The initiative is led by U.S. President Barack Obama and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The results were announced on August 30, 2016.
President Obama launched YLAI in 2015 with the aim of expanding opportunities for emerging and innovative entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Those selected will participate in a five-week program in the United States designed to strengthen their leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills. They will have the opportunity to network with U.S. entrepreneurs and investors, as well as with the 250 participants from various countries.
The graduates chosen to participate are:
- Natalia Díaz Kopec, graduate of the Technical Program in Tourism Management. Founder and CEO of La Casa del Hornero, a bed and breakfast and sustainable multipurpose center in Uruguay.
- Sofía Gruss, graduate of the Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design. CEO and co-founder of Capita, a company dedicated to the design and manufacture of high-quality leather boots and men’s shoes. She participated in the Más Emprendedoras Program in 2016, has by Endeavor and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This company was incubated by the university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and continues to work with the center to strengthen its development.
- Marjorie Spitalnik, graduate of the Advertising Analyst program. CEO and founder of Tedybujo, a company that transforms children’s drawings into plush toys. She was nominated in 2016 as Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Uruguay.