Fernanda Rojo Arteaga: From High School Student to Budding Entrepreneur

You know how some high school seniors stress about college applications and prom dates? Well, Fernanda Rojo Arteaga, a senior at Edmond North High School, had a *tad* bit of a different experience. She dove headfirst into the thrilling, terrifying, and totally awesome world of entrepreneurship… while still rocking her senior year. Talk about a rockstar!

It all started when Fernanda decided to enroll in the Entrepreneurship program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. Little did she know, this decision would be a total game-changer, equipping her with the tools and know-how to transform a bright idea into a real-life business.

The Birth of Bananabilingo: Tackling Language Barriers in Healthcare

Let’s be real, figuring out your career path in high school can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. Fernanda was initially unsure about her future, but the thought of making a tangible impact really resonated with her. And that’s where entrepreneurship grabbed her attention.

Enter the Entrepreneurship program led by the amazing Abby Williams. It was here that Fernanda found the perfect breeding ground for her business idea: Bananabilingo. And no, it’s not about bilingual bananas (though that *would* be pretty cool). Bananabilingo is on a mission to demolish language barriers in healthcare, specifically focusing on creating smoother communication with Spanish-speaking communities.

Building a Business Brick by Brick: From Market Research to Financial Forecasts

Starting a business is no walk in the park, but the Entrepreneurship program provided Fernanda with a roadmap and the encouragement to navigate the entrepreneurial jungle. Here’s a sneak peek into the essential steps she tackled:

• Market Research: First things first, understanding the needs and wants of your target audience is crucial. Fernanda dug deep to uncover the challenges faced by both healthcare providers and Spanish-speaking patients.
• Business Plan Blueprint: Like a trusted GPS, a well-crafted business plan keeps you on track. Fernanda mapped out her vision, mission, and the strategies she’d use to reach her goals.
• KPIs – The Measuring Sticks: How do you track progress and success? Key performance indicators! Fernanda identified the vital metrics that would help her measure Bananabilingo’s impact and growth.
• Target Market Deep Dive: Knowing your ideal customer is paramount. Fernanda honed in on the specific healthcare providers and institutions that could benefit most from Bananabilingo’s solutions.
• Financial Forecasting: Money matters! Fernanda learned to predict future revenue and expenses, ensuring Bananabilingo’s financial sustainability.

A Network of Support: Mentors, Investors, and a Thriving Entrepreneurial Community

Starting a business can feel like climbing a mountain, but Fernanda had an awesome support system cheering her on every step of the way. The Entrepreneurship program opened doors to invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities.

• Wisdom from the Pros: Imagine getting advice from seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve been there, done that. Fernanda got to connect with powerhouses like Allison Watkins of Watkins-Conti, who generously shared her industry knowledge and insights. Talk about inspiration!
• Community Love: Organizations like Stride Bank and Francis Tuttle stepped up to the plate, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent like Fernanda. They provided resources, guidance, and a whole lotta encouragement.

Seed Funding and a Launchpad for Success: From Pitch Night to Venture Studio

Remember those business plan blueprints and financial forecasts? They paid off big time! Fernanda pitched Bananabilingo at the Future Founders Pitch Night hosted by Stride Bank and *slayed* it. The result? A cool $6,000 in seed funding to kickstart her dream!

This funding wasn’t just about the money (though that’s always nice!). It was a vote of confidence in Fernanda and her vision. Here’s how she planned to use the funds:

• Product Development: First on the agenda? Developing and prototyping Bananabilingo’s flagship products – flashcards and booklets designed to make communication between healthcare providers and Spanish-speaking patients a breeze.
• Spreading the Impact: Once those products were ready to roll, the next step was getting them into the hands of those who needed them most. Fernanda planned to distribute Bananabilingo’s resources to local clinics, hospitals, and universities, bridging communication gaps and improving healthcare experiences.

But wait, there’s more! The cherry on top of Fernanda’s entrepreneurial sundae was being chosen for a coveted spot in the Venture Studio at the Convergence development. This incredible opportunity provided:

• A Space to Thrive: A dedicated office space where Fernanda could focus on growing Bananabilingo without the distractions of, say, a messy bedroom or a chatty family member.
• Mentorship Magic: Continued guidance and support from experienced mentors who helped Fernanda navigate the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial rollercoaster.
• Network Nirvana: Access to a network of fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential investors – all eager to connect, collaborate, and maybe even invest in the next big thing (that’s Bananabilingo, in case you were wondering!).

And Fernanda’s ambitions didn’t stop there. Her long-term vision included developing a Bananabilingo app – a digital powerhouse that would take communication between healthcare providers and Spanish-speaking patients to a whole new level.

Balancing Act: Juggling College Life and Building an Empire

With a head full of dreams and a heart set on making a difference, Fernanda wasn’t about to slow down. She received an acceptance letter from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she planned to pursue a business degree while simultaneously steering Bananabilingo towards even greater heights.

The Entrepreneurship program had instilled in her a “bring it on” attitude, teaching her to embrace challenges with gusto and take calculated risks. Because let’s face it, in the world of entrepreneurship, things don’t always go according to plan. But it’s the ability to adapt, learn, and keep hustling that separates the dreamers from the doers.

Fernanda Rojo Arteaga: An Inspiration for the Next Generation of Changemakers

Fernanda’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship education and the incredible impact of a supportive community. She’s living proof that age is just a number and that with passion, grit, and the right resources, anything is possible.

Her story is an inspiration to aspiring young entrepreneurs everywhere, reminding us that the world needs fresh ideas, bold solutions, and individuals who aren’t afraid to chase their dreams, even if that means starting a business while still rocking their high school backpack.

With unwavering determination, a heart dedicated to improving healthcare communication, and a network of support cheering her on, Fernanda Rojo Arteaga is a force to be reckoned with. We can’t wait to see what amazing things she accomplishes next!