Entrepreneurship Program Fosters Leadership Skills

Technology evolves rapidly and innovation is essential for business survival. It is therefore essential to mentor young professionals, promote entrepreneurship and connect technology startups to a global network of experts and resources.

Some IEEE volunteers do all of the above and more through the IEEE Entrepreneurship Ambassador Program.

The program was launched in 2018 in IEEE Region 8 (Europe, Middle East and Africa) with a grant from the IEEE Foundation. Ambassadors host networking events with industry representatives to help young professional and student IEEE members realize their entrepreneurial projects and strengthen their technical, interpersonal and business skills. Ambassadors also organize pitch competitions in their geographic area.

The Ambassador Program was launched this year in Region 10 (Asia Pacific).

Last year, the program was introduced to Region 9 (Latin America) with funding from the Taenzer Memorial Fund. The results of the program’s first year were impressive: 13 ambassadors organized events in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay.

“The program is beneficial because it connects entrepreneurs with industry professionals, promotes mentoring, helps young professionals acquire leadership skills, and creates startup sponsorship opportunities,” says Susana Lau, vice president of IEEE Entrepreneurship in Latin America. “The program has also proven effective in attracting IEEE volunteers to serve as ambassadors and helping support entrepreneurship and startups.”

Lau, an IEEE senior member, is a past president of the IEEE Panama Section and an active IEEE Women in Engineering volunteer.

People who have participated in the Region 9 program say the experience changed their lives, both personally and professionally.

Pedro José Pineda, whose work was recognized with one of the two Top Ambassador awards in the region, says he has succeeded “in expanding international collaborations and strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Latin America.

“It’s more than a reward,” says the IEEE member. “This is an opportunity to create global impact from local action.”

“This remarkable experience opened new doors for my future career within IEEE, both nationally and internationally.”—Vitor Paiva

The region’s other Top Ambassador recipient was Vitor Paiva from Natal, Brazil. He had the opportunity to attend this year’s IEEE Rising Stars in Las Vegas, his first international experience outside of Brazil.

After participating in the program, the IEEE student member volunteered with his regional marketing committee.

“I was proud to showcase Brazil’s IEEE community while connecting with some of IEEE’s most influential leaders,” said Paiva, a student at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. “This remarkable experience opened new doors for my future career within IEEE, both nationally and internationally.”

Expand the initiative

The IEEE Foundation says it will invest in regional programs by funding grants presented to winners of regional pitch competitions, similar to the Region 9 funding. The goal is to hold a global competition, Lau says.

The ongoing expansion is a testament to the program’s efforts, says Christopher G. Wright, senior director of programs and governance at the IEEE Foundation.

“I have had the pleasure of working on grants for the IEEE Entrepreneurship Ambassador Program team over the years,” says Wright, “and I am continually impressed by the dedication of the team and the evolution of the program.”

To learn more about the program in your region or to apply to become an ambassador, visit the IEEE Entrepreneurship website and search for your region.