Enactus chapter hosts its first-ever regional team summit

Fredonia recently hosted its inaugural Enactus team summit for the New York region, attracting more than 67 students from six colleges and universities to the campus recently to learn how to further develop their Enactus projects and teams with the goal to have a continuing impact on their communities.

Enactus USA selected Fredonia, among multiple schools, to host the event based on the local chapter’s experience in mentoring other teams as well as its success at competitions. The summit, one of 22 held across the country, facilitated collaboration in the region. It also magnified the impact students can make on social, economic and environmental needs in a community.

Students attending the day-long event were from Binghamton University, Canisius College, Daemen College, SUNY Oswego and Niagara University.

GEICO Regional Vice President Pionne Corbin gave a powerful and inspiring keynote speech at the day’s luncheon that focused on career success. She recognized students for attending the summit and taking the initiative to learn how to grow entrepreneurially and to have a stronger impact on others.

Nothing is out of reach for somebody -- even if he/she is from a small town -- who believes in oneself, Ms. Corbin told the students. Finding inner strengths is essential to being successful and appreciating what one loves to do, she said in concluding remarks.

The Fredonia Enactus team looked to empower visiting teams to attend competitions, while creating lasting, meaningful relationships, and made sure all attendees had a fun, worthwhile time in Fredonia. To fulfill these objectives, Enactus organized three separate workshops. Each session focused on one of three areas: project success, team sustainability and peer-to-peer consulting, explained Stephen Kasprzak, the Fredonia chapter’s vice president of Storytelling. The subjects were considered central topics to focus on in order to encourage visiting teams in a positive way toward competition.

"This event was a great opportunity for our Enactus team and all teams involved,” said Jane Garrity, Fredonia Enactus CEO. “Students walked away from this fun weekend with real relationships made and a new sense of empowerment around entrepreneurship. As a whole, our team has put a lot into this event, and we were really excited about the outcome."

Sue McNamara, Enactus chapter adviser, added, “The alumni attendance helped show Fredonia Enactus’ real roots.” She believes that the strength of the alumni presence and the workshops moved teams even further towards making an impact. Fredonia Enactus looks forward to rolling out over 12 local projects during the academic year.

Enactus is an international organization that connects students and academic and business leaders through entrepreneurial-based projects that empower people to transform opportunities into real, sustainable progress for themselves and their communities.

To discover more about Fredonia Enactus and the impact it is having on the Fredonia/Dunkirk community, or to express interest in joining Fredonia Enactus, please contact Dr. McNamara.