Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) recently held the 7th annual Innovation Challenge, showcasing the creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial talent of our students. The competition, held twice a year, highlights PVCC’s commitment to fostering innovation and encouraging students to tackle pressing, real-world challenges through creative solutions.
This year, eight talented finalists, selected from a pool of 18 applicants, took the stage to pitch their unique projects. Each presentation reflected the participants’ dedication to entrepreneurship and their vision for improving various aspects of life through innovative ideas.
“I am so proud of the talent and hard work displayed by our students in this year's Innovation Challenge competition. Each finalist brought forward innovative solutions to important problems, demonstrating not only creativity but a deep commitment to making a difference. This was truly inspiring,” said Business Faculty Dr. Kishore Dash, who oversees PVCC’s Entrepreneurship Education Center (EEC). “Congratulations to the winners for their outstanding presentations and impactful ideas! I am excited to see how our students will continue to build on these achievements and inspire others!
“Participating in the PVCC innovation challenge competition has been a pivotal experience for me,” said business student Micaela Lawless, who won first place for her UMOMI-postpartum support app idea. “It allowed me to grow and gain inspiration for my idea through interactions with fellow entrepreneurs, the workshop, and the guidance of Dr. Dash and other mentors. The workshop helped me refine my concept and understand how to present it to investors successfully. Dr. Dash’s deep expertise and passion have made a significant impact on my entrepreneurial path.
“I am thrilled to be representing PVCC at the Big Pitch competition. I believe that my business will play a crucial role in enhancing mental health for new parents and families,” she said.
The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication of our judges, mentors, PVCC’s Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders (ETL) committee members, and Business/IT division staff. Special thanks go to Wells Fargo, the Maricopa Foundation, and the PVCC Business/IT Division for their generous support.
Winners of the Fall 2024 Innovation Challenge
First Place: Micaela Lawless
Project: UMOMI: Postpartum Support
UMOMI is a subscription-based telemedicine app designed to support postpartum mothers with essential, on-demand care. Through the platform, new mothers can access medical professionals and therapists specializing in postpartum support, providing therapy and medication options as needed. Micaela’s winning project earned her the top prize of $1,500 and a chance to represent PVCC at the Big Pitch Competition on November 19.
Second Place: Janobia McClure
Project: Tried & Trusted Advisors
Focused on helping individuals nearing retirement or recently retired, Tried & Trusted Advisors is a Medicare-focused health insurance agency. Janobia’s agency is dedicated to guiding clients through complex healthcare coverage options to ensure well-informed decisions for their retirement years. Janobia took home a prize of $1,000.
Third Place: Abigail Charles
Project: Charles Realty & Co.
Abigail’s venture, Charles Realty & Co., is a real estate consulting firm specializing in residential transactions, client education, and investment management. Her project won third place and a $500 prize, reinforcing the significance of education and support in real estate.
Supporting Innovation at PVCC
Today’s students increasingly seek to forge their own paths, aiming to build self-driven careers with a strong foundation in communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills. The Entrepreneurship Education Center provides critical resources to help both students and local entrepreneurs—especially women, minority-owned small businesses, and new ventures in the Northeast Valley—launch and grow their businesses.
The Innovation Challenge competition reflects PVCC’s mission to foster a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship through the EEC. This center supports PVCC students and the broader community by offering business resources, mentorship, faculty advising, and opportunities for networking and skill-building. From brainstorming sessions to business intelligence research, the EEC equips participants with the tools they need to succeed as entrepreneurs.
The EEC programs, including its offer of Entrepreneurial Studies Certificate program, aim to build entrepreneurial skills by promoting critical thinking and problem-solving applicable to any business field. It offers a comprehensive curriculum with entrepreneurship, business, and technology courses, alongside practical resources such as industry seminars, research projects, and networking with business leaders. Students receive tailored support for business planning, access to advanced technology and data tools, and guidance from experienced faculty. Additionally, the program provides expert feedback on project feasibility and preparation for investor presentations, equipping students with essential skills for business success
To learn more about PVCC’s Entrepreneurship Education Center, its various programs, and get involved in future Innovation Challenges, visit our website or reach out to kishore.dash@paradisevalley.edu.