The Southwestern College Enactus team has been crowned regional champions, as they competed in Atlanta, Ga., regional competition March 30-April 2.  They have earned the opportunity to compete at the 2016 Enactus United States National Exposition in St. Louis May 15-18.

“This is the second year the SC Enactus team has been in existence and to move on to the National Expo is a big deal.  We couldn't do it without our very dedicated team of students and advisors,” says Patrick Lee, Southwestern College Enactus team advisor.

Lee adds that the Enactus regional and national events aren't just about competition, but they also are about network and career development with students interacting with Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, CVS, Avis Budget Group, and many more. Students have a chance to network with representatives from companies and earn internships or jobs at these events.

“Raul Martinez made a networking contact with Dexter Mack, a representative from Mondelez International (they make Oreos and other snacks).  Mr. Mack is going to try to get Raul an internship this summer in Houston,” Lee says.  “Another student randomly sat next to someone at lunch who happened to be from a company that the student had applied to on the West Coast.  They exchanged information and although this student has several other career opportunities, this contact expands his network greatly.”

Team members include: Alison Orbaun, Arbuckle, Calif.; Chase Carr, Bixby, Okla.; Uly Cisneros, Rowlett, Texas; Jennifer Myers, Woodward, Okla.; Elizabeth Jewett, Wichita; Jeffrey Shannon, Arkansas City; Julia Taylor, Murrieta, Calif.; Julianna Smarsh, Colwich; Chelsea Broyles, Glencoe, Okla.; Michelle VanGieson, Norwich; Tyler Crandall and Aniefiok Ukim, Winfield; Christian Gordon, Yukon, Okla.; Nolan Smith, Mulvane; Jacqueline Erlanson, Leander, Texas; and Monica Gamez and Gabby Gamez, Houston, Texas.  Kristen Pettey, assistant professor of business, and James McEwen, internship coordinator, also serve as advisors for the team.

The team will be looking to advance through nationals to be the United States representative at the Enactus World Cup in Toronto.