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Enactus UWA was named runner up in the Enactus National Championships, recognising the team's achievements in managing a diverse portfolio of projects, all of which use the power of business to improve the quality of life for people in need.

The Championships, held in Sydney from 3-5 July, required Enactus teams from around the country to present their annual reports and presentations to a team of judges drawn from the Australian business community.

The Enactus National Championships also provide an opportunity for students to practice communicating complex ideas in a clear, concise and engaging manner; collaborate with other students around Australia; and create valuable networks with Enactus Australia's corporate partners.

This year, students representing Enactus UWA included Tanisha Banaszczyk, Amy Lee, Lauren McNamara, Kate Sexton and Lauren Ziegelaar.

Enactus UWA member Kate Sexton, a first-year Bachelor of Commerce student, was excited to represent the team and said participating in Enactus had taught her to view the business world differently.

"Enactus UWA has given me a chance to use theoretical skills that I have learned in a real life setting. It has given me opportunities to work in and run a real business, dealing with all types of people, really helping me to understand how to relate to people in all types of situations," said Kate.

"It has opened my eyes to aspects of the real world that I can really help to change, which is something I've grown to become passionate about."

The judges were impressed by all six of Enactus UWA's projects, with the newest-the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Project-proving a worthwhile addition to the set.

Enactus UWA's current projects also include projectTHINK, which introduces a truly environmentally shopping bag into Australia; reSHOE, which recycles shoes to assist disadvantaged Ghanaians; The Fair Trade Project, which aims to raise awareness of and demand for Fair Trade products; Mama Shujaa, which empowers a group of Kenyan women through microfinance and small business; and Finance for Life, which is equipping students and taxi drivers with financial literacy skills.

Currently in the conceptual stage, the newly created Indigenous Entrepreneurship Project was sparked by the realisation that while Australia is ranked second in the world in the United Nations Human Development Index, Indigenous Australians are ranked 122nd.

One group of Enactus UWA students in last year's Project Management unit, run by Dr Brett Smith, chose to hold a movie night in conjunction with the ICEA (Indigenous Communities Education & Awareness) Foundation. The students were mentored by UWA MBA graduate and professional portfolio manager Galen Townson.

Featuring a selection of short Indigenous films, barbeque, raffle and Wesley College Moorditj Mob dancers, the movie night aimed to empower young Australians to generate mutual respect and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

In the future, Enactus UWA hopes to develop mentoring networks with Indigenous business leaders and contribute to improving the quality of life and standard of living for Indigenous people.

The Enactus UWA team is guided by Faculty Advisor Dr Brett Smith and the Enactus Regional Coordinator Dr Donella Caspersz, both from the UWA Business School.

Enactus UWA membership is open to all UWA students. For further information, contact Enactus UWA Co-president Shannon Ziegelaar .

Media references

Karen Della Torre (UWA Business School)    (+61 8) 6488 8538
Verity Chia (UWA Business School)    (+61 8) 6488 1346