Laureate Impact

Germán Santillán has carved a unique path in social entrepreneurship and cultural preservation through his work with Oaxacanita Chocolate. The former UVM business student is leading the revival of Indigenous Mixtec cocoa traditions, driven by his passion for uplifting local communities in Oaxaca, in Mexico’s southwest – a state known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse Indigenous communities, and traditional arts and crafts.

Inspired by his appreciation for Mexico’s rich cocoa culture, Germán founded Oaxacanita Chocolate, the first Mexican social chocolate company to gain international recognition for its social impact. “I decided to become an entrepreneur because it was important for me to have a meaningful life and because of my deep love for my roots,” he explained.

For the past nine years, Oaxacanita Chocolate has worked with traditional cooks, cocoa farmers, and palm artisans, contributing to the social, economic, and environmental development of 17 Indigenous communities in the Mixtec region. In 2022, the business sold over 2,000 kilograms of chocolate, collaborating with 30 distributors and independent shops across nine states in Mexico and expanding its online presence to Canada and the United States.

Oaxacanita Chocolate programs have benefited over 4,500 people from 150 indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities. One initiative, La Escuelita del Cacao (Little Cocoa School), teaches children about the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. “With this program, we are empowering a new generation of guardians of the planet through chocolate,” Germán said. By providing hands-on experiences, La Escuelita del Cacao helps preserve traditional agricultural knowledge while inspiring future cocoa farmers.

Reflecting on his achievements, Germán emphasizes the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge and traditions. “Our ancient Indigenous communities were among the first cultures in the world to use chocolate as a symbol of social union. Although ancient Mixtec traditions around how to grow, process, and prepare cocoa are fading away, there is a profound love for cocoa in Mexico that is inspiring today’s younger generation to revive their ancestral heritage.”

Germán’s dedication to social entrepreneurship extends beyond chocolate production. He has built relationships with over 30 national and international organizations to create opportunities in social entrepreneurship, languages, human rights, STEAM, and healthcare. Oaxacanita Chocolate is Mexico's first Indigenous chocolate company to form international alliances with organizations such as the Inter-American Foundation and the US Government. His leadership roles include serving as a Board Member of the Association of Chocolatiers of the State of Oaxaca and as a Special Advisor to the U.S. Department of State’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative.

Germán’s work with Oaxacanita Chocolate has been recognized for contributions to international social innovation. This includes recognition from Former President Barack Obama and the U.S. Government as part of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, a Global Laureate Fellowship from the International Youth Foundation, a Top 10 winner of the Young Founders Programme by the Westerwelle Foundation, and ‘Top Innovator’ awarded by the World Economic Forum through UpLink. Nationally, the business has been recognized with a UVM Award for Social Development, a Goula Award (from the Goula Foundation for the best Mexican food and beverage company with a social purpose), and a Razón de Ser Award (from the Fundación Razón de Ser/Reason to Be Foundation). In 2021, Oaxacanita Chocolate won the prestigious Soy Generación Restauración Challenge Unilever Award for its impact on environmental restoration.

With his commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting social innovation, Germán demonstrates the impact dedicated individuals can have on their communities. His work continues to impact Indigenous communities and inspires others to engage in socially responsible entrepreneurship and make a difference in the world.