A team of NorthWest Arkansas Community College students was named a finalist in the opening round of team competition in the Enactus U.S. National Exposition in Cincinnati on April 1.
The NWACC team was one of only five community college teams to advance from the opening round of competition to the quarterfinals. Enactus is an international nonprofit organization that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need.
The Enactus team members include:
James Miskimen,
Dustin Slaughter,
Matt Dean,
Brad Clifford,
Sandi Reichenbach, and
Dulce Aguirre.
Casey Hammond, Becky Hudson and Matt Voss are the Enactus team advisers, who also are designated Sam M. Walton Fellows.
“I am so proud of our NWACC Enactus team,” said Dr. Christine Davis, dean of business and computer information at the College. “They represented us well at the national competition. I believe the projects that this team initiated this year will sow the seeds of future entrepreneurship in action in Northwest Arkansas and the world.”
The local team discussed ongoing and new projects that include providing business training and microloan funding for entrepreneurs in Guatemala, working with the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County to instill the entrepreneurial spirit in the organization’s teen leadership group, assisting the Christian Women’s Job Corps with promotion, social media and marketing initiatives, and beginning work with the Bella Vista Recycling Center. The recycling a project of AARP that provides more than $200,000 in community grants with the money generated through the sales of recyclables.
“The experience at Enactus Nationals 2014 has been life-changing,” said Sandi Reichenbach, a first-time participant. “I'm so proud of our team. We have amazing advisers, and our team has already started brainstorming new entrepreneurship projects and recruiting ideas for next year.”
She said the overwhelming impact Enactus has made on the world and our communities is almost unfathomable.
A Business Advisory Board, made up of business and corporate leaders from throughout the region, provides support, advising and mentoring to the students involved in Enactus. The team’s work is funded through donations, fundraising activities and an annual golf tournament. This year’s Enactus golf tournament, a four-person scramble, is scheduled for April 25 at Stonebridge Meadows in Fayetteville. More information is available online.