Nicolas Ziadi

As an international student from Argentina, entrepreneurship has always been more than a career path to me, it’s been a mindset. Growing up during times of economic instability, I quickly learned the value of adaptability, creativity, and leadership. These experiences shaped my passion for business and led me to pursue a degree in International Business and Marketing at Snow College.

My journey with entrepreneurship truly began when I got involved with the GRIT Center. From the beginning, it was a space where I could grow through action, connect with mentors, and explore my potential. One of the most transformative experiences for me was participating in the Global Essentials program. Global Essentials was a business I developed to provide international students with culturally familiar food as a way to cope with loneliness and emotional isolation. As someone who has personally experienced those feelings, I wanted to create something that brought comfort and connection to students far from home.

The GRIT Center gave me the tools and mentorship I needed to turn that idea into a business model. Thanks to that foundation, I was able to compete in and win multiple entrepreneurship pitch competitions. Through these competitions, I developed skills in presenting, critical thinking, and storytelling, while also learning how to adapt to different audiences and judges. Each success motivated me to keep refining my ideas and supporting others in their entrepreneurial paths.

During my time at Snow, I competed in DECA and FBLA Nationals, with a strong focus on international marketing, public speaking, and economics. These experiences gave me practical tools and helped me develop a deeper understanding of global business and leadership.

Right now, I would say I’m persevering. I recently graduated and am exploring new opportunities to apply what I’ve learned in meaningful ways. I remain passionate about entrepreneurship, cross-cultural collaboration, and building innovative solutions that make a difference. The GRIT Center played a key role in this journey by giving me the resources, confidence, and community to keep growing.

My advice to future entrepreneurs is simple. START. You don’t need to wait until everything is perfect. Ask questions, stay curious, and lean on the support systems around you. Every step you take builds momentum, and you’ll be surprised how much you can achieve when you commit to the process.

I’m grateful to have been part of the GRIT Center and excited to see how the next generation of student entrepreneurs continues to innovate and lead.