would have it, SAWA Global, a not-for-profit organization which relies heavily on skilled volunteers, was eager to engage her talent.

Founded in Vancouver by Daphne Nederhorst, SAWA Global trains volunteers in the world’s 50 poorest countries to make and share videos featuring extraordinary grassroots leaders working to solve problems within their communities. The videos are then posted on the SAWA Global website, enabling leaders to connect with international partners and mentors, subsequently sharing their local solutions with a global audience.

Cheli’s cheerful graphic style immediately impressed Daphne. “I felt like I was able to translate her vision into art,” says Cheli, who now contributes her distinctive style to the organization’s overall branding and website through the creation of compelling logos, illustrations, posters and CD covers.

“I have found an artist who brings innovation and clarity to every project,” says Daphne.

For her part, Cheli has found something just as rare. “When you are new to a country, it’s hard to find someone who supports you and believes in you,” she says.