By Mary Begley, Syracuse University
Hi everyone! My name is Mary Begley, and I’m from Yonkers, New York. I’m a junior at Syracuse University, where I study Finance and Business Management. Outside of academics, I love traveling, going to the gym, and trying new things, whether that’s food, activities, or places I’ve never been. Growing up with parents who run their own small businesses, I’ve developed a deep interest in how businesses work and the impact they can have on a community.
This summer, I’m incredibly excited to be part of a unique opportunity that’s an extension of my Global Management class at Syracuse University. Along with a small group of classmates, I’ll be traveling to Nairobi, Kenya, to study how small businesses operate within an emerging economy. My research will focus on how these businesses contribute to local economic development and what factors enable them to thrive. To explore this, I plan to interview local entrepreneurs and their teams, observe daily business operations, and collect real life stories and strategies that highlight what makes these ventures successful.
To help prepare for this experience, I took a class this past spring that introduced me to Kenya’s culture, language, and the types of businesses we’ll be visiting. This preparation gave me helpful context and made me even more excited to meet the people behind these businesses. In class, we discussed how important it is to be culturally aware and open minded when learning from others. I also started thinking more deeply about my research focus and the types of questions I want to ask during my interviews. Thanks to this class, I feel more confident and ready to make the most of this opportunity.
Throughout this journey, I hope to create a detailed and accessible report that captures what I’ve learned. My goal is to put together something like a “recipe book” for future entrepreneurs, full of real-life insights, practical advice, and lessons about innovation, education, and the personal drive that fuels small business success. I want this to be helpful for both students like me and for anyone interested in starting or improving a business in a similar environment.
This work is meaningful to me because small businesses don’t just power economies, they
shape lives, communities, and futures. By understanding the tools and mindsets that help these businesses succeed in Kenya, I hope to inspire and empower future entrepreneurs, even those with limited resources. The lessons I gather will not only be reflected in my final report but will also serve as a long term reference for those looking to make meaningful change through entrepreneurship.
I’m looking forward to immersing myself in Kenyan culture, building meaningful connections, and gaining a deeper global perspective. Of course, I’m a little unsure about the unknowns, traveling far from home and stepping into a different culture can be challenging. But I plan to make the most of every moment by staying curious, taking detailed notes, and keeping an open mind.
Thanks for following along on my journey, I’m excited to share more soon!
HSF House Blogs 