Fostering Education for Sustainable Impact: ACU Students + Wearsos

Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming six students from Abilene Christian University’s (ACU) College of Business Administration (COBA)  to our home in Turrialba. Accompanied by their exceptional faculty members, Sarah Easter and Jennifer Golden from the Department of Management Sciences, the group embarked on a two-week business consulting immersion with Wearsos.

ACU's COBA is renowned for its emphasis on experiential learning, particularly through its robust study abroad programs. This hands-on approach allows students to immerse themselves in different cultures and business environments, gaining insights that extend far beyond the traditional classroom. By engaging directly with diverse communities, students develop a deeper understanding of global business practices, positioning them to become innovative leaders in their fields - an essential step in nurturing a new generation committed to the principles of the circular economy and regenerative tourism.

A Warm Welcome and Immersive Introduction

The students’ journey began with a comprehensive introduction to Wearsos at our workshop. Our founders, Lynne Corvaglia and Christian Riquelme, along with our dedicated workshop manager, Carolina, shared Wearsos’ mission, history, and core values, along with an explanation of the process behind our upcycled products. The students learned about our commitment to the circular economy through upcycling, activating rural economic growth, and supporting educational and empowerment spaces for women in our community.

Following the introduction, the team participated in a Strategy Session where our founders discussed Wearsos'’ business goals. This session provided the students with a clear view of our challenges and opportunities, particularly in scaling our impact through sustainable business practices.

Exploring the Community Partners

The heart of Wearsos lies in the communities we collaborate with. ACU students had a unique opportunity to visit Mollejones, a small, tight-knit community where members work part-time to disarm and deconstruct the leather we receive from airplane seats - a crucial step in our upcycling process that embodies the principles of a circular economy. 

In Mollejones, the students also had the chance to interview local entrepreneurial women, learning about the significant impact that Southwest Airlines Repurpose with Purpose Program  has had on their lives. These conversations provided invaluable perspectives on the challenges these women face and their aspirations for the future, highlighting the powerful intersection of community impact and regenerative tourism.

A Look Forward

This collaboration with ACU has been a powerful reminder of the positive change that can be achieved when education, community, and sustainable practices converge. We are deeply grateful to the students and faculty for their dedication and enthusiasm. As we anticipate future collaborations, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Wearsos and the continued impact we can make together - building a more sustainable and equitable world, one upcycled product at a time.

Thank you for being a part of the Wearsos community.