Sagrado Corazón sets the pace in university entrepreneurship

What began in 2022 with only 20 proposals has now become one of the most significant university entrepreneurship initiatives in Puerto Rico.

By THE STAR STAFF

Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) in Santurce hosted the seventh edition of Showcase@Sagrado, a platform that fosters student entrepreneurship. This year, more than 120 students presented innovative projects across categories such as products, services, experiences and artistic expressions.

What began in 2022 with only 20 proposals has now become one of the most significant university entrepreneurship initiatives in Puerto Rico.

“At Sagrado, entrepreneurship means generating sustainable, creative, and responsible solutions to the needs of our environment. This vision frames entrepreneurship as an essential skill -- not only for business students but also for those pursuing studies in the arts, communication, science, health, and any discipline,” said Dr. Anuchka Ramos Ruiz, provost and vice president of academic affairs at USC. “For that reason, entrepreneurship is an integral component of the academic formation of all undergraduate students.”

During this year’s edition, participants received training in essential areas such as sales strategies, digital branding, cost and pricing structure, and access to capital. They were also supported by Neeuko, USC’s Collaborative Innovation Center, which assisted in the creation of promotional materials, exhibit design and brand projection.

The event also served as a showcase to highlight success stories that have emerged from the platform:

* Tanysha Molina (Yadliss): A student of interdisciplinary communications with a minor in fashion design. She founded Yadliss, a crochet clothing and accessories brand that celebrates female individuality and promotes self-confidence. She received the Fearless Award granted by the Minority Business Development Agency during MEDWeek and aspires to expand her brand to a retail space.

* Fabián Emil Llanos (MYTHIK): A marketing student who founded his urban fashion brand MYTHIK in 2021, inspired by designer Virgil Abloh. Thanks to Showcase@Sagrado, he was selected by Plaza Las Américas to exhibit his work and, in 2023, opened his first physical store in Cupey.

* Adriana V. Rivera (Red Mark Books): A strategic communication student who founded Red Mark Books, a digital bookstore dedicated to promoting contemporary Puerto Rican literature. She has been recognized for her literary achievements and socially impactful projects.

In its seventh edition, Showcase@Sagrado continues to serve as a driving force for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico -- opening doors for more young people to transform their passions into projects with real impact.