What began as a student project thousands of miles away came vividly to life for FIU Business students during their recent spring break journey to India.
From Feb. 23 to March 1, 2026, members of FIU’s International Business Honors Society (IBHS) traveled to Bandhwari Village, India, with faculty advisor David Wernick, a teaching professor of international business. The trip was part of the Bandhwari Women’s Project, a student-led nonprofit that partners with local artisans who create handmade textiles and accessories sold in the United States. For many students, the visit marked the first time meeting the women whose products they have been promoting, selling, and supporting from Miami.
“It’s easy to think about the project as something conceptual,” said Matthew Dorsch, a senior international business major and vice president of IBHS. “But actually, being in the room with the women, seeing them laugh and interact and knowing our work helps support them, that’s when it becomes real.”
Throughout the week, students visited the Incentive Foundation’s campus in Bandhwari Village, toured surrounding communities, and spent time with the women artisans whose work supports families and community programs. They also visited a local school supported by the initiative, bringing supplies and meeting children eager to greet their guests from Miami.
For Christy Sanchez, a senior international business major, the visit to the school became one of the trip’s most powerful moments.
“The kids were so excited to see us and high-five us,” Sanchez said. “It made me realize how much I have to be grateful for. It really puts your life and opportunities into perspective.”
The experience also allowed students to connect personally with the women whose products they market and sell throughout the year.
Victoria Terejo, a senior international business major and president of IBHS, said meeting the artisans brought new meaning to the work students do on campus.
“We see their pictures all the time and talk about them in meetings,” Terejo said. “But being here, going into their homes and hearing their stories makes the project feel much more personal.”
Angelica Ramirez, the Bandhwari Women’s Project marketing director, said the trip bridged the gap between the creative work she does in Miami and the real lives it impacts abroad.
“I see their faces every day when I’m working on the marketing,” Ramirez said. “But meeting them and hearing their stories behind those faces was incredibly impactful.”
Students also embraced the cultural adventure, from navigating bustling cities to sampling new foods and visiting historic landmarks across northern India.
Brianna Ferrosa, a senior graduating this spring, said one of the most memorable parts of the trip was the warmth and hospitality of the people they met.
“Everyone welcomed us with open arms,” she said. “You might expect it to feel very different or intimidating, but the opposite was true. The experience has been amazing.”
Amanda Garcia, who helped organize this year’s trip and has previously visited India, said watching new participants experience the project firsthand was especially meaningful.
“You can see the moment when it clicks for them,” Garcia said. “They realize the website, the products, the fundraising, it all connects to real people and real lives.”
As the Bandhwari Women’s Project celebrates its 10th anniversary, the trip continues to serve as a defining experience for students — transforming classroom lessons into a global perspective and reminding them that business can be a powerful force for positive change.
