I was given the opportunity to interview the lovely Alexandria Tolton, a member of the University of Windsor’s Enactus team. Enactus is a community of students and, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better more sustainable world. Alex is a reflection of Enactus’ dedication and loyalty to helping others. This interview will give some insight to those of you looking to join the Enactus team, or to those who simply want to learn more about what is offered at UWindsor.
What is your major at the University of Windsor?
I’’m in my second year of Business and intend on majoring in Marketing… although I’m sure I’ll change my mind 10 times before next year!
In your own words, what is Enactus University of Windsor?
Enactus is a group of really amazing (no bias, I swear!) students who are working on our campus, in our community, and, in some cases, around the world to help people to help themselves and improve quality of life through entrepreneurial action. We currently have 7 projects: Cookstart Consulting, Windsor Soup, Tableside, WeThrive, Youthrive, CityThrive and Project Releaf. They all apply entrepreneurial solutions to problems we have identified in our community with a big focus on relieving unemployment and helping people off of social assistance. For example, Cookstart is an incorporated social enterprise business under our umbrella that offers business consulting to help shape and grow local entrepreneurs’ food related businesses. A branch of Cookstart is our Tableside project that employs immigrant women to produce soup products to provide them an income while we bring them the skills and assets they need to start in a new country. For more information on this project and more projects, visit: www.cookstart.ca, www.enactuswindsor.com, or contact me directly!
When did you become a member?
Although I joined in my first year, I didn’t become an active member until my second year where I am now the Creative Director of Marketing. I may sound like a broken record saying so, but I recommend (this) to anyone, especially first year students -, get involved!
What drove you to become a member?
I became a member because a friend of mine was working the Enactus booth at Odette Clubs Day last year. He explained the project he was working on -, Project Releaf – and I was blown away. He told me about him engineering water filters for a village in South Africa out of materials they have. The intent is for the people of the village to learn to build them themselves, have clean water and sell them to other villages for a profit. I was hooked. I wanted to be a part of and help grow all the amazing things they were doing.
What are the goals/motives for Enactus?
Windsor has one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada. In a nutshell, we’re chipping away at that statistic. Our goal is to improve quality of life through entrepreneurial action. We’re creating a better world.
How would you describe the Enactus team?
The Enactus team is a group of 50-60 or so students that are extraordinarily motivated, dedicated to their own and everyone else’s success. Coming into the group, I was immediately welcomed, encouraged, and supported. It’s hard to find that at this age where everyone’s set in their cliques and worried about the latest Facebook scandal. I’m so proud to be a part of such an amazing group of people.
What type of events are held from Enactus?
We hold dozens of events and workshops across our various projects, so I’ll just touch on my favourite! The first Sunday of every month, we host Windsor Soup at the Walkerville Brewery. Local entrepreneurs present their startup business to the audience who pays $5 entry to receive soup, salad, and ballot to vote for the winning presentation. The winner receives all of the money raised at the door and considerable donations from both our sponsor, Libro Credit Union and P & I Odette Foundation. These events are a lot of fun (and), a great networking opportunity, and you get delicious soup, provided by our very own Tableside project.
What is your current position with Enactus?
I originally joined on the Research and Development team and am now the Creative Director of Marketing.
Do you plan on upgrading or switching positions in the future?
In the coming years, if I have the opportunity to take on new positions, I’d like to. However, I love the position I have now and wouldn’t mind progressing in that role.
What positions are offered for Enactus?
Positions are offered on our project teams where you are interacting with our clients directly and on our internal teams (like me!) where you support the operations,; whether it be with HR, marketing, R&D, Tech, Finance, etc.
What qualities do you look for future Enactus members?
Anyone can join from the University of Windsor; you don’t have to be a business student! I will say that you have to be motivated and hardworking. Pulling all-nighters in our office to get things done is not uncommon. Aside from helping others, you will gain presentation confidence, real- life business experience, priceless networking opportunities, and the chance to travel! I’m leaving in 8 days to South Africa for our World Cup Competition where we’ll watch Enactus teams from all over the world present their projects!”
Are you currently looking for more members to join?
Enactus is always looking to grow as a team in order to offer the best service through our projects and to the student body. If you’re interested in joining, visit our website www.enactuswindsor.com for more information!
For further questions or general inquiry about Enactus, Alex can be reached by her e-mail, toltona@uwindsor.ca.