Path of Paper reycles paper into empowerment!

Path of Paper began in 2007 when Kathryn O'Grady joined the Peace Corps, after graduating from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. As a Peace Corps volunteer Kathryn was stationed in the dusty town of Iganga, in the eastern African country Uganda. While there Kathryn worked with a great non-governmental organization and was introduced to the Gemakumyino Women's Group. It was love at first sight! The women involved in the Gemakumyino Women's Group are hardworking, artistic and were waiting for the opportunity to use their abilities to improve their lives and the lives of their families. Hence, POP was born.
Path of Paper uses recycled paper to create beautiful jewelry, purses, bowls, bracelets etc. These products transform waste into empowerment and income for the lives of women in Iganga, Uganda.
When you buy from POP, you are not only are you buying a beautiful quality item, but you are supporting real women with real needs.
Thanks to our board of directors, UAOWF, and the vast network of women and men worldwide who have helped make this a reality.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Happy New Year!



As the new year is just around the corner, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the achievements of the previous year and give thanks for all of the fabulous support we've received.

This year marked the second year of my living in the states post Peace Corps. This is an important marker as its just about the same amount of time that I was in Uganda. We had a lot of technological advances this year: POP started this blog, a Facebook page, and Twitter and Paypal accounts!
Obviously, there was the euphoric trip I took to Uganda where I visited the women who became my family in Uganda( The complete blog update on that trip is coming I promise). Being reunited with the Gemakumyino Women's Group and UAOWF was really an indescribable joy. We spoke about a lot of great new ideas and I can't wait to get started on them!


What highlights did I forget? I'm sure there are a ton of them. The sales from Path of Paper have connected women and begun conversations. The Ugandan producers provide for their needs by creating a product with their own hands that is sought after and valued thousands of miles away.  They pay their children's school fees, rent on better housing, as well as cover health costs. Economic power strengthens ones ability to feel confident, make decisions and speak ones voice.

Next year we have a pretty high mark to meet, but I am foreseeing great things in our future!

I'd like to say a special thank you to my mother, siblings, all of my aunts especially Dee, Valerie and Maria. To everyone in the Gemakumyino Women's Group, UAOWF, Via Creativa Gallery and the Lyman family. To Ryan Villanueva, Alissa Walsh, Bobby Wermus, and Gregory Hoffman.

Happy New Year everyone!!
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Sunday, December 18, 2011






Some pictures from Kate's visit to Iganga. large plates of local food. make the heart so warm . I'll soon post a longer description of my trip to Iganga, but for now I'll let these pictures do the talking!
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Thanks to my brother Nicholas O'Grady for taking these fabulous pictures! Path of Paper has never looked better
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Sunday, December 4, 2011

tujay!

Well everyone. The day is finally here! I board my plane to Uganda tonight!Reservations have been made, prescriptions filled and I am [mostly] packed.



I already feel like I've been on an emotional roller coaster ride.. finally feeling mentally ready and excited to extract myself from my busy new york life, unplug from the internet and smart phones. I'm excited to immerse myself in a truly great opportunity. Yesterday Rick and I changed our adventure plans again so it looks like the last 3 days we and Michelle will be stared at by chimps at fort portal! Exciting..

So there will be tons of pics and videos and updates upon my return, but for now.. wish me luck and thanks for all the support!





also, the fairtrade sale at waterside in norfolk is going on this weekend and my mom and sister have been doing a great job!! So if you're in the area, be sure to stop by and see what people are doing to change the world! There are some really talented vendors there, and I'm always inspired! Many thanks go out to Via Creativa Gallery for all they have done to involve us in this momentous event! This is our biggest sale event of the year, and if anyone can do it right its caroline and cyndi! Upon my return i'll also upload some amazing pics Nick, my little brother, took of our merchandise! It looks great and next we'll need to work on a catalog!

Thanks for all the support!
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