Article by Mel Ulle
The Women’s Bean Project, a Colorado-based non-profit social enterprise, is committed to helping women create lasting change in their lives through employment. Founded in 1989 by Jossy Eyre, the organization has grown from a small initiative with a $500 investment to a thriving enterprise with over $3 million in annual revenue. The organization sells high quality food products, creating a sustainable revenue program, while also teaching critical job skills.
At its core, the Women’s Bean Project believes in the power of employment to transform lives. The organization provides opportunities for women to discover their talents, develop skills, and build self-sufficiency. By focusing on job readiness and personal growth, the organization eliminates barriers to employment and creates a workforce where talent and potential are the primary hiring criteria.
Self-agency and self-sufficiency are essential for creating lasting generational change. After working with over a hundred nonprofit clients, I know this is true. The programs that encourage deep work and expect high levels of accountability have better outcomes.
When individuals, particularly women, have the ability to make independent decisions and provide for themselves and their families, they start a transformative cycle that extends far beyond their own lives. Self-sufficiency feeds confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills, which are then modeled for children and passed down through generations. As women become economically independent, they’re better positioned to invest in their children’s education, health, and overall well-being, breaking cycles of poverty and dependence.
This empowerment leads to improved long-term planning and decision-making in family planning, healthcare, and career choices, further solidifying the foundation for future generations. Perhaps even more importantly, self-sufficient women are more likely to actively participate in their communities, advocate for their rights, and inspire others to pursue similar paths of independence. This ripple effect of empowerment and agency can gradually reshape society writ large, challenge systemic barriers, and create a more equitable environment for future generations.
The Women’s Bean Project’s values are centered around five key principles: Opportunity, providing chances for women to help themselves and join the workforce; Service, striving to “do well by doing good” through quality products and efficient operations; Transformation, impacting not just individual women, but also their families and communities; Empowerment, equipping women with tools to change their lives and inspiring supporters to contribute to this change; and Sustainability, focusing on long-term solutions rather than short-term handouts.
The Women’s Bean Project has expanded its reach significantly since its inception. Today, its products are sold in nearly 1,000 stores nationwide, including major retailers like King Soopers, Whole Foods, and Safeway. The organization also sells products through its website, Amazon.com, and other online platforms. Holiday gifts anyone? And yes, I have given their soups as gifts and people love them – so get on it! (I recommend the OG, the 10 Bean Soup Mix and their Spicy Split Pea Soup).
As the organization celebrates its 35th anniversary, it also marks a significant leadership transition. Tamra Ryan, who has served as CEO for 21 years, announced her decision to step down effective June 30, 2025. Ryan’s tenure has been marked by remarkable achievements, including growing organizational annual revenue to over $3 million, and establishing Women’s Bean Project as a model of social enterprise across the country and abroad.
Ryan’s commitment to the mission has helped hundreds of women overcome barriers to employment, reunite with their children, and create positive change for future generations.
As Women’s Bean Project prepares for its next chapter, the transition presents an opportunity for new leadership to build upon the strong foundation laid during Ryan’s tenure and to continue the organization’s absolutely critical work empowering women.
Through its entrepreneurial approach to social change, the Women’s Bean Project continues to work towards a future where all women have the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency and build better lives for themselves and their families. Because when women succeed, we all succeed. Check them out and please go shopping, www.womensbeanproject.com.
Read Melanie Ulle’s monthly Making a Difference Articles at Urban Life Wash Park.
