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Alex Flores �Ӱ�ԭ��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 �Ӱ�ԭ�� all women �Ӱ�ԭ�� discussed their inspiration, ideas, and goals as part of their pitches, which Flores called �Ӱ�ԭ��admirable.�Ӱ�ԭ��

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

�Ӱ�ԭ��It�Ӱ�ԭ��s refreshing to see how inspiring these individuals are who shared their pitches,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Flores, who serves as assistant treasurer of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Women in Business Club, which organized the event. �Ӱ�ԭ��We�Ӱ�ԭ��re always looking for insights from small business owners, as well as stories of triumph and what can be learned from failure.�Ӱ�ԭ��

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.

�Ӱ�ԭ��This was an amazing opportunity�Ӱ�ԭ��

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.

�Ӱ�ԭ��We�Ӱ�ԭ��re celebrating these ladies because of their accomplishments, tenacity, and entrepreneurial mindset,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Candice Deal, Ph.D., assistant dean of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Pompea College of Business. �Ӱ�ԭ��Pompea EntreprenHER is not just a competition. It�Ӱ�ԭ��s a platform to support women and assist them.�Ӱ�ԭ��

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

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

�Ӱ�ԭ��This was an amazing opportunity,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Providence, an economics major. �Ӱ�ԭ��We appreciate the entrepreneurs who pitched their businesses.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��Their businesses are inspiring and purpose-driven�Ӱ�ԭ��

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 �Ӱ�ԭ��01 M.S., �Ӱ�ԭ��19 EMBA, co-founder of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Women�Ӱ�ԭ��s Leadership Council and chair of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Pompea College of Business Advisory Board, announced the results of the competition.

�Ӱ�ԭ��This was a fabulous event,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Moran, an executive vice president and chief corporate services & consumer lending officer at who also serves as a member of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Board of Governors. �Ӱ�ԭ��I was so inspired I didn�Ӱ�ԭ��t 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.�Ӱ�ԭ��