Reviving Traditions: How Indigenous Wisdom & Social Innovation are Transforming the Chocolate Industry

The event will feature German Santillan, a globally recognized social entrepreneur and the founder of Oaxacanita Chocolate, the first indigenous-led chocolate-making enterprise in Oaxaca, Mexico. A 2017 YLAI alum and collaborator with global entities such as Meta, Pfizer, and TED, Santillan will share his journey of building a chocolate business rooted in culture, sustainability, and economic impact.

This event is especially designed for chocolatiers, cacao farmers, agro-processors, and Caribbean entrepreneurs with a passion for heritage-based, community-driven innovation.