Posted on September 8, 2024 by Rebekah Alegria
Student Speaker at GCEC Summit, Anna Almaraz, Showcases UTSA's Entrepreneurship Spirit
Anna Almaraz, a MBA had the opportunity to represent UTSA on a global stage at the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
As the first student ever to speak at this summit, Anna Almaraz shared her entrepreneurship journey with university leaders, directors and entrepreneurs from around the world.
The GCEC Summit is an annual event that brings together directors, administrators and faculty from university-based entrepreneurship centers worldwide. The summit serves as a platform for sharing best practices, networking and exploring the latest trends in entrepreneurship education and research.
Almaraz's trip was nothing short of transformative. “My experience at the summit was amazing. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not just to attend, but also to immerse myself in the rich culture of Bangkok and its vibrant entrepreneurship scene,” she recalled. As part of the trip, she connected with industry leaders from India, Bali, Bangladesh, Africa, the UK and even fellow Texans, building relationships that will continue to influence her career.
One of the key highlights was a presentation on the innovative entrepreneurship efforts happening at UTSA, particularly her work with the Najim Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Almaraz created and piloted the NextGen Entrepreneurs program, a curriculum designed to teach the basics of entrepreneurship to young students.
“The program covers financial literacy, business planning and marketing--making entrepreneurship accessible and engaging for young minds,” she explained.
Beyond the summit, Almaraz’s time in Thailand was enriched by the opportunity to experience a new culture. “Interacting with people from different backgrounds has deepened my emotional intelligence and enhanced my critical thinking. The lessons and experiences I gained from the summit and exploring Thailand are things I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” she said.
Her global connections are already proving beneficial. Almaraz is now collaborating on an academic paper with a colleague from India and has been invited to teach a master class on marketing in entrepreneurship at Rishihood University. Almaraz's success on the global stage is deeply rooted in her experiences at UTSA. As a first-generation student, she has consistently found support and opportunities that have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. “My undergraduate and graduate journeys as an Alvarez Roadrunner have been some of the most transformational experiences of my life. The education I've received at the Alvarez College of Business has been pivotal in developing my leadership skills, enabling me to become a catalyst for others in the growing field of entrepreneurship and nonprofits,” she shared.
Her entrepreneurial journey began early, with the launch of her first business, a marketing and business consultancy, at just 15 years old. Later, she started a cookie business in 2020, which became a stepping stone into her nonprofit career. “The courses I took in accounting, finance and leadership provided me with the foundational skills and knowledge to elevate my business. But it wasn’t just the classes—it was the connections I built, and the resources I tapped into at the college,” she emphasized.
As she prepares for future speaking engagements, including the upcoming GCEC conference in Boston and an inspiring women’s conference in San Antonio, Almaraz remains focused on making a positive impact on her community and beyond. Her journey is a powerful example of the importance of experiential learning. “Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business—it’s a mindset rooted in innovation and creativity. The Alvarez College of Business genuinely believes in the potential of every student and provides the tools, mentorship and opportunities needed to turn ideas into reality,” she said.
— Rebekah Alegria
