Tricia Medrano Bridges

Retired CEO, Chiapas International -A Global Microfinance Initiative
Tricia’s career in nonprofit began in 1976 in Dallas. In the mid-80’s, was transferred to New Orleans to direct activities for a national nonprofit in Louisiana and Mississippi. In 1991, returned to Dallas to be near family working with several groups including the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, serving as Vice President for Development. The development team in coordination with the CEO led a $25 million dollar campaign to build new Y’s and renovate others. Tricia traveled to Africa and Mexico to work with international YMCA’S as a certified national trainer for fundraising and volunteer development. Upon completion of the YMCA campaign, she was recruited by the University of Dallas where Tricia served as Vice President of Advancement for the University for four years.

In August of 2005, she was asked to join the Dallas based nonprofit Chiapas Project, founded by Dallas Real Estate Developer, Lucy Billingsley to fund microfinance to women in Latin America through support to Grameen Foundation. Over the years Chiapas has provided funding for Mexico, Bolivia, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras and Colombia securing over $6,000,000 for anti-poverty solutions.

Chiapas International’s current focus is in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, funding Esperanza International’s work with microfinance and related anti-poverty tools.

In November of 2010, Tricia was awarded Grameen Foundation’s “2010 Lifetime Achievement Award” for her work with Chiapas International and her lifetime commitment to eradicating poverty and improving lives of those in need. She also received a commendation from 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Tricia retired from Chiapas in January of 2016 and is now working with a new Initiative called Impact City. In addition to her work, she has a passion for writing, traveling, photography and public speaking.