Altman alum Malcolm Grba has co-founded a new startup company out of Mexico, Because Ropa con Voz (Clothing with a Voice). “This sustainable fashion startup focuses on the premise that our clothing should reflect our values,” Malcolm says. 

After graduating in 2019, Malcolm participated in Fulbright’s Binational Internship Program in Mexico. He then worked at Angel Ventures, a venture capital-firm, where he interacted with entrepreneurs throughout Latin America. He returned to the United States during the pandemic, where he became involved with Teach for America. He is currently a High School Special Education Teacher in Chicago while also pursuing a Master’s degree in Education.

Malcolm is a proud Co-Founder and The Storyteller at Because. “My role has focused predominantly on strategy, communications, and partnerships, but involves a bit of everything at present. I really revel in the storytelling component of starting a company and the concept of amplifying the voices of important causes and impactful organizations.”

Because prioritizes four value areas: utilizing recycled materials, empowering women entrepreneurs, promoting access to water, and supporting local food access. They partner with organizations in Mexico that focus on these same values. Together, they produce clothing that is made locally, and they pay fair wages for all labor involved. “All of our materials are 100% recycled,” Malcolm says, “and with each garment we sell, we help support one of our Mexican partner organizations (NGOs based in Mexico).”

Because now has a Kickstarter to help them promote their mission. They have until December 3, 2021, to reach their goal, which will allow them to expand their distribution to sustainable stores and to search for new causes.

You can also keep up with Because on social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_because_mx
Facebook http://facebook.com/because.ropaconvoz
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@_because_mx