By Professor Nitza Luna
Two Photography students from the School of Arts, Design and Creative Industries at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón earned first and second place in the university category of the Retratos de Prosperidad 2026 competition, a recognition that reaffirms the academic and artistic excellence fostered at Sagrado.
As part of the Integrative Photography Seminar (FOT 480), the students participated in the annual Retratos de Prosperidad competition, an educational initiative by Centro CRECE that has combined photography, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship for the past five years. The competition challenges participants to identify a business owner or entrepreneur in their community and tell their story through a photograph or short film, encouraging reflection on the role of entrepreneurship and private enterprise in Puerto Rico’s economic and social development.
Throughout its five editions, the program has received 470 photographs and videos from 166 schools and universities. In addition, it has documented the stories of 465 entrepreneurs, while the exhibition has welcomed more than 4,500 visitors, establishing itself as an important platform for showcasing entrepreneurship and student creative talent.
For the 2026 edition, 100 photographs and five short films were selected for the exhibition held at Plaza Las Américas from June 17–27, 2026.
In the university category, Eddiel Morales Méndez received first place, while Magdiel Ayala Rivera earned second place. Both students were recognized for the technical quality, artistic vision, and storytelling strength of their work.
This outstanding achievement highlights the strength of Sagrado’s Photography program and the talent of its students, who continue to demonstrate that photography is more than an artistic medium—it is a powerful tool for documenting reality, telling meaningful stories, and contributing to a more informed and engaged society.