by Cheryl Smithem

For the sixth year, the College of Charleston Enactus team, previously called SIFE, has triumphed in regional competition. The team now advances to the 2013 national competition in Kansas City, Mo. from May 21-23, 2013.

Enactus is an international organization whose mission is to use entrepreneurial actions to improve the world. Student led teams undertake projects with the advice and counsel of academic and business leaders. Besides undertaking their projects, Enactus teams present their projects for evaluation in regional competitions.

Team member Kesha Rainey an international business major at the College, reflected on her team participation, “Our road to success was not an easy one because at times we did face challenges and yet we did not let that steer us away from the ultimate goal. It always seemed as if no matter how many small glitches we encountered, we could always see the light at the end of the tunnel and that motivated us to continue pushing forward.”

The College of Charleston’s entrepreneurial project was Kick It Forward, a multidimensional project directed towards assisting those in Cameroon, Africa. Students collected and sent more than 1,500 packages of school supplies for children in Cameroon communities and educate them about the importance of hygiene.

Rainey says, “While in Africa, we were also able to extend our efforts and empower women by providing micro loans and mentorships to ensure their success as entrepreneurs. We even took it one step further and hosted two business plan competitions for students at local universities.”

While in Charlotte for the regional competition, the team also received the Club 44 recognition for having 44 or more active members and the 4.0 Club award for best in practice team, an award given to less than 40 percent of the teams in attendance.

According to the Enactus website, “Enactus is an international non-profit 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. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student leaders of Enactus create and implement community empowerment projects around the globe. The experience not only transforms lives, it helps students develop the kind of talent and perspective that are essential to leadership in an ever-more complicated and challenging world.”

As Rainey continues her professional path in the coming years, she will carry with her the lessons that she and the College Enactus team learned together: teamwork and perseverance yield success – in both personal and professional realms.