OUR TEAM

Maud Obe has over 18 years of experience designing and managing economic empowerment and development projects for the artisan sector across the globe. She has supported over 5,000 artisan businesses, connecting them to local, regional, and international markets, and has successfully managed programs funded by USAID, MCC, The World Bank, and other organizations. As Director, Maud leads the strategic vision of Handmade to Market. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, she holds a Master’s in International Development and Social Change from Clark University.

Blake brings over 20 years of experience in international development, specializing in project planning, implementation, operations, and security management for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. He supports business development efforts that promote locally led initiatives, human rights, economic and social development, and peacebuilding. Blake holds a BA in English Literature from Baylor University and an MS in International Relations from Troy University. A U.S. Army veteran and former Peace Corps Volunteer in Kazakhstan, he has worked extensively across the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, East Africa, and Central America.

Rachel is a seasoned project management professional with over 10 years of experience in non-profit programs, operations, and financial management. Since joining Creative Learning in 2014, she has specialized in knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communication for diverse donors. Rachel is dedicated to empowering vulnerable individuals in the artisan sector by fostering market access, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring sustainable impact. She holds a BA in International Studies with a minor in Anthropology and French, along with a concentration in African Studies and Peace & Conflict, from Washington College.

Lauren Barkume is the Training Director at Handmade to Market. Since joining in 2006, Lauren is an expert in international development, artisan programs and training. Lauren spent nearly 9 years based in South Africa working directly with entrepreneurs, artisans and small businesses in the region, developing community co-created programs, designing and running practical business skills workshops for small business owners, and working in collaboration with artisan communities across Southern Africa. Lauren is also a photographer who has taken many of the images on this website. Lauren cares deeply about facilitating responsive, community driven development.

Lauren brings a blend of marketing and project management expertise to the Handmade to Market team. She has a passion for cultural preservation and deep commitment to empowering local artisans within their communities. She has spent over a year in Latin America collaborating directly with artisans, cultivating a profound interest in textiles and pottery. Lauren has a strong appreciation for other cultures and forging meaningful connections, and has documented her journeys abroad through photography. Lauren has a Bachelors of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing and Spanish.

Claire Kroger is the Training and Communications Specialist at Creative Learning's Handmade to Market division. She is passionate about economic development and community engagement, and enjoys bringing these two topics together in her work. Claire has a Bachelors of International Studies from American University, with an emphasis in peace and conflict studies and French. 

Hannah Klein is the Associate Training Manager at Handmade to Market. As a former Youth Development Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji and e-Commerce Manager for a fashion jewelry brand, Hannah has grown an interest in cultural preservation, community development, and helping the expansion of small businesses globally. Hannah has a Master’s in Public Administration, concentrating in International Management at American University, and has a BA in International Business with concentrations in Global Supply Chain Management and Spanish.