Local entrepreneur tours South Georgia Tech

August 2, 2024
Mrs. Elena Carne’ Lorenz is shown above with SGTC President Dr. Watford.
Mrs. Elena Carne’ Lorenz is shown above with SGTC President Dr. Watford.

   South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford invited local CEO/Fashion Designer Elena Carne’ Lorenz of T31 Design House to tour South Georgia Technical College and learn more about the over 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs available locally.

   Carne’ Lorenz had spoken to the SGTC Criminal Justice students recently as part of an Ethics and Cultural Diversity class.  Mrs. Elena Carne’ Lorenz is the owner of T31 Design House in Americus, GA.  She is from Venezuelan and has overcome many trials and tribulations on the way to becoming a successful Venezuelan-American business woman.  She was invited to share her story and also talk about cultural diversity with the SGTC Criminal Justice students.

   T31 Design House is a Full-Service Design Development, Sewing Contractor and Manufacturer. They are striving to make a difference one stitch at a time.  T31 embodies the essence of their mission.  “T” signifies Tepuy, akin to “Tepui” – a “House of God.”  The number 31 draws from Proverbs 31, portraying a woman of noble character – embodying the virtues of strength, diligence, faith, and integrity. 

   They are striving to Empower Dreams while Stitching Futures.  As a design and sewing house, they weave threads of possibility, crafting not just garments but opportunities.  They light the path to realizing ambitions and nurturing local talent through job creation and training.  They are also encouraging young people to continue their education through summer sewing camps to showcase their creativity and skills.

    “I had the opportunity to hear Elena Carne’ Lorenz share her story when she spoke to our Criminal Justice students,” explained President Watford.  “I really enjoyed learning more about her and her entrepreneurial spirt and invited her to come back and take a tour of the entire campus.”

   Dr. Watford and Carne’ Lorenz talked about the importance of education and the different opportunities that SGTC has to offer students of all ages through dual enrollment, High School Equivalency/GED classes and the over 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit educational programs. He also shared with her how SGTC is “Bridging the Gap” for workforce education.

    “I was fascinated to learn more about her journey to America and Americus and how she developed her own successful business and was able to overcome obstacles and thrive,” added Dr. Watford.  “I believe that she has a lot to offer Americus and was grateful that she was interested in learning more about South Georgia Technical College and our educational offerings.”