Udupi: United States Consulate in Chennai, Counsel for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Lauren Lovelace, on her brief visit to Manipal University, addressed gathering on “Women in Emerging Markets’ at the Innovation Centre at Manipal Institute of Technology.

The discussion was a prelude to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit scheduled for November 28 – 30, 2017 in Hyderabad to be hosted jointly by the United States and India. Echoing the themes of the summit, local innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs were very encouraging of the environment in the country for women entrepreneurs. But, women’s entrepreneurship is still riddled with stereotypes was the general opinion. Now more than ever, it is important to transcend these stereotypes and promote whatever entrepreneurs need to be successful.
Topics discussed ranged from assertive communications for women and general challenges women face in dealing with clients. The women entrepreneurs who represent POWER (Promotion of Women Entrepreneurs) felt that access to capital was not a problem at all, particularly in this region. Everyone appreciated the fact that many women were role models in the financial and healthcare sectors.

Lauren observed that “I was so inspired to meet with the students and faculty of Manipal University, as well as the dynamic women entrepreneurs represented by POWER. We want to bring this conversation about empowering women and bringing prosperity to all, to the Global Economic Summit in Hyderabad.

Lauren also appreciated the efforts of the Udupi District Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis for initiating the Grand Challenge Udupi addressing the issue of Social Waste Management, Pre-School and Primary education, drinking water resource management and menstrual Health management. The Grand Challenge will be announced shortly.

“This was a great opportunity for the faculty and students from various Manipal University Institutions to engage with women entrepreneurs in the Manipal Udupi area and Ms. Lauren Lovelace” said Dr. Arun Shanbhag, Chief Innovation Officer, Manipal University and moderator for the panel discussion.