Ole Miss Alumnus to Share His Mission-Driven Business Story
Patrick Woodyard is the Ole Miss Women's Council's 2025 Emerging Philanthropist
OXFORD, Miss. – Social entrepreneur Patrick Woodyard built a radically different kind of fashion company, one that puts workers and the planet first, profit second. Now the founder of Nisolo, recognized as one of the world's first social impact fashion labels, is coming home to share his unconventional journey.
The University of Mississippi alumnus will speak at 4 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center as this year's recipient of the Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy's 2025 Emerging Young Philanthropist Award.
Patrick Woodyard visits a South American community where his company, Nisolo, produces leather goods for the American market. The Ole Miss alumnus is slated to speak Nov. 7 at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center. Submitted photo
"Patrick is an outrageously unique social entrepreneur who built Nisolo, a successful business that produces beautiful, high-quality leather goods in an environmentally respectful manner," said Liz Randall, a council member and former chair.
Randall noted that through focusing on the well-being of his employees, Woodyard improved the quality of life for his employees and families. He did this through providing health care, education, financial literacy and healthy working conditions far above the standard and norms for the region.
"Nisolo's employee-focused business model has been an industry leader challenging the fashion industry to treat fairly both its employees and the environment," Randall said.
The story started in Peru. While working in microfinance, Woodyard encountered shoemakers trapped in a brutal cycle: unjust wages, dangerous working conditions, little hope. It was the same story playing out across the global fashion industry. Instead of walking away, he saw an opportunity to challenge an entire sector.
In 2011, Woodyard founded Nisolo with a radical premise: What if a fashion company treated its workers as human beings instead of production units?
The answer has been striking. Nisolo has supported thousands of workers across six continents – in Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Cambodia, Kenya and the U.S. – paying 100% living wages and maintaining zero net carbon impact.
The company has generated more than $150 million in revenue through e-commerce and partnerships with powerhouse retailers including Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Madewell. Nisolo also earned Re-Make's No. 1 ranking for transparency and sustainability, Climate Neutral certification and top 10% status among Certified B-Corps.
Woodyard's path to this impact began at Ole Miss. He studied global economics, business and Spanish, graduating summa cum laude from the Croft Institute for International Studies and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College.
Patrick Woodyard (right) works with craftsmen in developing countries to produce leather goods for consumers while providing better quality of life for workers and families. Submitted photo
Even as a student, he was thinking big: He was inducted into the Ole Miss Student Hall of Fame after leading the Associated Student Body and Sigma Chi fraternity while also spearheading multiple nonprofits and student groups focused on racial justice, philanthropy, community involvement and international poverty alleviation.
Since launching Nisolo, his work has earned national and international recognition. Woodyard has been named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, received the Top 100 U.S. Impact CEO Award in 2022-24 and was honored as an Innovator Changing the South. He's also served as board chair and strategic adviser for international manufacturers in South America and East Africa.
He and his wife and three children live in Nashville.
The lecture is free, but reservations are required. To register or for more information, email omwc@olemiss.edu.
Top: The Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy is honoring alumnus Patrick Woodyard with its 2025 Emerging Young Philanthropist Award. Woodyard is the founder of Nisolo, a fashion label that strives to pay its workers living wages and invest in their communities. Submitted photo
By
Tina H. Hahn
Campus
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Published
October 30, 2025