Name: Alice W.
Program: January, 2007
University: University of Texas at Austin, Bachelors Degree in Finance with Business Honors
Other: StartingBloc Fellow
Motivation for participation in program (according to application):
- Utilize business background to make a meaningful impact on local Guatemalan businesses
- Gain further understanding of social Entrepreneurship as a potential long-term career option
- Improve Spanish skills
- Explore and learn about another country in regards to its culture, geography, politics and business environment
Sampling of Projects / Deliverables:
- Empresario Rural: Interviews and needs assessment surveys with rural entrepreneurs throughout the country (Click here to view this work product)
- Outreach and Representation (Collaboration) : Directory of NGOs in Guatemala database
- Marketing Strategies for Tourism : Presentation to staff along with maps and bus schedule for tourists
- Water Filtration : Comparison of technologies and organizational profiles
- Vision Entrepreneurs : Cost/ Benefit campaign analysis
Pictures from the field: (start top left then counterclockwise) Alice supporting Vision Entrepreneurs at village campaign, with homestay family, at Lake Atitlan and bringing pacients to visual clinic
Testimonial: "Through Social Entrepreneur Corps I've had the opportunity to learn about creative business initiatives that CE Solutions implements as well as the pleasure to be inspired by rural entrepreneurs. From house wives to textile factory workers, CE Solutions empowers the seemingly powerless to take leadership and elevate the Guatemalan people out of poverty and sickness." - Alice, W.
back to top>>
Name: John H.,
Program: May 2007
University: McGill University, Bachelors Degree in Commerce, International Business Concentration
Other: StartingBloc Fellow
Motivation for participation in program (according to application):
- My interests include international social investing, sustainable micro-enterprises and Bottom of the Pyramid analysis.
- To use my experience to be better equipped to attend graduate school (MBA or international relations degree) in the fall of '08.
- Would like to gain direct exposure to local economies in the developing world. In particular, with hopes to understand the agents, limitations, and opportunities of rural markets as my current views of international development are limited to my university education and I plan to change that.
- Most importantly, I believe social challenges can be overcome with the right combination of resources and innovation and would like to learn more about models that are currently being successfully implemented in the field
Sampling of Projects / Deliverables:
- Water Catchment : Investigation, comparison and construction of sample water catchment systems to be used as examples in rural Guatemalan community of "La Pista". In addition, a finalized construction guide was developed detailing results and including a cost analysis. (Click here to view this work product)
Pictures from the field: (start top left then counterclockwise) John in Spanish class, John out in the field supporting Vision Entrepreneurs on campaign, John gives fellow SE Corps interns a helping hand prepping to build and install new water catchment system
Testimonial: " Social Entrepreneur Corps approaches the sensitive nature of international development with enthusiasm and humility. The organic growth of the organization is apparent as each participant is warmly welcomed by Guatemalan families and partner NGO's. I strongly recommend the program for anyone interested in the operations side of development work."– John, H.
Back to top>>>
Name: Jessica G.,
Program: June 2007
University: University of Notre Dame, Bachelors Degree in Classics with a certificate in "Micro- Venturing"
Other: Member of Notre Dame "Micro-Venturing" program
Motivation for participation in program:
- While my professional experiences sparked my interest in business, my Micro venturing courses at Notre Dame have taught me the potential business has to serve a deeper social purpose, I would like to learn more about the specifics
- I'm fascinated by the challenge of the double bottom line: developing a business which is profitable and which also benefits the community. The Social Entrepreneur Corps seems to be a great opportunity to see micro-enterprise in action.
Sampling of Projects / Deliverables:
- Potential additional income for rural entrepreneurs: Feasibility study and best practices guide for growing and selling mushrooms (Click here to view this work product)
- New Life Cards: Development of marketing materials such as monthly newsletter, internet chat groups as well as product development (Click here to view this work product)
- Panabaj: Tourism consulting with group of disaster victims (Hurricane Stan, 2005) resulting in design and production of promotional brochure
Pictures from the field: (start top left then counter clockwise) Jessica and other SE Corps vols walking with artisans and children to do needs assessment, making friends with the local children, providing artisan group with helpful feedback on tour and products offered, group picture SE Corps interns and Panabaj Artisan Asoc
Testimonial: "Few organizations are brave enough to invite college students to shape their work; with its Social Entrepreneur Corps, Community Enterprise Solutions does just that. As a program participant I both outlined and executed projects that improved the lives of rural Guatemalans. The Social Entrepreneur Corps challenges its participants to tackle development issues on an intellectual level as well as with a hands-on approach. The reward of their work: meeting the Guatemalans whose lives they've unquestionably impacted."
"One day, a few other Social Entrepreneur Corps participants and I were taking surveys in rural Guatemala. A man welcomed us warmly into his house, even though his was the smallest and simplest on the block. We sat in a circle on the dirt floor of his home and asked him how his wood-burning stove was working; he said he loved it. To me, this experience encapsulates the spirit of the Social Entrepreneur Corps and the philosophy of its leaders. Only by going to the homes of the poorest Guatemalans and talking with them can you accurately assess their needs. Only through such raw encounters with the impoverished can you feel the true impact of your work. And only when you meet a man whose hospitality never falters in front of five strangers will you understand the enduring warmth of the Guatemalan people." – Jessica, G.
Back to top>>