Lawrence Dan Driscoll

Lawrence Dan Driscoll is an entrepreneur and social innovator who has dedicated his career to empowering artisans and promoting sustainable practices in the craft industry. He is the founder of Atlas Wool Supply Co and co-founder of The Anou Cooperative.2

Background and Achievements

Dan Driscoll is an Ashoka Fellow, recognized for his innovative work in transforming the artisan sector.12 He has a background in the Peace Corps and is skilled as a full-stack developer.2 His focus lies in exploring rural productivity and environmental sustainability.23

Key Initiatives

The Anou Cooperative:

Driscoll co-founded The Anou Cooperative, which aims to create an artisan-led and owned economy in Morocco.1 Through this initiative, he has:

• Developed an online sales platform accessible to illiterate artisans
• Implemented innovations in the logistical chain
• Provided access to high-quality, non-toxic materials
• Empowered artisans to become full-fledged business owners

Atlas Wool Supply Co:

As the founder of Atlas Wool Supply Co, Driscoll has established:

• A vertically integrated, environmentally sustainable wool sourcing operation
• A dye shop that produces toxin-free materials for artisans across Morocco
• Mobile apps that allow artisans to place orders for safe, quality materials

Impact and Vision

Driscoll's work aims to reverse the decline of the artisan sector by addressing multiple aspects of the craft economy.1 He has focused on:

• Transforming artisans from physical laborers to business owners
• Empowering artisans to advocate for policy changes
• Creating digital tools to enhance artisan productivity
• Challenging laws that work against artisans' interests

Through his initiatives, Dan Driscoll is working to place artisans at the epicenter of their economy and shape the future of Moroccan crafts in the 21st century.1