“While working at 31 Bits, I felt like there was a lack of a understanding of the technical aspects of how a business works. I wanted to attain the skills to take a business like theirs to the next level,” she said.
Of the many things that she’s learned in the MSSE program, Del Canto says USC Adjunct Professor Courtney Brunious’ discussion on shared value has proved most memorable. “The MSSE program is so integrated into business. It’s not just social benevolence or funneling money out of the bottom line and putting it towards a specific sector. If you’re creating shared value, you’re expanding the pool of wealth for your company, for communities. And you’re expanding skill sets. I think this is going to be the future of business,” Del Canto said.
Currently, Del Canto is on the wholesale team at sustainable clothing brand Reformation, an engagement she plans to end this month in pursuit of launching her own branding strategy firm that focuses on social impact-focused companies.
“Looking back, there was always an entrepreneur in me,” she said. “I remember visiting my aunt’s sugar farm in Venezuela when I was 10 and making bathing suits out of whatever I could find. I love the creativity in the entrepreneurial space.”
At MSSE, Del Canto remains an explorer. From Professor Jill Kickul’s management class to the USC Athena competition, Del Canto has worked with students on brand strategy for products like sustainable underwear. She hopes to one day return to Venezuela and build a business that benefits and supports the people who she’s always coupled with the idea of home.
In the meantime, she’s rising to a different challenge: commencement speaker. At USC Marshall’s graduate ceremony this year, Del Canto will be sharing her story in hopes it inspire others to push past obstacles. “The past three years have been so hard for so many people,” she said. “I’m excited to let them know that no matter what you are going through, there’s always good to be taken from it.”
Reflecting further, Del Canto remains so grateful for that first experience with social enterprise in Uganda. “I'd had something really difficult happen,” she said, “but I was working alongside women who had been child soldiers. Their stories were very intense and traumatic, and yet they were so optimistic and joyful, and had such a strong sense of community. And I just remember feeling inspired to be working alongside these women every day who went through so much but still felt they were grateful to be alive.”