Latest news with #NationalChampion
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Providence Student Wins NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,000 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Boston, MA, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named four local student businesses as the winners of its annual New England Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Aurora Castillo Magner, Executive Director, Digital Product Management & Transformation Readiness at Santander Bank; Elise Hanaoka, Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (EY US); Tameem Hourani, Founder & Principal of and Katie Quigley Mellor, Program Director, Social Entrepreneurship at Innovate@BU. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, and two runners up to receive $250 each. 1st Place: Evan Perez from The MET School in Providence, Rhode Island, with his business idea Color Your Life, which produces hyper-personalized coloring books designed to get kids away from their digital devices. 2nd Place: Dayneris Rodriguez and Rachel Soto from Discovery High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, with their business idea Eternal Fantasies, which produces eco-friendly, long-lasting, beautiful flower bouquets made from ribbons. Runner Up: Rieden Harlow-Rivas and Yianni Nikolaou from Ipswich High School in Ipswich, Massachusetts, with their business idea Birdies N' Bass, a fishing rod that is the ultimate fusion of two beloved outdoor activities, golf and fishing, into one versatile, eye-catching tool. Runner Up: Jessica Zanchi from Keefe Regional Technical High School in Framingham, Massachusetts, with her business idea Groundlevel, a service business that partners with the video game industry to produce alternative accessible versions of popular titles in order to cater to common physical disabilities. 'This year our young entrepreneurial finalists truly represent NFTE's regional footprint and the growing entrepreneurial spirit from various corners across Massachusetts and Rhode Island,' said Jennifer Green, NFTE New England Sr. Program Manager. 'Our NFTE entrepreneurs from Providence, Springfield, Framingham and Ipswich had ideas that ranged from creating innovative new products by leveraging AI and handmade craftsmanship to creating lifelong memories, to providing a service that brings accessibility and inclusivity to the gaming world. I'm incredibly proud of our students this year, and so grateful to our NFTE teachers and volunteers for supporting them along their journey to become the next generation of entrepreneurial doers and thinkers.' The event also honored Rookie Teacher of the Year Tate Shippen from Ipswich High School and Veteran Teacher of the Year Matt Warren from Keefe Regional Technical High School, as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Blake Underhill and corporate Volunteer of the Year Brookline Bank for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by EY US and Santander Bank, with signature support from Brookline Bank and associate support from the Eastern Bank, PayPal, and Zuora. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Los Angeles Student Wins NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,500 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Los Angeles, CA, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named five local student businesses as the winners of its annual West Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Dulari Amin, Co-Founder of Antonia Castro, NFTE alumna and Program Manager of SoLA Impact; Devang Gaur, Product Manager at Adobe; Amir Mossanen, Managing Director, Wealth Advisor at Truist Wealth; and Brittany Trick, VP Small Business Sales Manager of U.S. Bank. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, a third-place winner to receive $500, and two runners up to receive $250 each. 1st Place: Andre Cheng from Florence Nightingale Middle School in Los Angeles with his business idea Mindi, a mental health app that is low pressure, accessible, and anonymous. 2nd Place: Jamie Jimenez, also from Florence Nightingale Middle School in Los Angeles, with her business idea Soberband, a wristband that uses light technology to accurately measure a driver's blood alcohol content. 3rd Place: Lychee Li from the Los Angeles Urban League with her business idea Mischee Film, a production company that will produce 12 short films per year, each one focusing on a specific perspective or type of crime. Runner Up: Noelle Kanon from Joseph A Gregori High School in Modesto, California, with her business idea Smart Swing, an AI gadget that attaches to a tennis player's racket to accurately pinpoint whether the ball is in or out. Runner Up: Cicily Yu & Raymond Cheung Wu from Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco with their business idea NatureHue, a sustainable marker brand that reduces plastic waste while providing users with a non-toxic marker made of all natural ingredients. 'The NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is a powerful reminder of what our young people can accomplish when given the tools and support to pursue their ideas,' said Emma Hunt, Program Director of NFTE West. 'This year's competitors demonstrated exceptional innovation, resilience, and a real passion for entrepreneurship. We're incredibly proud of each student who participated and deeply grateful to the educators, coaches, and judges who helped make this experience so impactful. Their commitment to our students' success continues to drive this program forward.' The event also honored Teachers of the Year Crystal Mitchell and Rhonda Holbert from the Los Angeles Urban League, as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Chris Boyd from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and corporate Volunteer of the Year BMO for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and U.S. Bank with signature support from Santander Bank and associate support from First Citizens Bank, PayPal, and Zuora. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicago Student Wins NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,550 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Chicago, IL, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named six local student businesses as the winners of its annual Midwest Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Jennifer L. Husbands, PhD, Founder of Steward Education Advisors; Fatima Iqbal, Discovery Specialist at Traub & Associates and CEO of Naz Exotic Auto; Sholape Kolawole, EY–Parthenon Chicago Office Leader; Marcus A. Payne, Vice President, Operations at Ingredion; and Aaron Trinidad, NFTE alumnus and Account Management at Ogilvy. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, and a third-place winner to receive $500. The audience also selected a fast pitch people's choice winner receiving $250 and two runners up each receiving $150. 1st Place: Joshua Mallory from Chicago Hope Academy with his business idea Easy Fit, which provides accessible dress shirts with magnetic closures for people with upper body mobility challenges. 2nd Place: Prince Amankwaa from Horizon Science Academy in Columbus, Ohio, with his business idea Goal Home, which brings affordable, high-quality soccer camps directly to underserved neighborhoods. 