By Victoria Brito Morales

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – DEC. 11, 2024 – Sebastian Melendez’s college experience at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has been an entrepreneurial adventure, marked by founding his own company and excelling in numerous business competitions.

This weekend, Melendez celebrates a significant milestone as he graduates during the Fall 2024 Commencement at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. Earning his bachelor’s degree in International Business, he joins more than 2,700 fellow graduates in four ceremonies on December 13-14.

“I am very excited to graduate, but even more excited about what’s coming after graduation,” Melendez said, as he prepares to start a new chapter in Austin as a marketer in Dell Technologies’ global marketing department. 

Despite his new role, Melendez plans to continue building his venture – Shape Cards – which he developed in August 2022 to eliminate the use of paper business cards.

INNOVATIVE IDEA

Shape Cards are reusable plastic business cards that use near field communication (NFC) sensors and QR code technology. They link to a customizable Linktree, allowing users to save contact information directly to their phones and access additional social media or websites from their profiles.

“The company began as an idea just to make money,” Melendez said. “But I noticed this could help people connect easier, faster and better through a digital business card.

To kickstart Shape Cards, he invested $300 of his own money to secure the LLC certificate of formation and received seed money from Expanding Frontiers, a nonprofit in Brownsville that helps expand space and energy technologies.

Alongside his friend and chief technology officer, Ramon Garcia, they began work on bringing in clients. Their clientele has grown to more than 40 customers and includes companies and government agencies. 

Sebastian Melendez will start a new chapter in Austin as a marketer in Dell Technologies’ global marketing department. Despite his new role, Melendez plans to continue growing his company – Shape Cards – which he began in August 2022 to eliminate the use of paper business cards. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

BALANCING EDUCATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

While pursuing his degree and entrepreneurial aspirations, Melendez participated in various business competitions – Battle of the Brains and UTRGV’s Business Plan Competition – showcasing Shape Cards. In 2023, he and classmate Osiel Fernandez Garcia represented UTRGV in the National Sales Challenge in Wayne, New Jersey, placing seventh out of 34 collegiate teams in the nation.

Melendez credits his mother, Dinorah Elizabeth Ramirez Reyna, with instilling in him the mantra to “finish with excellence.” This advice has guided him throughout his life. He thanked his mother for urging him to try one semester at UTRGV, where he discovered his spirit and passion for business and marketing.

Both his parents, including his father, Luis Esteban Melendez Baldazo, have been his core support system and share immense pride in his accomplishments.

“As parents, we are very happy and proud that Sebastian finished school. He deserves all his success,” they said. “He has worked very hard and put in much effort to further his education. Congratulations to Sebastian!”

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Melendez said he faced challenges during his academic journey, particularly with English fluency. He worked on improving those skills by engaging with peers, asking questions and reading.

“I started my first semester, and I was really stressed, but there were a couple things that made me realize that I wanted to stay,” he reflected. “For example, the resources that students have here don't exist in Mexico. Simple things like emailing your professor for inquiries, Wi-Fi in the university and even having AC in the classrooms.” 

While the amenities were nice, it was ultimately the educational programs at the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship that convinced Melendez he had made the right decision. In Brownsville, Melendez found the ideal environment where he could grow as a student and a professional.

MENTORSHIP AND FUTURE ASPIRATIONS

Melendez said he found academic and professional support from key mentors – Jesse Jones, a lecturer in Marketing, and Dr. Peter Magnusson, chair and professor in the Department of Marketing. Jones, a Shape Cards customer, often advises Melendez and emerging marketers to “always maximize your opportunities,” a principle Melendez embodies.

Magnusson praises Melendez as a hard-working student who fully embraces the opportunities UTRGV offers.

“The best adventures are just beginning – go out and make your mark on the world,” Magnusson encouraged.

Looking ahead, Melendez plans to maximize his opportunities in the future by traveling more, further developing Shape Cards and learning a third language – French.