One McDaniel student will win $5,000 Thursday night, at the college’s annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge. The prize money is awarded for creating an exceptional entrepreneurial product or innovative idea. Five finalists will present to a panel of judges at 6 p.m., in Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center, 2 College Hill, Westminster. The event is free to attend and open to the public. A pre-reception will begin at 5 p.m. In addition to the $5,000 grand prize, three $1,000 prizes are also available. The runner-up will win $1,000 as will the people’s choice winner. Judges may also award another $1,000 to a project that represents community change. Among the finalists is Gifted Readings, a publishing company that aims to disperse educational and recreational books that feature children of color. The company will be presented to judges by senior communications major Eno Akpan. “We’re on a mission to share captivating children’s books that celebrate kids of all colors,” Akpan said. “Our goal is simple: we want every Black and brown child to dive into the enchanting world of reading, where they not only find joy but also see themselves reflected in their beloved fairy tales and fantasy adventures.” Lauren Dixon, a junior business administration major, will present FyFence to judges, a wind blocker designed to prevent lighter flames from extinguishing. “FyFence is designed to be a wind blocker for lighter flames when one is attempting to use a lighter in weather conditions that interrupt the flame,” according to Dixon. MYCHI, a platform that connects first-generation college students with guidance and support from mentors, will be presented by senior business administration major Melissa Torres. “MYCHI is an integrated mentorship app designed to empower first-generation college students and working professionals by seamlessly connecting mentors and mentees, facilitating goal setting, and enabling efficient communication through chat and video sessions,” according to Torres, “all at the click of a button.” Mecca Astro adaptable bag is a multi-use bag that can be used as a purse, tote or backpack. Sophomore cinema major Moonasia Williams will present it to judges. “The Mecca Astro adaptable bag is an on-trend bag that easily converts from purse to tote bag to backpack,” Williams said. “Each time the bag transforms, it changes colors. Each bag features one astrology sign. Consumers have the opportunity to select astrology from among Roman, Chinese, and African [Orisha] to best reflect themselves.” Trauma, a card game in which players attempt to retain body parts, will be presented by first-year art and communication major Josiah Yung. “Trauma is a brand-new card game with a fun playing style that brings people together,” Yung said. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge is part of McDaniel’s Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, an academic program open to students in any major that is aimed at developing enterprising skills. Each finalist also participated in McDaniel’s eight-week Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge Training Program, led by McDaniel’s entrepreneur-in-residence Jennifer Yang. Each student was paired with an alumnus mentor and a faculty mentor to assist them in developing their ideas and getting ready for the competition, according to a McDaniel College news release. The three-judge panel includes Carroll County Department of Economic Development Director Denise Beaver; McDaniel alumnus and the college’s former entrepreneur-in-residence Jason Stambaugh; and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation’s Rural Business Innovation Initiative Manager Karen Zuccardi. McDaniel’s innovation and entrepreneurship faculty adviser and economics and business administration lecturer Kathleen Pratt will serve as master of ceremonies. The event will also be broadcast by the Community Media Center on cable channel HD-1086 and streamed live on the Community Media Center’s Facebook and YouTube.
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