Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) has recently made a significant mark on the national stage by participating in the third annual Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Battle of the Brains competition. This intense six-day event brings together students from over thirteen universities, challenging them with a 24-hour competition. The focus is to brainstorm innovative solutions for real-world problems that address inequities within the Hispanic community. This competition is designed for students from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across the United States, providing a platform for these talented individuals to showcase their problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to address genuine business challenges. This event is not just a competition; it's an opportunity for students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world issues.

SWAU proudly sent six students to participate in this exciting event, including Sandra Morales-Beaus, a Senior Business Marketing student, who shared her impactful experience. "My experience at the HSI Battle of the Brains was very rewarding! I loved getting to meet new people who have the same passion and drive as me. Not only that, but I learned a lot about myself that week and how to better problem solve when working in a team." said Sandra. She was motivated to participate in the HSI Battle of the Brains competition because she recognized it as an exceptional opportunity for personal and professional growth. She saw the event as a chance to expand her professional network and put into practice the skills she had acquired in the classroom.

Participating in the HSI Battle of the Brains offers students many opportunities. First and foremost, it provides hands-on experience in tackling real-world problems, which is invaluable for their future careers. Additionally, students have the chance to network with peers from various universities, as well as professionals from renowned companies such as Visa, eBay, KPMG, and more. Furthermore, winning prizes and recognition for their innovative ideas serves as a powerful incentive, nurturing talent and promoting diversity in the fields of business and entrepreneurship.

Sandra firmly believes that the impact of participating in the HSI Battle of the Brains will stay with her for her lifetime. The competition pushed her to unlock her full potential by honing her critical thinking and creative abilities. It taught her how to excel in high-pressure situations when working within a team. These invaluable skills will undoubtedly benefit her as she pursues her career in the business world.

Southwestern Adventist University is incredibly proud of its students who participated in the HSI Battle of the Brains competition. Their dedication, innovative thinking, and collaborative spirit exemplify the university's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting diversity in education. SWAU looks forward to supporting more students in future events and continuing to make a positive impact on both its students and the wider community.