Meet the Organizers

Ann Averbach helped found Mayan Connection over five years ago. She started the project to support indigenous Mayan women artisans who specialized in beadwork. Currently, Ann is coordinating and executing all retail events and expos. In addition, she oversees the production of Mayan Connection wrap skirts and sling bags.

Tarvo Nurmeots has been with Mayan Connection for over three years. His oversees product design, wholesale and the web store. Tarvo has a great passion for visual arts, and he holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Advertising from Estonia, his home country. Among other things, Tarvo has tremendous appreciation for indigenous Mayan culture and their understandings of life.

Jessi Long manages the Mayan Connection Women's Beading Collective in Guatemala. By working directly with the women, she assists them to organize and coordinate their production. She focuses on empowering the women to develop necessary skills that better the lives of themselves, their families and community. She studied Latin American Studies at Washington University in St Louis and has traveled and lived throughout Latin America since the age of twelve.