Francesca Barbee
Co-Founder, Francesca (Peterson) Barbee, graduated from Oberlin College ('03) with a degree in ThirdWorld Studies and History. She also completed a minor in Religion and continued studies in Spanish throughout her college years.

In addition to INTO, Francesca serves on the leadership team at her church House of Healing Outreach International, started by Oberlin alumni James and Keymasha Knight. She also coaches girls’ basketball at Lorain Admiral King High School in Lorain, Oh.  Her heart for service and the greater global community began with her involvement in high school and college working with her church and Habitat for Humanity through which she participated in many service trips all over the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

ECUADOR
Marco Vaca  
In Ecuador, Marco Vaca manages the business and ministry of INTO.  Marco has a background in health and fitness education. Currently, he serves his church El Batan in Quito , Ecuador in administration in addition to his work with INTO. He continues histheological studies that he started at Seminario Sudamericano through mini courses throughout the year.

Marco works in sharing the love of God and developing trusting relationships that not only meet the physical needs of the artisans through trusting business agreements but also create support networks for the families. Marco strives to empower the people economically through the fair trade of their product. Additionally he works with the families to improve product design and quality.

Marco demonstrates Christian principles through business transactions, sharing the Gospel by buildingrelationships and opening themselves for questions and conversations.

Malisha Richardson

Co-Founder (Co- director: 2003-2008), Malisha Richardson graduated from Oberlin College ('03) with a degree in Economics and a minor in Religion. Malisha served for six years on the same leadership team at House of Healing Outreach International with Francesca. Malisha’s great attention to details and visionary eyesight were key to making INTO’s establishment a success.