The mission of SA Southwestern Advantage is to promote the entrepreneurial education and experience for young people. For the first time in the fall of 2024, we awarded the Entrepreneurial Youth Scholarship in Latvia, in cooperation with Latvijas Universitātes Fonds.
Izolde Helma Gutmane, a student at the University of Latvia, was selected as the deserving recipient of the €1,000 scholarship. The Entrepreneurial Youth Scholarship competition aims to recognize and empower ambitious students who not only excel academically but are also actively engaged in extracurricular activities and student organizations. By doing so, we encourage youth to pursue opportunities that will enhance their personal growth and entrepreneurial potential.
Izolde’s journey is a true embodiment of the qualities we look for in an entrepreneurial spirit: resilience, initiative, and a growth mindset. After high school, she boldly took the step of moving to Denmark to further her studies. Despite the many challenges she faced in a foreign country, Izolde thrived and used her experiences to build a life and career grounded in leadership and personal development.
Outside her academic endeavors, Izolde has dedicated herself to inspiring others. She led the “Future Leaders” program in both Copenhagen and Sigulda, where she honed her skills in financial literacy, marketing, and team-building. Currently, Izolde works as a science teacher at Sigulda State Gymnasium while simultaneously pursuing her studies in Biology and Mathematics at the University of Latvia. Additionally, she is developing a sustainable leadership program that aims to empower both youth and adults.
Izolde’s passion for learning, teaching, and developing future leaders makes her a true model of entrepreneurial drive. Her resilience in overcoming adversity and commitment to continuous improvement align with the values we champion at Southwestern Advantage. We believe this scholarship will provide Izolde with the support she needs to continue pursuing her ambitious goals and further develop her skills.
As Izolde shared with us, the scholarship has not only motivated her to continue her advocacy but has also given her the chance to attend the WIN Partners course, the “Leader” forum, to deepen her knowledge and apply her leadership skills to the growth of her company and personal development.
We also want to extend our congratulations to Kristīne Prohorova for securing second place and Jeļena Skrupska for third place in the competition. Their passion and dedication to entrepreneurship make them deserving of recognition as well.
We are incredibly proud of all our participants and look forward to seeing how the Entrepreneurial Youth Scholarship continues to support young entrepreneurs on their journeys to success.
Southwestern Advantage Foundation’s vision is to be the biggest charitable foundation in Eastern Europe that is built on investment principles and helping young people in obtaining knowledge and developing character so they can fulfill their dreams in life. We help European youth get better entrepreneurship education and offer investment knowledge to those who do not have the opportunity. We are working to reduce and prevent poverty.
We only donate money from the fund’s passive income by directing 50% of the return to charity and 50% back to the fund. That is how your good deed will remain giving forever.
Help us help more people: https://swacharity.eu/en/donate/
