GIRLS WITH IMPACT IGNITE! VENTURE COMPETITION CROWNS YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2024
Greenwich, CT - Girls With Impact (GWI), the leading online business academy for young women, is proud to announce the winners of the IGNITE! Venture Competition from D.C., New York, and Connecticut.
“This program changed my perspective on entrepreneurship,” said Rashana, now a GWI graduate. “My biggest takeaway is that entrepreneurship is not a solo sport, rather, entrepreneurship is about embracing the relentless pursuit of an opportunity.”
The quarterly GWI IGNITE! Venture Competition provides a stage for young women to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. With guidance from industry experts and the opportunity to win prize money, participants are equipped with the resources they need to transform their ideas into successful ventures.
Winners are as follows:
Sienna R. (15) from Washington, D.C. claimed the first-place prize of $1000 for her venture, Agora. Agora is a virtual cultural exchange program designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among bilingual English and Spanish-speaking high school students in North and South America. Sienna's passion for cultivating diversity and empathy among youth shines through in her innovative venture.
Sienna’s virtual program was inspired by her trip abroad, to foster a cultural understanding between English and Spanish-speaking high school students in North and South America.
Annina B. (14) from New Rochelle, NY, secured the second-place prize of $750 for her venture, Smile Right Project. Annina's venture aims to make dental care easily accessible and affordable for the elderly who do not have access to dental services. The Smile Right Project demonstrates Annina's commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and improving the quality of life for underserved communities.
Annina working on her venture Smile Right Project, making dental care easily accessible and affordable for the elderly.
Rashana W. (22) from Stamford, CT, clinched the third-place prize of $500 for her venture, The Cultured Collective. The Cultured Collective is a children's book collective dedicated to creating picture books that celebrate minoritized cultures. Rashana's venture aims to reduce the diversity gap in publishing and promote cross-cultural awareness among youth.
Rashana and her children’s book prototype The World of Asia, a picture book to celebrate minority cultures.
"We are incredibly impressed by the creativity, innovation, and social impact demonstrated by our graduates," said Jennifer Openshaw, CEO of Girls With Impact. "These young entrepreneurs are leading the way in creating positive change in their communities and beyond."
GWI invites aspiring young entrepreneurs to enroll in its Summer Intensive program, where they can receive expert guidance and support to turn their business ideas into reality. By participating in the Summer Intensive, students also become eligible to enter the IGNITE! Venture Competition and have the chance to win prize money.
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About Girls With Impact
Girls With Impact, a 501c3, is the nation’s leading business and leadership program for young women 14-24. Featured in the New York Times, the 10-week “mini-MBA” moves women from ideation to a business plan and venture pitch, driving improvements in confidence, leadership, college and career readiness, and professional skills for success.
For more information about Girls With Impact and to enroll in the Summer Intensive program, visit girlswithimpact.org.
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Contact:
Emily Adji
emily.adji@girlswithimpact.org
2033144011