‘Legendary’ UMKC Enactus team earns spot in national entrepreneurship finals
May 9, 2019 | Austin Barnes
The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Enactus team is the fourth most impactful in the country, declared Ben Williams.
“At UMKC Enactus, we take the world’s greatest challenges into our own hands, channeling our power as students, advocates, and entrepreneurs,” the team told a crowd gathered Tuesday at the Kansas City Convention Center, as they took the stage in the final round of the Enactus U.S. nationals.
University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Enactus team; Photo courtesy of Darcy Howe
“I’m excited with how well the UMKC Enactus team performed, but it is not unexpected considering the trajectory they have been on over the years,” said Williams, managing director of the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Enactus advisor at UMKC.
Students in the UMKC branch of Enactus — a competitive entrepreneurial development program with a 1,000-plus campus and global reach — have finished in the top 32 at the U.S. Nationals for the last four years, Williams explained.
Click here to learn more about Enactus and its mission to promote innovation and entrepreneurship on college campuses.
The competition featured 400 teams, solidifying the significance of the achievement for UMKC, Williams said.
“This team is legendary,” Megan Darnell, program manager at Fountain City Fintech and UMKC Bloch school alum, congratulated the team on Twitter.
In addition to the ranking, members of the UMKC Enactus team secured two individual awards.
Andrea Savage — who also won the UMKC student entrepreneur of the year award in 2018 — was named Enactus USA project leader of the year.
Ali Brandolino, UMKC Enactus vice president of operations, was recognized as Enactus USA membership leader of the year.
A Reverse Pitch Competition — a new track of competition for the team — saw two UMKC Enactus members join forces with four students from other schools to pitch a solution to a challenge presented by the Kansas City Area Development Council, Williams noted.
“These students will be the leaders of the future and we are lucky to be part of their development,” he said.
Featured Business
2019 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
How one hard-wearing menswear brand designed a new KC denim story fit for global appeal
Stepping into Guevel is a little like peeking behind the scenes into Cameron Niederhauser’s own wardrobe, the designer said — at least when it comes to the menswear store’s in-house line. “We make a couple of shirts that are inspired by old, vintage pieces in my own closet,” the Guevel owner explained. “Our denim is…
Startup: Holiday season gift card boom needn’t skip small biz; this discrete digital wallet-ready option keeps giving local
Gift cards are convenient — and the No. 1 most-requested present — Nicole Glass said, but there’s frequently just something impersonal and disconnected about them that makes many people feel bad about slipping one into a card or gift box. “It’s like, ‘I didn’t really know what you wanted. Here’s Starbucks,’” said Glass, president of…
Beadwork maker thankful for Native heritage, crafting pieces that honor her lineage (not just what will sell)
Komina Guevara’s hands are rarely still. Through intricate beadwork and crafting leather, her art tells a story deeply rooted in cultural heritage, family traditions, and personal evolution. As the creative force behind KomGue, Guevara is gaining recognition as a standout Kansas City maker — her work showcased at pop-ups and earning her the $1,500 second-place…
Where to (pop-up) shop: Your guide to KC holiday markets featuring local makers
The impact of shopping local from Kansas City makers — especially during the holiday season — can be distilled down to one simple word, said Katie Mabry van Dieren: joy. “The look on the faces of the makers when someone finds the most special gift to give their loved one — a gift that the…