Every day I fight for a more just, equitable and sustainable world for all.
Melina Taprantzi - Founder of Wise Greece
2024 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Finalist, Europe and North America Region
In 2013, amid Greece’s severe financial crisis, Melina Taprantzi visited a “Social Grocery” to donate food supplies. What she witnessed there—a donation shortage that left only razors available for people in need—sparked a life-changing realization. This pivotal moment led to the founding of Wise Greece, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting the troubled Greek economy and ensuring no one goes to bed hungry.
The impact of Wise Greece
Wise Greece operates with a dual purpose: assisting small Greek food producers in promoting their products and using the profits to purchase food for those in need. This initiative not only supports family-owned businesses but also provides essential food supplies to vulnerable populations. To maximize its social impact, Wise Greece offers educational programs for children and professional workshops for vulnerable groups, including the unemployed and women in rural areas. The enterprise designs and implements Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, promotes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and supports the reintegration of unemployed individuals in rural areas.
Commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Wise Greece’s work aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By providing food supplies and upskilling opportunities, Wise Greece addresses hunger and poverty (SDG 1 and 2: No Poverty and Zero Hunger). The organization also contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through various educational courses for children and adults, and empowers women in rural areas through targeted programs (SDG 5: Gender Equality). Additionally, Wise Greece supports small farmers and creates employment opportunities (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), ensures equal and inclusive access for all (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities), and promotes zero food waste through responsible consumption and production (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).
Empowering women and addressing climate change
Women constitute a significant portion of Wise Greece’s workforce and beneficiaries, with 75% of employees and 60% of producers being women. Taprantzi personally mentors aspiring women entrepreneurs and supports women’s cooperatives as a pro-bono consultant. Her involvement with organizations like Women on Top and Mexoxo underscores her commitment to advancing women’s positions.
Wise Greece also addresses climate change by reducing CO2 emissions through centralized order processing and promoting sustainable packaging and production methods. Educational initiatives for children and adults further raise awareness about climate change and practical sustainability practices.
Melina Taprantzi’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies purpose-driven leadership, transforming a moment of crisis into a powerful movement for social impact. Through Wise Greece, she continues to fight for a just, equitable, and sustainable world, empowering communities and individuals along the way.
I firmly believe we can all do well by doing good and it all starts today.
By Grace Reiter, WE Empower Intern