By: Adam Garrison, Michelle Jeanniton-Garrett and Hannah Ross
Three Appalachian State University students attended the 2019 Enactus World Cup in San Jose, California September 16-18. The students—sophomore international business major Adam Garrison, sophomore management major Hannah Ross, and MBA student Michelle Jeanniton-Garrett—are members of Appalachian’s chapter of Enactus. They were accompanied by Roxanne Saltman, an administrator in the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship who helps advise the chapter.
The Enactus World Cup showcases the entrepreneurial action students have taken through shared innovation that transforms lives and creates a better future. The three-day event focuses on the positive power of business, entrepreneurial action and social innovation to address the most important issues affecting the world. Attendees also celebrate the diversity of culture, an abundance of ideas and the synergy of cross-generational leadership in action.
“It was the embodiment of innovation, tenacity and international collaboration that is Enactus,” said Ross. “The energy, connections and opportunity were incomparable.”
Ross and Jeanniton-Garrett served as student speakers on the Top to Future Top panel discussion, an event sponsored by Robert Half that mediated dialogue between world business leaders and Enactus students about the World Economic Forum 2022 Skills Outlook.
Both students said the experience fostered an unparalleled opportunity to discuss the future with professionals in attendance.
“The opportunity to share ideas around sustainability and how I, as a student, can contribute was inspiring,” said Jeanniton-Garrett.
The students said what they learned at the conference will make an immediate impact back in Boone. The projects presented in the competition were fueled by student passion to change one life at a time, a characteristic Enactus Appalachian’s students aim for when planning projects on campus.
“I was amazed to see the amount of dedication and impact Enactus had around the world,” said Garrison. “From improving farming techniques in Zambia, to making custom clothing for the disabled in Germany, the projects were energizing!”
Enactus is a global nonprofit organization that provides a platform for teams of outstanding university students to create community development projects that put people's own ingenuity and talents at the center of improving their livelihoods. Guided by educators and supported by business leaders, Enactus students take the kind of entrepreneurial approach that empowers people to be a part of their own success. It is the mission of Enactus to improve the world through entrepreneurial action, and the work Enactus students perform not only transforms the lives of the people served, but, in turn, also transforms the lives of the participating students as they develop into more effective, values-driven leaders.
“We are excited to continue our work with the community to take entrepreneurial action to improve the lives of others and shape a more sustainable world,” said Ross. “We are grateful for the support we received from the Walker College of Business, Dean Heather Norris, Dr. Martin Meznar, and Dr. Nana Vezi-Magigaba for helping us attend the World Cup.”
Join Enactus
Entering its third semester on campus, Enactus Appalachian is looking for student leaders to help ensure the organization grows, thrives and ultimately makes positive impact at Appalachian. If becoming part of a team that taps into the compassion, drive and creativity of students to address the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in local communities sounds exciting to you, you may be a good fit. Enactus Appalachian meetings weekly, Mondays at 5 PM, in the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship on the second floor of Peacock Hall. If you would like additional information, please email the executive team at enactus@appstate.edu and follow us on Instagram @enactusappalachian.
About the Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact our community, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling approximately 3,000 undergraduates in 10 majors and 175 graduate students in three master's programs, the Walker College is accredited by AACSB International – the premier global accrediting body for schools of business. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.
From left, sophomore international business major Adam Garrison, sophomore management major Hannah Ross, and MBA student Michelle Jeanniton-Garrett attended the 2019 Enactus World Cup in San Jose, CA.
Enactus World Cup