Enid González did not set out to become an entrepreneur. Her journey started with a profound love for medicine and a deeply compassionate heart that led her to become a pediatric doctor in her home country of Nicaragua. For thirteen years, she found her purpose in alleviating the suffering of others and bringing hope to those in despair.
However, in 2018, Enid’s life was upended by the political turmoil and social unrest sweeping across her country. Like many others, she found herself caught in the crossfire of the conflict and was forced to make the difficult decision to move her family to a safer place: Costa Rica.
Navigating Turmoil in Search of New Opportunities
Upon her arrival, Enid’s family of five navigated the complexities of resettlement, striving to rebuild their lives in an unfamiliar country. Despite her eagerness to resume her medical practice, Enid quickly realized that her Nicaraguan qualifications were not recognized in Costa Rica. Stripped of her ability to practice medicine, Enid confronted the stark reality that she could no longer pursue her dream career nor generate income for her family.
“The turning point was asking myself, ‘What else can I do? What else do I know?’ Enid reflected. ‘My passion is for health, for inspiring other people who don’t have that same passion. It’s in my DNA and I will make a business that shares that DNA with me.’”
Overcoming Adversity and Creating a Business
From there, Vitalinfuss was born: a business dedicated to improving intestinal health through vegan, gluten-free fruit drinks, providing alternatives to traditional probiotics that many people with dietary restrictions cannot consume. Enid spent 18 months meticulously researching the existing probiotics market in Costa Rica and conducting countless experiments with recipes, flavors, and packaging until she perfected her product.
Enid’s journey changed for the better when she joined the Asociación Red Empresarias y Emprendedoras para el Desarrollo Sostenible (AREED), an association of women entrepreneurs. Enid joined the association because she was looking for education, training, and networking opportunities. In March 2023, her peers elected her as secretary for the AREED Board of Directors – an honor that further validated her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
“As a migrant, it is challenging to leave your friends and family, you are alone,” Enid explained. “Yet, within AREED I discovered a diverse community of women, united by shared aspirations: to find purpose through entrepreneurship and forge bonds of camaraderie. Now, I do not feel so alone.”
Supporting Diaspora Populations to Promote Economic Prosperity
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) provides financial and technical support to women’s business associations like AREED worldwide, working to address the needs of diaspora populations and facilitate their integration into host country economies. In the face of the significant global refugee crisis, supporting women like Enid is of paramount importance. These women, displaced or refugees, encounter complex obstacles on their path to entrepreneurship and inclusion in their host community. Prioritizing their support not only helps level the playing field but also fosters gender equality and socioeconomic stability on a broader scale.
As an estimated 2.4 million refugees seek resettlement in 2024, Enid’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and ingenuity inherent within displaced communities. Through her unwavering determination and the support of women-led networks like AREED, Enid exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment projects.
Published Date: June 18, 2024