Mar Layseca, a proud UPC graduate, is a leading force in housing innovation in Peru through her social enterprise, Mutuo. Mar’s journey from a passionate student to a pioneering social entrepreneur highlights her commitment to improving housing conditions in Peru’s informal settlements.
Founded by Mar in 2016, Mutuo is dedicated to addressing the challenges of self-built housing in Peru. The social enterprise engages architects and community members in creating safe, decent housing solutions. Mar’s vision is to ensure that quality housing is accessible to everyone, regardless of a person’s economic status. By connecting architects with vulnerable communities, Mutuo aims to transform living conditions, and foster a culture of service within the architectural profession.
Mar says her experience with UPC’s Protagonistas del Cambio (social entrepreneurship awards program that she won in 2018) played a pivotal role in shaping her approach to social impact. “The program’s emphasis on community and collaboration inspired me to tackle complex housing issues with a collective approach. It’s crucial to build a supportive network when working on social challenges, as it helps sustain motivation and drive,” Mar said.
Mutuo has made significant strides since its beginning. The enterprise has partnered with national and global organizations, including the Peruvian Ministry of Housing, the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank Group, and UNESCO. Mutuo initiatives include sustainable development education in over 20 public schools, early childhood innovation projects, urban innovation contests, and housing finance policy development.
The impact of Mutuo’s work is evident in the 12,000+ people who have benefited from its projects, which have led to more than 50 initiatives across 70 municipalities. This also includes Mutuo’s commitment to sustainability, having collected and processed more than 1,509 liters of used cooking oil and turning it into biodegradable soap.
Mar’s accolades underscore her dedication to social good. She was recognized by Habitat for Humanity's Shelter-Tech Accelerator Program, selected as a Fellow for the U.S. Department of State Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), and a finalist in the Kunan Challenge Grand Prize (considered the most important annual award for social entrepreneurship in Peru).
Looking ahead, Mar envisions Mutuo as a leading platform connecting professionals with communities in need of quality housing. “In five years, I see Mutuo as a strategic ally to the Ministry of Housing in Peru, impacting various regions and addressing housing deficits. We aim to replicate our model in other developing countries, demonstrating its potential on a global scale,” she said.
