Female entrepreneurs highlight authenticity, strategic analysis, and personal balance as keys to business success
SANTO DOMINGO. -Graduates of Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) discussed leadership and female entrepreneurship in the “Panel of Successful Women Entrepreneurs” organized by the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the MSME Center of the university, as part of the INTECultur and Entrepreneurship Global Week.
In her welcoming address at the event, Rosario Aróstegui, Vice-Rector of Research and Outreach at INTEC, stated, “Recognizing ourselves as entrepreneurs is what allows us to make our dreams a reality. Some dare to take the plunge, and others don't, but each of us has a mission, a purpose that we will discover along the way as we seek to make our dreams come true.”
Aróstegui explained that an entrepreneurial mindset is daring, self-confident, aware of one's capabilities and opportunities, and how to combine them. "At INTEC, our goal is for our students to awaken that entrepreneurial spirit so they can make a positive impact on their community and the country."
The panel, moderated by Estefany Marte, a Business Administration graduate, included Francina Hungría, president of the Alumni Association; Luz Yahaira Rosario, founder of Nova Mentis; and Rosanna Nin Cid, founder of GL Sila Export, who shared experiences and lessons learned on how to develop sustainable, authentic businesses aligned with current market demands.
Luz Rosario, who studied Electronic and Communications Engineering at INTEC, spoke about the importance of correctly identifying the target audience. “When I refined my communication and tailored it to those who really needed to hear me, everything changed. You can sell the same thing as everyone else, but your style is what sets you apart,” he said.
In that same vein, Rosanna Nin Cid, a graduate in Industrial Engineering, also pointed out the need to clearly identify the “buyer persona”Understanding what they need and adapting the value proposition. The businesswoman also referred to authenticity as a crucial point for developing a business idea that is aligned with the entrepreneur's values.
The panel highlighted that many people start a business with an employee mindset, accustomed to pre-established processes and standards, which can limit creativity. The participants agreed on the importance of “thinking outside the box” and allowing themselves to be authentic in order to genuinely connect with their audience.
Strategic approach to companies
At the meeting, Francina Hungría emphasized the importance of accessing corporate financing or support. To forge effective partnerships, it is essential to research the company, understand its objectives, and present proposals that generate mutual benefit, noted Hungría, who studied Civil Engineering and founded the foundation that bears her name, focused on people with visual impairments.
Balance, limits and well-being
The entrepreneurs reflected on the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout. They noted that, initially, most people say yes to everything, but over time they learn to prioritize and protect their quality of life.
“For me, success is being able to work doing what I love and come home feeling at peace. Saying no is also a form of growth,” said Luz Rosario. They also emphasized that everyone has a different formula for achieving professional satisfaction: some need to focus on a few projects, while others find energy in multiple initiatives. The key, they indicated, is recognizing one's own stage of development and acting in accordance with one's personal values.
When discussing fear in the context of starting a business, they said it's a natural emotion that paralyzes some and propels others forward. They indicated that it's one of the feelings that most often destroys businesses, as it tends to be paralyzing due to the uncertainty of failure.
“What we should fear is that fear will stop us. Everything I have ever done, I have done out of fear,” argued Luz Rosario.
Francina Hungría pointed out that a vital part that every entrepreneur should keep in mind is strategic planning and constant learning in order to have a robust resume.
Rosanna Nin Cid stated that INTEC trains students to be entrepreneurs. “INTEC prepares us to solve problems however, whenever, and wherever,” she explained.