The Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) is an international nongovernmental organization dedicated to empowering, celebrating, and supporting women in business around the world.
It has been in existence for a decade and aims to empower women to become active participants in the economy by establishing a network of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to launch new businesses, drive economic growth, and support communities around the world. It is celebrated at the United Nations, in 144 countries, and at 65 international universities and colleges.
“In 2022, a new year full of transformations and reflections that are so unique (post-pandemic) to the world of entrepreneurship, we at Universidad ORT Uruguay our School of Communication and Design are honored to invite, for the fourth time, this group of Uruguayan women whom we believe have a relevant voice and perspective to share regarding entrepreneurship, but also on three key themes: creativity, innovation, and—in the year of the World Cup—health and sports,” said Mag. Sabrina Bianchi, academic secretary of the School of Graduate Studies and professional development, who moderated WED Uy 22.
Next, Eduardo Hipogrosso, Dean of the School of Communication and Design at Universidad ORT Uruguay in Universidad ORT Uruguay, said in his welcoming remarks:
I welcome the fact that events like this raise awareness—across all sectors—among those who provide capital to entrepreneurs and those of us in the field of education, so that we can work to empower women and, above all, help build leadership, one of the core elements that make entrepreneurship and management roles so important.
This was followed by a video presentation by Wendy Diamond, founder of Women's Entrepreneurship Day, who highlighted the work of Dr. Cristina Bertolotto, WEDO's ambassador in Uruguay.
Bertolotto, for his part, expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of holding events of this kind, of the audience, and of having the support of an institution such as the Universidad ORT Uruguay. In this regard, he noted:
(...) I’ve watched this group grow, and it moves me more and more; I feel more Uruguayan than ever. I know that Uruguayan women are incredibly strong (...) and, in addition to being entrepreneurs, they strive for equality and promote gender equality wherever they go. I’m proud that people look to us as an example.
Bertolotto also expressed his gratitude and highlighted the contributions of Mag. Sabrina Bianchi, who has taken on a new role as WEDO’s ambassador for Latin America. In this regard, Bianchi noted:
It is a source of pride and a tremendous honor that has opened doors for me to meet so many incredible women around the world and to understand that, while some issues are cross-cutting and universal, others are specific to our regions—not all of us face exactly the same challenges. Within South America, as we begin to find these leaders—who can serve as inspiration given the lack of role models we have regarding gender issues in entrepreneurship and the business world—it is incredibly interesting to see women who quickly empower themselves, begin to speak out, and inspire others. That is the path we are on, building those networks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Te1dgYTSoA
Creativity and Innovation
Finally, the event featured the participation of Industrial Engineer Sylvia Chebi, co-founder and Executive Director of ThalesLab, a company builder and technology incubator; president of the Uruguayan Private Equity Association (URUCAP); Endeavor mentor; and member of the Board of Directors of WeInvest; Architect Gabriela Pallares, an architect from the University of the Republic and a communications professional, director of the architecture, innovation, and trends news portal Ministerio de Diseño, and creator of the #traveltech Design Cities platform; and Silvina Cortés, who holds a degree in Design, Art, and Technology from Universidad ORT Uruguay a Junior Developer at Urudata Software, as speakers on the first panel, which focused on creativity and innovation.
In addition, this panel was moderated by Mag. Déborah Szwedzki, who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of the Republic (Uruguay) and a certificate in Sustainable Biobusiness from the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina), is an expert in business networks, innovation, and knowledge transfer. She works on the design and management of projects related to the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly those with a scientific and technological foundation.
Sports, Health, and Gender
In addition, the session was moderated by Dr. Cristina Bertolotto, who has postdoctoral has in neuroscience from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California (United States), a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the Republic (Uruguay), and is a neuroscientist specializing in regenerative medicine, neurodevelopment, neuroaging, and neurodegenerative diseases; the second panel focused on sports, health, and gender.
Nutritionist Karina Sanabria, a clinical and sports nutritionist from the University of the Republic who has certifications (including in sports nutrition from the Barça Innovation Hub Universitas, functional physiology and biomechanics, applied neuroscience in sports, and regenerative medicine); and athlete Belén Aquino, a professional soccer player for Club Atlético Peñarol and captain of the Uruguayan national soccer team.
Sustainability and Social Development
Finally, the third panel, which focused on sustainability and social development, was moderated by Sabrina Bianchi. Participants included Ximena Scasso, M.A., who holds a Master’s degree in Innovation and Customer Experience and a Master’s degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Barcelona (Spain), as well as a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Universidad ORT Uruguay; and Amalia Quirici, M.A., who holds a Master of Business Administration from IEEM Business School, a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of the Enterprise, and a degree in Corporate Communication and Public Relations from ORT University in Uruguay. Amalia Quirici, who holds an MBA from IEEM Business School, a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Universidad de la Empresa, a degree in Corporate Communication and Public Relations from Universidad ORT Uruguay serves as General Manager of the National Development Agency (ANDE) in Uruguay; and Macarena Zas, Director of 1000 Razones, who studied Management and Administration at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
