A personal message of thanks

Helena Lopez Paredes (HSC13) was awarded £7,500 from the UEA Enterprise Fund to launch her business venture.

£3m Enterprise Fund fundraising target

Helena Lopez Paredes outside UEA’s Enterprise Centre.

Helena shares her thanks to everybody who has donated to The UEA Difference Campaign, and explains what the support meant to her… From the first day of my midwifery degree, I knew I wanted to start my own company. I felt so privileged to be a UEA student, fell completely in love with how they teach here and was inspired to share what I was learning to help women around the world. My business idea was to provide the best information and evidence-based techniques to midwives in hospitals, midwifery organisations and universities in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries through workshops, talks and events. I didn’t have any idea about how to start a business. But here, students can get professional-level advice and support, connect with a huge network of top business minds and network to help propel their company forward. Plus, of course, grants and investment of up to £50,000. From accountancy to mentoring, the support I received through the Enterprise Fund has been amazing –it’s changed my life! The backing is helping us create an app for midwives with courses, education and access to current best practice. I know that other students have launched innovative new products. But none of their brilliant ventures would have been possible were it not for philanthropy. I’m so grateful to everyone who is donating to UEA. Without you, things would be so much more difficult. You’re helping turn students’ dreams into reality and much, much more. Thank you so much.