Southern Adventist University Enactus Team Brings Global Spotlight to Social Entrepreneurship
News
The Enactus chapter at Southern Adventist University represented the United States on a global stage alongside the University of Texas (UT) at Austin at the 2023 Enactus World Cup. Leaders of the student organization traveled to the intercultural event in Utrecht, Netherlands, in late October to collaborate and showcase projects with other top teams.
The Southern and UT at Austin chapters presented two Enactus U.S. projects, including Southern’s premier project, Akuna Soap Industry. The soap business, based in Zambia, enables local women to support themselves and their families by selling high-quality, affordable soap. The team exhibited how the enterprise has not only helped secure employment for females but also invested $250,000 in the regional economy by sourcing ingredients locally.
“Our team has been filled with inspiration and hope for the future following this event. We grew an even greater passion for our mission of social entrepreneurship and service to God,” said Kate Savino, junior accounting major and Southern’s chapter president. “I am extremely grateful for Southern’s support of Enactus and our journey to the World Cup. It is through opportunities like this one that I have learned the importance of using my unique skills to serve Christ and His children.”
Enactus is a non-profit movement spanning 33 countries dedicated to developing the
planet’s next generation of business leaders. The institution empowers students to
use innovative entrepreneurship to aid communities in need through sustainable social
and environmental projects.
Southern’s chapter placed third in the country at the Enactus U.S. National Exposition
last spring, ranking in the elite 1% of more than 300 teams. The first-place U.S.
university did not attend the World Cup, paving the way for students from Southern
and UT at Austin, who placed second at the exposition, to attend.
“What an enriching opportunity! Our students networked with people from around the world and worked closely with a superlative U.S. business school to share the presentation stage with No. 1 Enactus teams from all participating countries,” said Michelle Doucoumes, associate professor in Southern’s School of Business and Enactus faculty sponsor. “The judges commended their work. I believe the students represented our university amazingly.”
The views and opinions of campus guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Southern Adventist University. An individual's or group's invitation to speak or present on campus should not be regarded as a university endorsement of their philosophies and beliefs.
