The FIU Business Panther Sales Tournament once again brought together the best and brightest of the university’s sales students, but this year, the competition took on an even more global dimension.
Hosted Oct. 8–10 by the FIU Global Sales Center, the event featured bilingual sales challenges in English and Spanish — and for the first time, a third track in Portuguese. The addition was made possible through a partnership between the Global Sales Center and FIU’s Brazilian Student Association, offering students the chance to demonstrate not only language skills but also cultural intelligence in the art of selling.
Participants engaged in simulated sales meetings built around Xerox’s Backfile Scanning Solution, a product that helps companies digitize paper records, improve efficiency and transition toward a paperless workplace. Each student tailored their pitch to a unique client scenario, testing their ability to adapt their message across industries and languages.
For Sabrina Isabel Sanchez Carruyo, a marketing major who competed in all three languages, the tournament was both a professional challenge and a personal milestone.
“I think it’s important to show that you can compete in multiple languages,” said Sanchez, who previously secured employment with sponsor company Fastenal after competing in the event. “Cultural literacy is very important. You have to understand people’s customs and communication styles to make a good impression.”
Maria Capote, who won first place and a $500 prize in the Spanish division, described her experience as the culmination of her FIU journey. Competing in both English and Spanish for a second year, she said the preparation was intense but deeply rewarding.
“This was my final semester at FIU, and I wanted to make it unforgettable,” Capote said. “Competing in Spanish, my first language, was powerful. It connects me to my roots and my community, but it’s also a professional advantage in a diverse city like Miami.”
Capote’s case in the Spanish division involved pitching Xerox’s scanning solution to a real estate firm, while her English case focused on a logistics company.
“Even though it was the same product, the approach had to be completely different,” Capote explained. “I learned to understand each client’s business model and craft a value proposition that aligned with their goals. In today’s digital-first world, demonstrating how technology drives efficiency, cost savings and sustainability was the heart of my pitch.”
Fernando Rodriguez (BBA ’04), executive vice president of A Customs Brokerage has served as a judge for several years. He said the event continues to impress him with the caliber and confidence of the students.
“They’re stepping into something new and realizing skills they didn’t know they had,” Rodriguez said. “When students can communicate in another language, it creates a level of comfort and connection that’s essential in business. It’s not just translation, it’s cultural understanding.”
This year’s event underscores FIU Business’s commitment to preparing globally minded graduates. For competitors like Capote and Sanchez, it was more than a test of sales skill — it was a lesson in communication, adaptability and connection.
“It’s not just about closing deals,” Capote said. “It’s about understanding, connecting and creating value in any language.”
For more information about the Panther Sales Tournament and the full list of winners, visit the competition webpage.