UTRGV Enactus triumphs at national championship

EDINBURG, Texas – Enactus is an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring future leaders to take entrepreneurial action to improve the lives of others.

Its mission is to inspire, support and educate students to use innovation to help make impacts in the community. 

UT-Rio Grande Valley Assistant Professor Maria Leonard has been faculty advisor of the UTRGV Enactus Chapter since it started in 2015.

Leonard told the Rio Grande Guardian that in “an inspiring display of innovation and social impact,” the Enactus team has been crowned the Enactus USA National Champions. 

“This prestigious victory has earned them the honor of representing the United States at the Enactus World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, in October where they will compete against 33 countries on the global stage,” Leonard said proudly. 

Each year, Leonard said, the Enactus Expo brings together students, academics, business and entrepreneurial leaders around the nation to “showcase the impacts of young entrepreneurs and innovators.” She said students present “projects that drive meaningful change through entrepreneurship.”

Now it is time to celebrate and showcase the team’s presentation, Leonard said.

“We are respectfully requesting your presence at a gathering to showcase the team’s presentation and share with our institution’s leadership, members, partners, and supporters the impact achieved,” Leonard said.

“We plan to meet on August 16 at 2:00 pm at Rio Bank, 5^th floor, room 5.562. Your support is important for us, and we want to share this proud moment with you.”

Leonard said the UTRGV Enactus team is known for its commitment to using business as a catalyst for positive change. She said the team presented impactful projects that resonated with the national judges. 

“Their initiatives to boost financial literacy within the community have been instrumental in empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions,” Leonard told the Guardian.

“Moreover, their dedicated work with young people on the autism spectrum, focusing on professional development training and creating employment opportunities, has set a benchmark for inclusivity and social responsibility.”

Leonard said the UTRGV Enactus team’s journey to the top “has been guided by its unwavering dedication to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and a deep-rooted belief in sustainability, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.”

Leonard added: “Their success at the national level is a testament to their hard work and the positive influence they have cultivated in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. 

“These victories are not just for our team but for the entire community that has supported us, and we are excited to take our projects to the world stage and showcase the potential of socially responsible business practices.”

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