Entrepreneurship

New Innovators Join Forces: CIE Gets a Fresh Boost!

Exciting news as two dynamic entrepreneurs join the CIE Advisory Board! Get ready for mentorship magic!

In a dazzling display of entrepreneurial spirit, the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is thrilled to announce the recent addition of two powerhouse figures to its Advisory Board. Carina Castagna, a proud alumna of the class of 2021 with a Master's in Public Administration in 2022, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pesto Joe. Meanwhile, Justin Ihnken, who graduated in 2014, is the innovative mind behind Enorra. With their combined expertise, the CIE is set to soar to new heights in guiding emerging entrepreneurs towards success.

Carina Castagna, known for her exceptional leadership and vibrant vision, has made waves in creating sustainable business models through Pesto Joe, a startup dedicated to innovating the food service industry. Her journey showcases how passion can turn into profitable ventures! On the other hand, Justin Ihnken, with his background in engineering and keen eye for market needs, has successfully navigated the tech landscape through Enorra, a company committed to redefining customer engagement.

Together, these two new board members bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences to the CIE, eager to mentor budding entrepreneurs. With their insights, students and emerging startups can look forward to tailor-made guidance on everything from securing funding to scaling their businesses effectively. The synergy of their brands promises to foster a nurturing environment where creativity, innovation, and collaboration thrive.

The CIE has always been a beacon of support for entrepreneurs, and the latest appointments are a testament to its commitment to excellence. Whether you're launching a food tech startup or venturing into the software industry, having mentors like Castagna and Ihnken can provide essential cues for success. This duo is proof that when you pair passion with purpose, the possibilities are endless!

As a fun fact, did you know that mentorship has been proven to significantly increase the likelihood of startup success? Based on a study, startups that engage with mentors have a 30% higher chance of growth compared to those that don’t! With the new advisory power duo on board, the CIE is geared up to increase those odds even further!

Moreover, both Carina and Justin embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the Philippines, which has seen rapid growth in startup culture over recent years. As we celebrate this fresh infusion of talent at the CIE, let’s remember that the next great innovation could very well emerge from the ideas nurtured within its walls!