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Faculty of Business & Government
Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship

Empower Your Dreams 2024 Winners

First Place
Second Place
Third Place

Shoesiety

First place at the Empower Your Dreams competition
Photo by Enkhtuvshin Chimee

Team members: Michael Valiant, Dandy Nugraha

Shoesiety's product line features a premium Shoe Perfume and Hygiene Spray that enhance personal well-being and leave a lasting impression. Available in three variants – Embark, Selfless, and Submissive – these sprays refresh and deodorize footwear while promoting confidence and self-care.

Virtuso

Second place at the Empower Your Dreams competition
Photo by Enkhtuvshin Chimee

Team Members: Elena Nicole Tippets, Mace De Guzman Gamil, Francis Gomez

Virtuso is an outsourcing agency that connects U.S. and Northern European businesses with skilled professionals in the Philippines. We help startups and small to midsize companies access cost-effective talent, maximizing profits while supporting the Philippine economy. Our mission is to simplify the future of work by offering remote job opportunities and creating a global talent network.

YOI

Third place at the Empower Your Dreams competition
Photo by Enkhtuvshin Chimee

Team members: Samuel Suzuki

Yoi is a mental health journal brand for young men, created by Sam Suzuki. It began as an Instagram page with 55,000+ followers, mostly men aged 18–30. In response to the need for emotional support, Yoi offers a light, approachable journal with guided activities and plans for a digital subscription—helping men see the good in themselves and in life. The product is designed to be a simple first step toward better mental health.