How did VentureWell contribute to your leadership development and your professional trajectory?
VentureWell’s faculty grant strengthened my leadership in entrepreneurship education by expanding the New Venture Design Experience at my university, the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, and funding student prototypes. Dr. José E. Lugo and I recruited students across disciplines, impacted more minds, and created a unique space where theory and practice merged. Attending VentureWell’s OPEN conference also allowed me to connect with peers nationwide, leading to collaborations on presentations and workshops with universities I would not have otherwise reached.
What’s the biggest change or milestone your institution or venture has experienced since participating in VentureWell programming?
The biggest change at my university has been the surge of faculty and student involvement in entrepreneurship across diverse fields. Beyond business administration and engineering, we saw participants from food sciences, humanities, agriculture, biology, aerospace, and political science embrace entrepreneurial thinking. This shift led many to integrate entrepreneurship into their courses, research, and projects, while also engaging with the Business and Economic Development Center and other related programs.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your journey?
The biggest advice I would give myself is to not be shy; engage fully, attend every workshop, network widely, ask questions, and take advantage of every opportunity. The VentureWell program is open, supportive, and rich in possibilities, and I’m grateful I pushed past fear and immersed myself in it as much as I could.
Read more about Mari Luz’s innovation journey.