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The encounter led to questions that inspired Woodyard to envision Nisolo, a shoe and leather accessories brand with a holistic commitment to connect underserved, high-skilled producers to consumers worldwide while affecting the planet in a positive way.

"Nisolo loosely translated means 'not alone' in Spanish, and I gave the brand that name to remind everyone who interacts with it that we're not alone and our choices as consumers have a massive impact on people and this planet we call home," Woodyard said.

The presented Woodyard with its 2025 Emerging Young Philanthropist Award on Friday (Nov. 7) evening at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center.

Pursuing 100% living wages and 0% net carbon impact, Nisolo soared to significant heights – supporting thousands of workers across Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Cambodia, Kenya and the U.S.; exceeding $150 million in revenue through e-commerce sales; and partnering with world-class retailers such as Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Madewell.

Since launching Nisolo, Woodyard's work has earned national and international recognition. He has been named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree, received the Top 100 U.S. Impact CEO Award three years running (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.

The Nashville resident said he was surprised and grateful to receive the Women's Council honor. He said you can sometimes be so close to the work and mission you believe in that you cannot see the full picture as it develops.

"I am filled with gratitude for every team member and supporter who has pushed our vision forward, and it's a profound privilege to receive this on behalf of our community," Woodyard said.

One of the founding principles of the OMWC is to nurture philanthropic behavior. The council focuses on the primary pillars of scholarship, leadership, mentorship and philanthropy. It is recognized as one of the nation's most innovative and generous scholarship programs.

Liz Randall, of Oxford, an OMWC member and former chair, credited Woodyard for illustrating the intersection of successful commerce and significant employee investment. This and other reasons led to his selection for the Emerging Young Philanthropist Award.

"We find great value in recognizing young philanthropists because it allows for all demographics to easily relate to a philanthropic person in their younger years," Randall said. "Our hope is to encourage philanthropy for everyone, truly everyone – of all ages and all socioeconomic and educational levels."

in the nation, despite having larger economic challenges than other states.

"I see this dichotomy as one of our greatest strengths and attributes as a state," Randall said.

Since being launched in 2000, the Women's Council has built an endowment worth nearly $20 million. Forty-one scholars benefit from the $40,000 scholarships, which provide $10,000 per year for four years.

More than 200 students have received these scholarships. The scholarships provide a full-time scholar support staff, career and life mentoring, leadership development and opportunities to travel, study abroad and attend cultural events. The council seeks to develop caring, ethical leaders.

"Tender hearts with care for those around them can be spotted at a young age," Woodyard said. "How the OMWC identifies and cultivates young leaders – equipping them with the financial, intellectual and emotional resources to press on – is truly remarkable.

"I look forward to following the stories of OMWC scholars as they continue to make the world a better place."

Woodyard advised Ole Miss students to consciously incorporate social responsibility in their lives and careers. He said pursuing a path like his will be more rewarding than one might think, but also harder than imagined.

"You know deep down if you're called to this work, and this leaves you with three options," he said. "One, walk away knowing you're not living into who you were made to be; two, press on, leaning on your own grit and run the very likely risk of eventual burnout; or three, commit and consistently surround yourself with deep friendships and mentors who will be in your corner, giving you the strength to carry on."

Woodyard was an Ole Miss Student Hall of Fame inductee and Croft Institute for International Studies student. He credits his time at the with everything to do with his work at Nisolo.

"Of the incredible skill sets and knowledge I gained at this university, I'm most grateful for the way the Croft Institute and Honors College taught me that I am not alone on this planet," Woodyard said. "This lesson transformed the trajectory of my life and as a result, changed the lives of many others, too. It all started right here at Ole Miss."

He believes what matters most is understanding that you have been blessed with gifts that are to be used for more than just self-interests. Living with purpose beyond ourselves is not only what matters most, but it's also what makes one happiest in life, he said.

Nisolo was sold earlier this year to Project Bound Inc., and Woodyard served for a time as a consultant to the company. He plans to continue advising organizations and seeking out others to support, but he is resisting the urge to immediately jump into new ventures.

He said he rarely pauses long enough to reflect on lessons already learned.

"My hope for this next season is to focus a lot more on listening and learning than talking and doing," he said. "I've seen time and again how patience leads to wisdom, and as hard as it is for me to slow down, I'm trying to lean into this truth until it becomes very clear what I'm called into next."

For more information on supporting the Ole Miss Women's Council scholarships and programs, or contact Suzanne Helveston, program director, at shelveston@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2956.

Top: Roane Rayner Grantham (left), chair of the Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy, presents the 2025 Emerging Young Philanthropist Award to Patrick Woodyard, a 2010 UM graduate and founder of Nisolo, a socially conscious leather goods brand, Friday evening (Nov. 7) at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center in Oxford. Photo by Mary Knight/UM Development