ERIN ZAIKIS
FROM WASTE TO TREASURE
In 2013, Erin's perspective on hygiene changed during a visit to rural Thailand. Witnessing the profound impact of inadequate hygiene on children’s health, she was driven to make a difference. Inspired by this experience, Erin founded Sundara with a mission to address the global hygiene crisis. By repurposing used hotel soap and distributing it to communities in need, Erin aimed to provide not just cleanliness, but dignity and health.
Her commitment to empowering women and improving sanitation continues to transform lives and uplift communities around the world.
Erin Zaikis is the driving force behind Sundara’s mission, blending passion with practical solutions.
With a background in social entrepreneurship and dedication to service, Erin leads Sundara with a clear vision of dignity and health for all.
Her journey from a concerned traveler to a dedicated advocate demonstrates the power of one person’s vision to create meaningful change.
My goal is to ensure that every individual has access to the basics of hygiene and the dignity that comes with it
Central to Erin Zaikis’s vision for Sundara is the belief that empowering women drives profound, lasting change. Sundara’s initiatives place women at the heart of its programs, recognizing their pivotal role in transforming their communities.
Erin’s own journey, supported by funding and mentorship, inspired her to create RISE. Through RISE, she now offers other talented female entrepreneurs the same opportunity, helping them launch their own WASH-based social enterprises and foster meaningful change in their communities.