Imagine the Impact on the Global Economy
Imagine the Impact on the Global Economy
Saint Mary’s students are dynamic women determined to change the world. Saint Mary’s provides the academic foundation and spiritual focus they need to build a better tomorrow.You can give them the scholarships and financial aid that sets it all in motion, just like you did for Clare Heintz ’09…
I t was the best decision she ever made. That’s how Clare Heintz describes her decision to attend Saint Mary’s. “This college opened my eyes to the global possibilities to make lives better for people.”
As a senior, Clare has many stories about how Saint Mary’s impacted her life, but she is most proud of her work with the Student International Business Council (SIBC) at Notre Dame. She joined the group as a first year student. Today, she leads the Agribusiness Development Group (ADG), a project of the SIBC.
The group’s mission is simple: use innovative business solutions to improve the lives of remote and impoverished communities around the world. The solutions themselves are more complicated.
“We developed a viable business model to enter the fruit drying and exporting business in Ghana. Our goal is to bring sustainable growth to rural communities in Ghana through commerce,” says Clare about the group determined to enter the dried fruit markets in western Africa, North America, and Europe.
Production is expected to begin in late 2009 after four years of planning. “I helped write the business plan, spearheaded the website, presented the plan to ND alumni to get feedback on the project, and even attended trade shows to look at fruit drying equipment.” This year, her team is designing the product packaging and creating a plan to reinvest profits in the local community.
“This project is the best way to end my Saint Mary’s experience. It allows me to use the things I learn in class to help the people in Ghana.”
Clare balanced her ADG commitment with activities at Saint Mary’s. Through her involvement with Young Executives Club and Toastmasters, she gained experience designing business operations plans, strategizing marketing schemes, honed her presentation skills, and learned the art of follow through.
A member of the junior class board, Clare chaired the Junior Mom’s Weekend Committee. She was responsible for planning the entire weekend including: finding the site, arranging lodging, and planning all the events. “The hardest part was staying in budget! But I had an amazing team who did outstanding work. The experience really taught me to trust other people and their work.”
Every class and extracurricular helped prepare her for what lies ahead. Clare majored in International Business because she wants to have a part in developing the rest of the world and eliminating extreme poverty in third world countries. Clare wants to gain a few years of professional experience before attending law school for corporate or adoption law. Wherever she ends up, she knows service will be a part of her life.
