Johns Hopkins University & Friends of Puerto Rico Join Forces

Guest Blogger: Estefania Jordan-Cruz

Friends of Puerto Rico is working with Johns Hopkins University in a research partnership to expand AMIGAS program. Estefania Jordan-Cruz is a student at JHU and from Puerto Rico. The following is her guest blog about her recent experiences working to develop AMIGAS. This is made possible through the Clinton Global Initiative.

The research partnership between Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and Friends of Puerto Rico is an inspiring collaboration. Both partners are committed to the power of education to bring change in communities. Being able to be a part of this redevelopment and broadening of Friends of Puerto Rico’s AMIGAS program holds a special place in my heart. I have witnessed brilliant minds from around the world unite to genuinely try to help Puerto Rico and the women and children who live there. Despite hurricanes, earthquakes, or the latest pandemic, Friends of Puerto Rico’s mission to serve continues to grow, showing a remarkable level of determination and resilience to help now more than ever.

As part of the JHU team, I helped evaluate the feasibility of developing an entrepreneurship-focused mentorship program for high school girls in Puerto Rico. Building upon the successes of Friends of Puerto Rico’s other programs, this effort would have a combination of entrepreneurship education from SEEDS, mentorship support from the already established AMIGAS model, and a self-sustaining business model from Cafe Ama. Our team then focused on conducting investigative and secondary research to support the investments in both the entrepreneurship and mentorship programs. 

Through this research, one of the most important things I learned was the impact of female entrepreneurs in the economy. When women own businesses, they create a ripple effect throughout their communities, helping their families grow stronger, and the local economy flourish. This point was underlined for me after I watched a documentary on the life of Madam CJ Walker. The growth of her haircare company employed over 20,000 women at the turn of the 19th century. She miraculously rose out of slavery, without an education or mentor to become the first female millionaire in the United States.  

Expanding the AMIGAS program to high school girls will reduce the obstacles Walker had to overcome - poverty, lack of education and mentorship - and help impressionable young women to establish self-confidence and the skills they will need to tackle business challenges in their bright future.

I can personally attest to the power of mentorship. I felt confused and lost during high school, and went to college without a clear vision of what I wanted to do in my life. I thought I wanted to study medicine, but had a natural knack for business. It wasn't until junior year of my undergraduate degree that I found a mentor who helped me understand that the two fields overlap and I could study business while still work in healthcare. This has been one of the best decisions I have made, and it wouldn't have happened without some guidance. 

Now, I'm studying at Johns Hopkins University completing two masters degrees in Business Analytics and Risk Management and Health Care Management. I didn't have to leave behind my interest in healthcare. Instead, I just grew my passion for business administration and numbers, where I thrive.

I can only imagine how many other young women have dreams that can become realities by adding business skills. For all of these reasons, I can't wait to see the development of the AMIGAS program and the impact it can have on future generations of girls. I believe having a new strong focus on women entrepreneurship can provide just the right jumpstart the Puerto Rican economy needs.