Denise Speck, born and raised in Germany, is a graduate of our Master's in Sustainable Entrepreneurship. Apart from her academic journey, she's deeply passionate about photography and currently serves as a consultant in Trinidad & Tobago, specializing in storytelling. Her thesis, focused on "Digital Storytelling to Foster Sustainable Development," opened up exciting opportunities for her. Keep reading to learn more about Denise!

Hi Denise! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. Would you like to break the ice by briefly sharing your educational and professional background?

Sure! My name is Denise, I’m 29, and I’m originally from Germany. After high school, I traveled a lot and realized I very much enjoy being in an international environment. Thanks to a friend of mine, I found out about the University of Groningen, and Groningen in general was presented to me as a very nice and lively place to live, so I decided to study International Business at Hanze Hogeschool. While I enjoyed my studies, I soon realized that I did not see myself continuing to develop my career in such a money-driven field. Only towards the end, there was more focus on corporate responsibility and such, but it still was not enough for me.

How did you decide to study Sustainable Entrepreneurship at Campus Fryslân? And how was your experience overall?

After my Bachelor's of Business Administration, I could not think of, or find, a job that fit my studies. So I decided to travel a bit and delved into things I enjoyed, such as yoga and photography. That’s when I stumbled upon the Sustainable Entrepreneurship master’s offered at Campus Fryslân, in Leeuwarden. 

It built upon the entrepreneurial focus I had but with a focus on sustainability. In spite of the fact that we were the second cohort, things ran smoothly. In the summer before the start of classes, some of us had an introductory course (pre-master) that helped transition from applied sciences to university level. The master’s was a 1-year, very practical study, during which we had the chance to incorporate and explore our own interests.  From the beginning, it just felt right. At Campus Fryslân, I liked the well-designed space, how small and accessible everything was, the down-to-earth lecturers, and personalized experience the environment allowed for. Our class was made up of mostly German and Dutch students, which I think was a consequence of the fact that it was a time just after COVID, with fewer internationals. Despite that, it was a nice ‘zone’ to be in and a fantastic, supportive environment. The mindset I was exposed to during my time at Campus Fryslân prepared me to make the jump I made afterward. 

What was the focus of your thesis project?

I decided to look into digital storytelling for sustainable entrepreneurship. At the basis there is the idea that photography allows people to get emotionally connected with something, adding value to products and services. The idea behind the study was to explore how digital storytelling, driven by technology, can empower marginalized communities in developing countries through sustainable entrepreneurship. The goal was to provide practical recommendations to entrepreneurs on how to enhance the value of digital storytelling for disadvantaged communities.

Can you tell us about the project you're currently working on and how you got involved?

In my university years, I frequently explored LinkedIn for opportunities that resonated with my interests, particularly my fascination with coffee – from its production nuances to the various types available. The turning point came during a pre-holiday room-cleansing session in Groningen, when I discovered a sustainability webinar spotlighting the cocoa sector.

Despite my limited knowledge of cocoa at the time, I drew parallels with the coffee industry – shared regions, similar issues. The webinar featured an organization introduced as cacao traders in Trinidad & Tobago, which sparked my curiosity. After thorough research, I felt confident enough to reach out.

This journey led me to an organization in T&T, marking the beginning of my current project. I was eager to see how the digital storytelling theory I developed during my studies translated into a real-world application, identifying both strengths and weaknesses. Given the limited visibility of the cacao industry in Trinidad and Tobago, I reached out to them, developed a project proposal, and became part of a grant through an international institution. A few months after completing my master's, I boarded a plane to T&T to put my research into practice.

Throughout this adventure, I've stayed in close contact with my thesis supervisor, Dr. Tom Long, who has been consistently supportive and encouraging, offering guidance on various projects. Currently, my role involves consultancy on digital storytelling for the Original Trinitario Cocoa Education Foundation, where I act as a bridge between farmers, processors, consumers, and cocoa traders. My focus is on conveying the voices of farmers to various stakeholders while bringing a European perspective to cater to consumer preferences.

In October 2023, we held an exhibition near Port of Spain, showcasing photographs and a trailer for the film "Trinitario on the Edge," sharing the stories of four farmers. Creating a space for farmers, policymakers, and international organizations to come together and exchange ideas was a dream come true. A particularly rewarding aspect of this experience is the development of a self-originated theme, which I am considering exploring further in a potential PhD. 

How does your current project connect with what you learned in the Master's in Sustainable Entrepreneurship programme?

I believe the programme helped me gain confidence and allowed me to dream big. Unlike other studies where good-sounding ideas may not be practical, this master's programme focuses on what's doable, and builds it up from there. It encouraged us to explore different possibilities, offer advice, and build strong arguments. Overall, it broadened my perspective on sustainability in various situations, connecting me with people from different backgrounds and education levels who share the same interest.

Any advice for students considering enrollment in the Master's in Sustainable Entrepreneurship? 

If you enjoy being an innovator in a supportive environment where your voice is heard, I believe this is the master’s for you. It's a great environment to develop yourself.

For those with questions or curiosity about your work, where can they find you? Any specific channels or platforms you would recommend?

I can be reached on LinkedIn as Denise Speck. Feel free to reach out with any questions via email at bydenisespeck@gmail.com.