RTPark & UVI Announcements

     RTPark & UVI 

    Announcements

Eric Sonnier new Executive Director 

at UVI RTPark

     Eric Sonnier brings to the table an impressive history in the world of business as he takes over the reigns of Executive Director at the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park (RTPark).

     Prior to joining RTPark, Mr. Sonnier was Co-Founder and CEO of Lawgix, an enterprise software company that helps financial institutions scale legal models with real-time vendor collaboration and centralized compliance. Sonnier was also Co-Founder of venture capital backed Y Combinator (S14) Company, Local Lift, which specialized in alternative lending for small businesses through an online marketplace platform. Prior to entering the world of entrepreneurship, Sonnier worked as a Strategy & Operations Consultant for Deloitte, working on a variety of business process and strategy projects for Fortune 500 companies.

     Mr. Sonnier looks ahead to continuing to broaden the scope of the RTPark’s mission, with a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and workforce development. He envisions RTPark playing an important role in developing a tech-savvy workforce that can meet the demands of the modern economy.

     Sonnier has a BBA from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas in Austin and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He currently resides in St. Croix with his wife and two daughters and a son.

 RTPARK Welcomes Dr. Safiya George New UVI President

     RTPark was delighted to welcome Dr. Safiya George as the new President of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) at a recent meet and greet held on the Sheen Campus in St. Croix. Dr. George, who is the 6th President and an esteemed alumna of UVI, brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal connection to the university community. Her previous roles include serving as the Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean and Helen K. Persson Eminent Scholar at Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. 

     Dr. George’s appointment is particularly significant as she joins the RTPark Board of Directors (which is mandated by law that the UVI President serve on the RTPark Board), strengthening the already robust affiliation between RTPark and UVI. Her presence on the Board is poised to enhance the two institutions in their collaborative efforts, emphasizing innovation and community engagement as they work together to shape a brighter future for the Virgin Islands. 

UVI invites Virgin Islanders to apply for Entrepreneurship Funding

     The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in partnership with 13D Research & Strategy, a global research firm based in St. Thomas, and a longtime philanthropic supporter of UVI, recently launched a unique opportunity for students and members of the Virgin Islands community to receive financial support for starting or growing their businesses. By providing direct financial assistance, the 13D Milestone Funding Initiative will empower select applicants to achieve key milestones in their entrepreneurial journey. 

     The 13D Milestone Funding Initiative offers:

• Up to $40,000 in funding for UVI students

• Up to $10,000 in funding for members of theVirgin Islands community

The initiative provides essential financial backing to both students and community entrepreneurs either launching a new business or seeking to grow an existing venture, allowing them to accelerate their entrepreneurial endeavors and contributing to their success in the Virgin Islands dynamic business landscape.

     “This program represents a groundbreaking approach to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in the Virgin Islands,” said Dr. Nelson Pizzaro, Kirl Sokoloff Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Special Assistant to the President of UVI. “By focusing on tangible milestones rather than competition, we aim to directly support the business community, ensuring that our entrepreneurs have the resources they need to succeed.”

     Unlike traditional business competitions, the 13D Milestone Funding Initiative does not involve competing against other entrepreneurs, instead participants will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges.

     Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply to introduce new products or expanding services.

     For more information visit: www.uvi.edu/13d.