Manno: Bridging Skills and Opportunities – Our Hult Prize Journey
This past month, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with a group of talented young professionals as we took on the challenge of participating in the Hult Prize. The last few weeks have been filled with hard work, dedication, and—above all—grit.
We embraced this year’s challenge: getting the world back to work, with the ambitious goal of enabling 2,000+ jobs by 2024. This journey was nothing short of transformative, pushing us to refine our skills, think critically, and craft an impactful solution. Throughout this experience, we had the privilege of working with remarkable mentors who played a pivotal role in our growth. Their guidance and expertise pushed us well beyond our comfort zones, helping us shape our vision into something tangible.
A special thank you goes to Ayesha Maqsood for her unwavering support, insights, and guidance. Her mentorship was instrumental in shaping our approach, and we are immensely grateful for her contributions.
Introducing Manno: A Marketplace for Skilled Trade Workers
Our team’s idea, Manno—which means “hand” in Spanish—was born out of the need to connect skilled workers with meaningful job opportunities. We envisioned a marketplace of certified professionals offering services in five highly demanded trade jobs in El Salvador.
Through our app, Manno would provide:
Reliable, on-demand solutions tailored to users’ needs.
Fair pay and financial stability for skilled workers.
A sustainable influx of projects that allow workers to sustain themselves and thrive.
By bridging the gap between skills and opportunities, Manno strives to create a chain of meaningful value, addressing both employment challenges and service gaps in the local economy.
Pitching Before the Hult Community
Our journey led us to a defining moment—showcasing our idea before an exceptional panel of judges. Competing against 26 outstanding teams, our team was honored to be selected as one of the 5 finalists, earning the chance to pitch our vision before the Hult community.
While we may not have taken home the final prize, I couldn’t be prouder of our team’s performance. The journey itself was the true reward—filled with growth, learning, and incredible connections.
Gratitude & Acknowledgments
A heartfelt thank you to the Hult community—your support meant the world to us. From those cheering us on to those offering constructive feedback, your encouragement fueled our drive.
Congratulations to all competing teams for their outstanding work and innovative solutions! The energy, creativity, and dedication displayed throughout the competition were truly inspiring.
Finally, to my remarkable teammates—Rodrigo Antonio Sosa, Josephine Alida K., and Helen Timoshenko—thank you for making this journey so rewarding. Working alongside you has been an absolute honor. Your commitment, resilience, and passion made this experience unforgettable.
