For too long, debates over international trade have been dominated by corporate elites and economic ideologues, rather than rooted in the experiences of ordinary Americans. 

The Trade Stories Project allows people who have been affected by policies and institutions like NAFTA and the WTO to share their views on a matter crucial to the global economy. 

This includes displaced workers, farmers, small business owners and immigrants who have been typically excluded from the trade debate.

Wanda Boehmke

Winona, MN

Wanda worked making automative parts at TRW in Minnesota until her assembly line moved to Mexico in the fall.  She had worked at the plant off-and-on since the early 1980s, when under previous ownership, it made parts for Whirlpool refrigerators and Hoover vacuum cleaners.  

Hear part of Wanda's story...

“At first I was happy because I had some time off with my husband and my kids. But now it’s been since October 24^th and money is really short. Unemployment does not reach the bills I have coming in.  I no longer have health or dental insurance. The kids need money for school, for their activities. I have the doctors, the dentist. It’s hard…

“It’s been stressful at home. We fight over money. My husband farms and farm prices aren’t any better. It’s a lot of stress…

“I think our work should stay in the states. It’s hard when you got kids. Their life still goes on, they still have activities. And it doesn’t affect just one person; it’s a domino effect—a whole chain of people it affects.”