Jesse Carrillo

Enactus is an international nonprofit that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. Under Carrillo’s leadership, UNG’s Enactus team earned third place in the Unilever Bright Futures Project Accelerator competition at the spring 2020 national Enactus conference, which was held virtually.

“I can recognize my team members’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as what motivates them and helps them improve,” Carrillo said. “I love creating an encouraging and motivating environment for my team.”

The Gainesville, Georgia, resident said his time at UNG was full of lessons, one of which was perseverance.

“When obstacles interfere with your studies, you have to roll with the punches and not let anything stop you,” Carrillo said.

He said UNG faculty members empowered him to grow by answering his questions and encouraging class debates and discussions. He hopes to parlay the skills he gained into a role as a financial adviser or financial analyst in the Atlanta area. Carrillo believes he could help fill a critical gap.

“The Latino community needs more Hispanic financial advisers to help them,” he said.

His first team project with Enactus involved helping craft a social media presence for Flip Your Dog Yoga in Gainesville. Carrillo and his teammates helped the owner set up Instagram and Facebook pages.

“She was pleased with it,” Carrillo said. “Seeing that energy come from her and seeing that we helped with her business, it meant a lot.”

Katie Simmons, associate dean of students and undergraduate programs in UNG’s Mike Cottrell College of Business, said Carrillo was a valuable Enactus team leader. He received the Diamond Award from Enactus for more than 1,000 service leadership hours throughout his college career and the Platinum Award for more than 500 service leadership hours in a year.

In spring 2018, Carrillo earned a Goizueta Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship supports the academic success and leadership development of Hispanic and Latino students at UNG through financial assistance, group activities, mentorship, personalized advising, and community service opportunities. Carrillo said it was the first scholarship he ever won. As a service project with Goizueta, he worked with teammates to renovate benches at Misión Catolica San Juan Pablo Il in Gainesville.

He also helped with the salsa garden exhibit at the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) children’s museum in Gainesville. Carrillo participated annually in a live demonstration that gives kids an egg carton, soil, seeds for jalapenos, tomatoes, and onions to encourage healthy eating habits.

A major part of Carrillo’s Enactus experience was the chance to present as part of a team at national Enactus conferences. The presentation team marked his first experience in public speaking and challenged him to get out of his comfort zone.