Bea Aponte-Vargas

Majoring in International Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University, Class of 2026
From Portland, OR

I am an entrepreneur-turned-international business student at Southern New Hampshire University, pursuing a B.S. in International Business Administration. With over a decade of experience running my own businesses and a combined 20 years in customer relations, I have built and led successful, people-centered enterprises that prioritize both performance and purpose. While international business is a broad field, I am especially interested in business ethics in a global context and in understanding how different cultures approach commerce, leadership, and collaboration. I also explore topics such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethical sourcing, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, areas where I believe business can drive meaningful change. Originally from Michoacn, Mexico, I have spent most of my life in Texas and now call Portland, Oregon, home. My bicultural perspective and proven leadership skills shape my approach to business, rooted in cultural awareness, global thinking, and a commitment to aligning profitability with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. My goal is to bridge my entrepreneurial background with my growing academic expertise to help organizations design and implement strategies that foster ethical, sustainable, and globally impactful outcomes.

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Education

Southern New Hampshire University

Bea in the News

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2026 C-1 (Jan - Mar)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2026 C-1 (Jan - Mar) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at ...

March, 10 2026 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU President's List Announced

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2025 President's List. The fall terms run from September to D...

January, 07 2026 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2025 C-6 (Oct - Dec)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2025 C-6 (Oct - Dec) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at ...

January, 06 2026 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2025 C-5 (Sep - Oct)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2025 C-5 (Sep - Oct) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at ...

November, 04 2025 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2025 C-4 (Jun - Aug)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2025 C-4 (Jun - Aug) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at ...

September, 09 2025 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU President's List Announced

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2025 President's List. The summer terms run from May to Aug...

September, 09 2025 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2025 C-3 (May - Jun)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2025 C-3 (May - Jun) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at ...

July, 16 2025 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2025 C-2 (Mar - Apr)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2025 C-2 (Mar - Apr) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at ...

May, 14 2025 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2025 C-1 (Jan - Mar)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2025 C-1 (Jan - Mar) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at ...

March, 11 2025 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2024 C-6 (Oct - Dec)

Southern New Hampshire University congratulates the following students on being named to the Honor Roll for the 2024 C-6 (Oct - Dec) term. Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes ...

January, 14 2025 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2024 C-5 (Sep - Oct)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2024 C-5 (Sep - Oct) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at ...

December, 03 2024 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU President's List Announced

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2024 President's List. The summer terms run from May to Aug...

September, 25 2024 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2024 C-4 (Jul - Aug)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2024 C-4 (Jul - Aug) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at ...

September, 10 2024 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 2024 C-3 (May-Jun)

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 2024 C-3 (May-Jun) term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at SN...

July, 11 2024 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Announces Honor Roll for 24EW4

Congratulations on being named to Southern New Hampshire University's Honor Roll for the 24EW4 term! Honor Roll is a term-specific achievement that recognizes learners who excel at SNHU. It was es...

May, 16 2024 - Verified by Southern New Hampshire University

Achievements Added by Bea

Bea Aponte-Vargas was recognized for making Honor Roll

President's list Summer of 2024

Added by Bea

Activities

The National Society of Leadership and Success

Member of The National Society of Leadership and Success

Southern New Hampshire University

Added by Bea

Work Experience

Owner at BellaU Hair Studio

After over a decade of proven success in small business ownership, strategic operations, and team leadership, I am currently transitioning into a new career in international business with a focus on global ethics, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. As the owner of BellaU Hair Studio, I built and led a thriving customer-centered enterprise, overseeing all aspects of operations, including financial management, marketing, client relations, vendor partnerships, regulatory compliance, and staff development.

This experience honed my ability to drive growth, maintain operational excellence, and adapt to market changes while fostering a loyal client base. Guided by a deep commitment to ethical entrepreneurship and innovative business practices, I aim to create lasting value for both people and the planet.

August 2022 - Present

Projects + Publications

NationaliTeas – Triple Bottom Line / B Corp - Sustainability + Operations

Developed a strategic sustainability framework for NationaliTeas using the Triple Bottom Line model (people, planet, profit). Proposed initiatives include compostable packaging with transparency tools, employee wellness programs, and a customer satisfaction guarantee. The plan integrated ESG benchmarks, risk management, and measurable outcomes, including cost savings, retention improvements, and productivity gains.

August 2025 - Research Projects

Emergency Medical Equipment Diversification

Created a diversification strategy to transition from declining internal combustion engine markets into the $35B emergency medical equipment sector. Applied Porter’s Five Forces, phased market entry planning, and regulatory compliance frameworks (ISO 13485, FDA guidance) to align core manufacturing strengths with healthcare needs. Strategy emphasized resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven impact, highlighting how business pivots can both capture growth and serve urgent public needs.

July 2025 - Presentations

Global Financial Systems presentation on Switzerland

Developed a strategic expansion analysis for a U.S. manufacturer entering Switzerland, assessing WTO frameworks, trade agreements, and FDI incentives. Recommended risk management tools, hedging, compliance audits, and sustainability reporting, to align financial opportunity with ESG and long-term resilience.

June 2025 - Presentations

Marketing and Product Positioning Strategist

Developed a full marketing strategy for a health-focused snack, including persona development, multi-channel promotion through TikTok and TV campaigns, and premium pricing analysis. Designed a Whole Foods distribution plan and established evaluation tools such as surveys, focus groups, and sales data tracking to position the product for success in the wellness market.

March 2025 - Research Projects

International Business Brief – Japan Market Entry

Conducted a comprehensive market entry analysis for Japan, evaluating economic, political, and cultural factors affecting global expansion. Assessed drivers for entry, labor and regulatory frameworks, and consumer behavior differences between the U.S. and Japan. Proposed strategies for managing currency risk, adapting management practices, and selecting appropriate entry modes to balance opportunity with compliance and cultural alignment.

July 2024 - Research Projects

Environmental sustainability, social equity, and community advocacy

Analyzed environmental justice issues in Elm Glen, comparing them with the Flint water crisis to reveal inequities in infrastructure, governance, and health. Proposed sustainable solutions include green infrastructure, water oversight, and multilingual engagement, along with accountability and inclusive programs to strengthen equity and resilience.

June 2024 - Research Projects

Badges Awarded