Naturally, as a Raleigh native and family-oriented person, NC State was at the top of Juliana Romero-Cortes’ mind. While trying to figure out what her future might entail after high school, Juliana took on a rigorous course load at a community college and extracurricular activities to find her why.

The College Community Collaborative (C3) sold her on the never-ending possibilities at NC State for a young professional. Now, she is graduating with a degree in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship and a minor in international studies.

Pursuit of exploration

Throughout her time at NC State, Juliana learned the “process of everyday pursuit.” Being involved across campus, she experienced highs and lows, creating industry connections, leadership growth, public speaking and personal growth. 

At Poole College of Management, Juliana was the vice president of digital marketing for the Sales Club, where she increased promotional content and brand awareness. As vice president of professional development for the American Marketing Association (AMA), she coordinated events that brought together and assisted more than 300 students. Juliana was also a member of Women in Business (WIB) and the Real Estate Club. 

Outside of Poole College, Juliana found herself in Wilson College of Textiles, attending fashion shows and networking events. She participated in collaborative brainstorming sessions with administrators for partnership impact opportunities at SKEMA. Juliana was active with many NC State Wellness and Recreation activities. 

She also continued her involvement with C3 through program events. From volunteering at food banks in Durham to a Mountains to Coast exploratory trip designed to share knowledge of the vast environmental and cognitive depth that North Carolina offers, along with psychological scenarios that help participants dig deeper into their true selves. 

Finding the entrepreneurship pack

As a business administration student with a concentration in entrepreneurship, Juliana found herself at the Albright Entrepreneurship Garage frequently for classes. She found the space to be one that fostered creativity and critical thinking capabilities. After spending hours in class at the Garage, she wanted to find a way to be more involved and grow as an individual. 

Being in this space, she was surrounded by inspiring, distinct and successful individuals with ideas that turned into businesses. These experiences allowed Juliana to think bigger and be more futuristic. 

Juliana also found a way to assist other students in this program through marketing, ideation, connections and travel. She introduces the idea of entrepreneurship to peers and community members, directing them to the Garage for help. 

“The support system, encouragement and location are the top reasons for wanting to be involved [in Innovation and Entrepreneurship] throughout my undergraduate journey,” said Juliana. 

Exploring global entrepreneurship

Reflecting on her time with Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE), Juliana found that a combination of academic courses and travel opportunities had the greatest impact. She participated in MIE 419 and MIE 412/413 while also assisting with Social and Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SSIE) practicum course MIE 418. 

As an extension of their MIE 419 project, SSIE sponsored the team to travel to Moldova. On this trip, the team implemented their three marketing deliverables to their non-profit social enterprise partner, Edujoc. They also created a documentary series highlighting the country’s entrepreneurial landscape, the socio-economic underpinnings of the region’s politics and environment and exploring Moldova’s deep history and culture. 

Juliana also traveled with IE to Silicon Valley, which she defined as “life-changing.” She returned to North Carolina feeling inspired and astonished by the immense possibilities. On the trip, she met incredible people and alumni who encouraged her to embrace her chaos and spontaneity.  

The professors and mentors she met through these experiences were pivotal to her development and remain part of her support system. “They challenge me to expand my boundaries and engage more deeply with my field of study and research,” said Juliana. 

Building an entrepreneurial mindset

As Juliana navigated the local and global entrepreneurial landscape, she saw personal and professional growth. She uncovered an entrepreneurial mindset, developing skills in critical thinking, bravery, teamwork, problem solving, planning, communication, technology and so much more. Through the development of this mindset, Juliana recognized how her skillset, mindset and decisions shape the realities around her and others in a progressive and positive manner. 

“My favorite part of all experiences is the opportunity to travel and engage with perspectives beyond my own. Understanding how innovation, social and sustainable impact, and ventures come about given unique circumstances and resources feels electrifying to me,” said Juliana. 

She enjoyed being a part of a community where she was fully immersed in cultures, knowledge and possibilities. It brought her great joy in her pursuit to help others. 

A bright future ahead

As her undergraduate journey comes to a close at NC State, Juliana is excited for what the future holds. While she has an interdisciplinary interest across fields, she wants to focus on marketing and organizational components meant to scale a venture to make a significant impact in a distinct area or goal, with a special focus on technical, textile and manufacturing industries. In addition, she hopes to expand her project portfolio, including fashion design and the food and beverage industries. 

In pursuit of her professional goals, Juliana plans to continue traveling the world to explore and gain knowledge. She credits her entrepreneurial mindset to her current and future success, stating, “it allows me to think critically on what can be done and go further than it, constantly thinking of new innovative ways of doing, building and living. It allows creativity to have no limits and conversations to be as wild as your dreams.” 

Advice to her younger self

While reflecting on her journey at NC State, Juliana offered advice to her younger self. “There are no limits to what you can do, truly. Opportunities come and go, alongside your thoughts and fears. Life is about living through all of it and still going, even in the midst of dread and confusion. Take things one day at a time. Savor the present moment because it is what is destined and available to you in real time. The future can only paint your dreams in the sky.”

When thinking about the community that surrounded her, Juliana said, “There are phenomenal people that will help not only guide you but lift you up in the positive and negative moments — in ways you wouldn’t imagine.”

A mantra for her journey

“Shoot for the moon and aim for the stars.”

Throughout college, Juliana had this mantra to remind herself to have goals that are bright, big and bold, but know there is always a possibility for them to go further and be even better.