Enactus Students Help Families in Mexico Start Their Own Businesses

Students from the University of La Verne’s Enactus program, along with faculty and alumni from the College of Business and Public Management and Public Administration, traveled to Puerto Nuevo, Mexico in November to help two families in need of generating income create businesses that will support their day-to-day lives.

Students assisted one family in opening a chicken grilling stand near its home. Enactus provided equipment and supplies including, chicken, beans, rice, vegetables, a grill, a canopy, table, chairs, and drinks.

“It was a blessing to help other families and positively impact their lives,” junior Sharon Hernandez said.

Students helped the second family start a small chicken and egg farm. Enactus provided materials and labor to build the small farm.

Enactus students also helped member of both families form business plans, manage expenses, and charge accordingly for their products.

“Our mission is to use the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world,” said Issam Ghazzawi, Enactus advisor.

The trip was an opportunity for students to work as a team, meet with the families to assess their needs, and engage them in the process of becoming self-sufficient, while launching businesses.

“This enriching and relevant experiential learning opportunity instills and reinforces the university’s core value of civic and community engagement,” said alumna and University of La Verne employee Nora Navarrete-Dominguez. “As an alumna, I have the opportunity to mentor students by sharing my talents, investing in the program through donations, and sharing my time to strengthen the experience.”

Enactus is an international nonprofit organization committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives. It was introduced to the University of La Verne in 2006 and offers students an opportunity to participate in hands-on projects.

“Helping these families was a reminder of the different lifestyles that exist out of the United Sates and how we are capable of helping if we choose,” junior Matthew Lopez said.

To learn more about Enactus, visit business.laverne.edu/enactus.