ODU's Enactus team members from Left to Right: Chris Saunders, Matt Bennett, Aaron Washington, Koby Lomax, Josh St. John, Ajuanae Nelson, Danielle Freeman, Kayla Hamilton, Connie Merriman (Sam Walton Fellow) and Akeyla Barbour Reid (Sam Walton Fellow)
By Noell Saunders
Old Dominion University's Enactus team impressed judges for the sixth consecutive year with its presentation at the Enactus United States Exposition in Kansas City, Mo., placing second in its bracket at the national competition.
The 20-member team works to solve social issues around world while demonstrating entrepreneurial abilities. This year, the Monarchs presented five ventures. Included were the University's student-run retail store, The Monarch Way, which promotes and mentors student entrepreneurs, and the Eschale project, which is Enactus' first international project. The ODU team assisted an organization in Ethiopia that helps girls under age 15 make feminine products out of reusable materials.
Social entrepreneurship is one of the thrusts of the initiative aimed at spurring business startups at Old Dominion. The concept was given a significant boost with a gift of $11 million from the Strome Family Foundation in 2014, which was pivotal in the creation of the Strome Entrepreneurial Center.
"I've been so fortunate to attract great students and I'm so proud of how far ODU's Enactus team has come," said Connie Merriman, associate dean of undergraduate programs for the University's Strome College of Business. She is also co-adviser of the Enactus club with Akeyla Barbour-Reid, transfer success coordinator.
Enactus president Aaron Washington, who earned his bachelor's degree on May 10, said being part of the organization has been rewarding.
"I've enjoyed learning about globalization and helping to solve some key issues in our world," Washington said. "It's truly been an eye-opener."
Enactus is open to undergraduate and graduate students. The organization utilizes business practices and student leaders to improve local and global communities in a sustainable and positive way. Learn more about ODU's Enactus chapter here.
