"My mistake was thinking I would have something to teach the world. It was quite the opposite; everywhere I went I was the one who was learning something new or inspirational about life and the resilience of the human spirit."
In 2004, Raan Parton and his brother Shea founded Apolis with the simple idea that business can create social change. Their travels abroad immersed them in personal stories of struggle and survival and inspired them to create a business model that bridges commerce and economic development. Along with their commitment to global advocacy, they understand the importance of sourcing and manufacturing locally. Whether it means partnering with manufacturers in Uganda, Peru, Bangladesh, or around the corner in their hometown of Los Angeles, the Partons have used their model of Advocacy Through Industry to empower people to determine their own future.
All images used with permission of Raan Parton.