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Alex Flores 鈥�22 recently attended a unique program during which five Connecticut entrepreneurs presented their businesses and shared their passion with the University community. The business founders 鈥� all women 鈥� discussed their inspiration, ideas, and goals as part of their pitches, which Flores called 鈥渁dmirable.鈥�

Following the entrepreneurs鈥� pitches, Flores spoke as part of the event, titled Pompea EntreprenHER, inviting the entrepreneurs who presented to collaborate with the University and mentor students.

鈥淚t鈥檚 refreshing to see how inspiring these individuals are who shared their pitches,鈥� said Flores, who serves as assistant treasurer of the University鈥檚 Women in Business Club, which organized the event. 鈥淲e鈥檙e always looking for insights from small business owners, as well as stories of triumph and what can be learned from failure.鈥�

Among those pitching their businesses were the founders of both Queen Bee, which creates and sells health shots and supports the protection of bees, and Big Hire, a construction industry recruitment and training company. Each founder discussed her company, its products and/or services, and its goals.

鈥楾his was an amazing opportunity鈥�

Endeavoring to empower women, the competition, which was open to entrepreneurs in all industries, provided a platform for the entrepreneurs to showcase their passion and creativity, as well as their business. Participants enhanced their professional skills while networking with mentors and investors and gaining brand exposure.

鈥淲e鈥檙e celebrating these ladies because of their accomplishments, tenacity, and entrepreneurial mindset,鈥� said Candice Deal, Ph.D., assistant dean of the University鈥檚 Pompea College of Business. 鈥淧ompea EntreprenHER is not just a competition. It鈥檚 a platform to support women and assist them.鈥�

Held virtually, entrepreneurs presented their pitches to the University community, as well as a panel of judges that included Debra Logan-Rabb 鈥�92 MBA, a member of the University鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Leadership Council who now works for , and Susan D鈥橝gostino 鈥�85 MBA, a member of the Women鈥檚 Leadership Council and the Pompea College of Business advisory board.

Several students also participated in the program. Gabriella Garcia-Perez 鈥�24, a business management major, discussed the Community Integration Mentoring Program, the nonprofit organization she founded, and Hannah Providence 鈥�22 helped present one of the awards.

鈥淭his was an amazing opportunity,鈥� said Providence, an economics major. 鈥淲e appreciate the entrepreneurs who pitched their businesses.鈥�

鈥楾heir businesses are inspiring and purpose-driven鈥�

To take part in the competition, entrepreneurs had to have businesses that were at least in the startup phase or very close to launch. Businesses must have been led by a female CEO or have at least half of its founders be female or self-identifying as female. Entrepreneurs competed for monetary awards as well as mentorship opportunities.

, which creates and sells inclusive and sustainably produced dancewear, captured third place in the competition, and , a media company that shares the stories of young Black women, finished in second place. , a smart robot for golf course maintenance, captured first place.

Josephine Moran 鈥�01 M.S., 鈥�19 EMBA, co-founder of the University鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Leadership Council and chair of the University鈥檚 Pompea College of Business Advisory Board, announced the results of the competition.

鈥淭his was a fabulous event,鈥� said Moran, an executive vice president and chief corporate services & consumer lending officer at who also serves as a member of the University鈥檚 Board of Governors. 鈥淚 was so inspired I didn鈥檛 want it to end. Everyone did a great job, and their presentations were amazing. Their businesses are inspiring and purpose-driven. They are all winners.鈥