Spes Nova, meaning “New Hope” in Latin, was founded at Fordham University in 2015 as a branch of the Students for Fair Trade club. It now operates as a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission that spans continents — and is powered by students.
Erick Rengifo, professor of economics and founder of Spes Nova, said the organization’s mission is to help establish sustainable and inclusive development in some of the world’s poorest regions by collaborating with a global network of academic institutions. He explained Spes Nova is run by a team of student leaders and volunteers at Fordham, under his guidance and the guidance of Assistant Dean Brian Dunn, the Spes Nova director at Fordham.
Spes Nova uses a three-pillar approach of growing its academic network, promoting a combination of fair trade and microloan practices and advocating for ethical consumerism.
“According to these values, Spes Nova strives to implement its three-pillar approach to sustainable and inclusive development by establishing a network of academic institutions from around the globe that offer long-term benefits while supporting the dignity of the working poor,” Rengifo said.
A major project has been the partnership with ITESO, the Jesuit University of Guadalajara, Mexico.
“The focus of Fordham-ITESO efforts started in 2018 and has continuously focused its efforts on helping artisans get access to the US market,” Rengifo said. “The project involves students from both universities working together in a real learning scenario.”
Rengifo said that by prepaying for products and assisting with campus sales, Fordham’s chapter helps artisans secure a consistent source of revenue. He explained that the model has had a significant impact, not only by raising awareness but also by helping local artisans sell their products, providing them with an adequate and constant source of income that supports the growth of their businesses and improves their quality of life.
Students are essential to making all this happen. Elizabeth Rengifo-Vega, FCRH ’26, co-president of Spes Nova, said, “At the start of each semester, we send out a Google form to our members so that they can describe their interests, skills, and professional goals. This helps us to tailor the role so that the students feel confident contributing and learning while interning with Spes Nova.”
“It’s been wonderful to see many students take the initiative and request particular roles in the team because they have pre-existing experience in the area or because they want to push themselves to learn something challenging for the good of the club and their own academic development,” she added.
Juliana Tulio, GSB ’26, co-president of Spes Nova, first joined after seeing it at the fall career fair.
“I was inspired by its mission and wanted to support the livelihoods of global artisans,” she said. “Other students interested in getting involved can attend our club meetings on Thursdays at 1 p.m. or direct message our Instagram, @spes_nova, or email us at [email protected]. We have a lot of different roles available, no matter your interests or skill set.”
Tulio also pointed out ways for the broader community to help.
“The easiest way is to follow us on Instagram to stay updated on new product launches and upcoming sales events,” she said. “The best way to support us is by buying our handmade artisan products through our website, spesnova.org, or at in-person sales events on campus.”
For many students, joining Spes Nova has been a turning point. Natalie Kamble, GSB ’25, social media coordinator, described her experience.
“I oversee our social media team, coordinating content that highlights the incredible work of global artisans — crafting everything from jewelry and wallets to Fordham merch like keychains and sweaters,” she said.
She recalled what first drew her in: “At first, I was simply drawn to a Fordham sweater on display because I thought it was cute. But when I asked about it, I learned something far more meaningful — it was hand-sewn by women in Bolivia escaping domestic violence,” Kamble said. “That moment shifted my perspective.”
Spes Nova also provides real-world experience in a range of fields.
“Whether it be soft skills like sales technique or the ability to communicate Spes Nova’s mission or hard skills such as management or financial auditing, students tune into their specialties to create a cohesive environment that helps the organization move smoothly,” said Trent Miller, GSB ’26, vice president of finance for Spes Nova.
Miller also shared that Spes Nova has grown rapidly. “When I joined back in the fall of 2023, the organization only had seven or eight active members, and now it is filled with around fifteen or more, which is over a 100% increase,” he said.
Camila Perez, FCRH ’28, secretary of the organization, noted, “Students involved with Spes Nova can enhance their teamwork, communication, and organizational skills. We collaborate to organize our sales, help promote ethical consumerism, and partner with other clubs to broaden our reach.”
Rengifo hopes to continue expanding Spes Nova’s network and strengthening its impact, to “Raise global awareness about the realities of poverty, hunger and other social problems and possible alleviation through access to equitable free market systems for trade,” he said.
