Members of Enactus gather at the Bloch Executive Hall’s room 331 every Tuesday to discuss ongoing and collaborative projects that positively impact their community.
Enactus is a global non-profit organization that aims to equip students with the necessary skills for entrepreneurship and promoting change. Participating students create projects that address specific needs within their communities and work to make a change.
Director of Membership Ekram Ali joined her freshman year because she was interested in expanding her knowledge outside her biology major and liked that Enactus gave her the interpersonal skills not taught in her labs.
“I’ve met a lot of new people and made a lot of new friends,” said junior entrepreneurship major Wen Clough. “I even got two jobs from this organization, so I’ve been super busy.”
The students agreed that Enactus has had a significant impact on their skill sets and networking. They also recommend other UMKC students who want to develop and further their business and communication experience to join.
Sophomore Shelyse Fields, the director of projects and competitions, said she has learned communication and management skills and how to work with a team through her involvement in Enactus.
Fields emphasized she wants to make a change in the community by helping the unhoused. Her current project is Giving Backpacks, where her team is helping to make the lives of people without homes easier through donated items.
Students can contribute to many projects and initiatives in the organization through already-existing ideas or by starting their own. Most of the projects also work towards competing at the annual Enactus U.S. National Exposition by increasing their impact and engagement levels.
Job Journey, an Enactus initiative started by graduate student David Rettig, helps to prepare students for job interviews and future careers. His program will launch on March 19 with many UMKC Career Services professionals involved.
Enactus holds team meetings every week at 5:30 p.m. at the Bloch Executive Hall, room 331. Students who are interested in the group are welcome to attend and listen to the event for more information.
