Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) celebrated a new wave of entrepreneurs at this fall’s bi-annual Innovation Challenge, a competition run by the college’s Entrepreneurship Education Center (EEC), designed to elevate student entrepreneurs and empower them to launch real-world business ventures.
This year’s first-place winner, Dr. Veronique Pangia, Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD), Associate of Applied Technology, impressed judges with her business, Solutions Personalized Healthcare, a naturopathic medical practice dedicated to supporting perimenopausal and menopausal women through holistic, science-based care. Pangia earned a $2,000 award and will go on to represent PVCC at the ASU–MCCCD Student Pitch Competition in April 2026 at Phoenix Forge, where there will be $20,000 in prize money granted.
While Pangia took the top honor, second-place honors went to Holly Bennett, founder of The Healing Box Company ($1,500), and third-place – Janobia McClure, creator of Tried & Trusted Advisors ($500), a Medicare-focused health insurance agency.
"This year's competition demonstrated the incredible potential our students have to shape the future,” said Dr. Kishore Dash, director of PVCC’s EEC. “After several weeks of preparation, mentorship, workshops, and refinement, our eight finalists took the stage to present innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges in the field of consumer products, hospitality service, Medicare service, wellness treatment and digital platforms. Their creativity, resilience, and willingness to tackle big problems remind us why entrepreneurship education matters. We are proud of every participant, and we look forward to supporting their next steps as they turn powerful ideas into meaningful action.”
Expanding Holistic Care Through Entrepreneurship
For Pangia, entrepreneurship has become a natural step in her lifelong pursuit of healing. Solutions Personalized Healthcare specializes in providing individualized, clinically grounded, whole-person care to perimenopausal and menopausal women; an underserved population whose symptoms are often overlooked.
“I provide clinically proven, individual strategies, grounded in science, and delivered with heart for complete and optimal health,” said Pangia, who learned about the competition through Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.“There is a need out there, and this process has helped me clarify how I can offer mind, spirit, body medicine.”
Pangia’s passion for medicine runs deep. Raised in a family of physicians, she grew up in a home where nutrition, wellness, and curiosity about the body were central to everyday life. After double majoring in sociology and women’s studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, Pangia was originally on track for veterinary school, but shifted direction when she encountered the philosophy of naturopathic medicine. Reading the core principles of naturopathic medicine, she recalled thinking, “That’s it.” She went on to earn her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA, committing herself to a holistic, root-cause approach to care.
At the heart of her work is one essential skill: listening. “So many people are misinformed, and doctors are quick to dismiss women’s symptoms, causing needless suffering,” Pangia said. “I go deep. I look beyond the symptoms at the tip of the iceberg, filtering all the information I gather from patients through a scientific lens, to formulate comprehensive strategies to restore balance, in both body and mind."
Pangia shared that participating in the Innovation Challenge has been transformative. Mentorship from the EEC judges encouraged her to view her practice through a business lens for the first time. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” she said. “This competition opened my eyes to so much I never considered before. I am beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity and (our mentors) heartfelt dedication to seeing us all succeed.”
Second-place winner Bennett had a similar reaction to participating in the Innovation Challenge, saying, “Everyone was very supportive and inspiring. Their mentorship, resources, and genuine belief in my vision gave me the confidence to present my business with purpose. Dr. (Kishore) Dash’s guidance throughout the challenge truly helped me see myself as an entrepreneur.
Bennett’s business, The Healing Box Company, offers curated subscription boxes designed to comfort and support individuals coping with grief, trauma, or major life transitions. Each box includes four to six thoughtful items that help recipients Calm, Reflect, Express, Restore, Comfort, and Connect.
“The Healing Box solves the problem of how to truly support someone in pain,” said the business and marketing student. “It’s not just a product; it’s a reminder that no one heals alone.”
Bennett credits the EEC and Dr. Dash for empowering her entrepreneurial confidence. “The Innovation Challenge gave me the chance to refine my business plan, strengthen my pitch, and identify ways to connect with my audience more effectively. It also helped me gain clarity on my pricing, marketing strategy, and the deeper purpose behind The Healing Box Company.”
Inspired by her own path through healing and resilience, she plans to launch the first phase of her business in early 2026 through partnerships with Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, followed by national expansion.
McClure, who won third place in the competition, marketed her company, Tried & Trusted Advisors, a Medicare-focused health insurance agency that helps individuals nearing retirement make informed decisions about their coverage. The business is dedicated to reducing confusion, empowering clients, and ensuring seniors have access to clear, compassionate guidance in navigating the complex world of Medicare.
Cultivating Ideas Into Impact
PVCC’s Innovation Challenge is part of the college’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurs through the EEC, a hub where students develop business concepts, receive one-on-one mentoring, and learn how to turn ideas into action. The center stands out by helping students develop true entrepreneurial DNA: critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world business skills that translate across industries. Through a blend of entrepreneurship, business, and technology coursework, students receive a comprehensive, hands-on education supported by expert faculty, the latest technology, and access to research databases. The EEC offers business development workshops, multidisciplinary projects, networking with local leaders, and customized tools and guidance. Students also receive personalized support with business plans, feasibility studies, and pitch preparation, ensuring they’re ready to launch, sustain, and grow their ventures.
Dr. Dash gave special thanks to the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and their Everyday Entrepreneur Program for their grant for PVCC’s 2025 Innovation Challenge Competition. 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 [email protected].