3rd Place: Aminah Taylor from the Saint Louis Science Center with her business idea Fye Haven, which provides a bridge between therapy and everyday life for people with autism, fostering independence and growth through accessible, tailored support. 'We are immensely proud of the outstanding youth who have participated in competitions across the Midwest,' said Dr. Scott Nasatir, NFTE Midwest Executive Director. "These remarkable young entrepreneurs are not only generating innovative solutions to complex societal challenges, but they are also deeply committed to enhancing their local communities. Their dedication, along with the steadfast support of their educators and families, is truly commendable.' The event also honored Rookie Teacher of the Year Harvey Love and Veteran Teacher of the Year Luke Petro, as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Kristoffer Kizer and corporate Volunteer of the Year ShipBob for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and Ingredion, with signature support from Santander Bank, associate support from PayPal and Zuora, and additional support from Slalom. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grand Prairie, Texas Students Win NFTE South Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,200 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE South Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champions 2025 NFTE South Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Dallas, TX, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named five local student businesses as the winners of its annual South Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, hosted by Comerica Bank. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Melinda Chausse, Senior EVP and Chief Credit Officer at Comerica Bank; Lincoln Cohoon, Tax Principal at Ernst & Young LLP (EY US); Amari DeFrance, NFTE alumna and Marketing Coordinator for Workforce Development at the Dallas Independent School District; James McGee, President/Chair at Southern Dallas Progress Community Development Corporation; and Kelli Vibert, VP, Client Services Leader at Fidelity Investments. They selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, a third-place winner to receive $500, and two runners up to each receive $100. 1st Place: Kamsi Dukes & Aaira Masood from Grand Prairie School for the Highly Gifted in Grand Prairie, Texas, with their business idea Child Guardian, a watch that can ping a teacher's phone in situations where problems, including bullying, arise. 2nd Place: Jonathan Campos from Career Institute North in Dallas, Texas, with his business idea JC Productions, a premier drone service offering professional aerial cinematography. 3rd Place: J. Cruz Malagon & Raul Torres, Jr. from Price Career Institute in Dallas, Texas, with their business idea LittleLand Living, which provides simple, functional, and eco-friendly tiny homes that are affordable, customizable, and family friendly. Runner up: Kevin Navarro from Nimitz High School in Irving, Texas, with his business idea Choose Bake Now, a cake baking service whose main mission is to provide cakes to those who are last-minute shoppers. Runner up: Lexi Hoffman from Henry Longfellow Career Exploration Academy in Dallas, Texas, with her business idea Lexi's Sweet Treats, homemade dairy-free cookies that come in many flavors. 'We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our NFTE South students,' said Jennifer Lunt, NFTE South Lead Program Associate. 'Their achievements are a testament to their innovation, resilience, and dedication—not only to their business ventures but also to the betterment of their communities. The level of excellence they brought to the competition far exceeded expectations, showcasing not just entrepreneurial talent, but also a profound sense of social responsibility. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to the passionate educators and supportive families who have guided and uplifted them along the way. NFTE South celebrates each of you!' The event also honored individual Volunteer of the Year Meshell Baker and corporate Volunteer of the Year Fidelity Investments for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE South Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by EY US, with signature support from Santander Bank and associate support from PayPal and Zuora. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE South Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champions 2025 NFTE South Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Reinier De Ridder reveals what he told Bo Nickal in classy message after UFC fight
De Ridder handed the American star his first career loss on Saturday night as the two middleweight contenders came face-to-face in Des Moines UFC star Reinier De Ridder has revealed exactly what he said to Bo Nickal following their showdown on Saturday night. The top middleweight contenders went head-to-head in Des Moines at UFC on ESPN 67 - which was topped by a thrilling bantamweight bout between Cory Sandhagen and ex-flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. Despite De Ridder's seasoned record, the former ONE world champion wasn't favoured to win against Nickal. However, 'The Dutch Knight' took control of the fight and dealt Nickal his first professional defeat with a second-round knockout. While critics were quick to pounce on Nickal's performance in the octagon, De Ridder isn't convinced that the three-time National Champion wrestler was truly outclassed. Showing real sportsmanship, De Ridder didn't hesitate to console his American opponent in the cage. The words exchanged weren't captured on film, but the Dutch fighter disclosed the details during a backstage interview post-fight. "It feels pretty good, given all the hype around Bo Nickal, to be the one to take the O," he expressed. "I said it to him after the fight: 'I'm happy I had to fight you now and not in three years,' because he's going to be a beast, man. He's going to be a monster." After clinching another victory in the UFC, De Ridder is on course for a shot at the top contenders in the middleweight division, setting his sights on UFC gold. On the flip side, Nickal is heading straight back to the drawing board after a crushing defeat in the cage. Despite the setback, the 29-year-old remains optimistic. He took to Instagram to share his thoughts: "Grateful for the highs and lows. I'll be back." So impressed is De Ridder with Nickal's potential that he's keen to join forces for training. Speaking with MMA Fighting, the 34-year-old Dutch star expressed his eagerness on Monday: "I would really like to work with this guy. I would really like to work with him. Because of the skill set he brings, it would be awesome to train together. I don't really know if me being a Kill Cliff guy now and him being [American Top Team] is going to work out, but maybe we can do it low-key and not tell anybody." De Ridder predicts a formidable comeback for Nickal after this recent defeat. He feels fortunate to have faced him now rather than later, stating: "I'm just happy I got a chance to fight him now and not in three years," and continued with high praise for Nickal: "In three years, he's going to be a f****** killer. He's going to run through everybody."
