First-year student Josiah Yung wins top prize and People's Choice at McDaniel's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge

Update: First-year student Josiah Yung, Art major with a specialization in Graphic Design and Communication major, who presented Trauma, earned the $5,000 top prize as the first-place winner and $1,000 for People's Choice at McDaniel's 2024 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Josiah Yung Trauma — First-year student Josiah Yung, Art major with a specialization in Graphic Design and Communication major, who presented Trauma, earned the $5,000 top prize as the first-place winner and $1,000 for People's Choice at McDaniel's 2024 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge. He is pictured with judges Denise L. Beaver, Karen Zuccardi, and Jason Stambaugh '07.

UPDATE: Trauma presented by first-year student Josiah Yung, Art major with a specialization in Graphic Design and Communication major from Takoma Park, Maryland, earned the $5,000 top prize as the first-place winner of McDaniel’s 2004 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge. Trauma was also the $1,000 People's Choice winner.
Resilient Roots presented by senior Melissa Torres, Business Administration major, received $1,000 as the runner-up and $1,000 as the Community Changer award recipient.
The five finalists also participated in McDaniel’s eight-week Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge Training Program leading up to the competition.

On Thursday, April 18, at 6 p.m., five McDaniel student finalists compete for a $5,000 top prize by presenting their entrepreneurial ideas and innovative products to a panel of experts at the annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge. Other cash prizes include $1,000 for the runner-up and $1,000 for the People’s Choice, as well as, at the judges' discretion, $1,000 for the Community Changer.

The event, located in Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center, is free and open to the public. A pre-reception starts at 5 p.m.

It is also broadcast by the Community Media Center on cable channel HD-1086 and streamed live on the Community Media Center’s Facebook and YouTube.

Watch the livestream on Thursday, April 18, at 6 p.m.

Click here

Leading up to the event, the five finalists participated in McDaniel’s eight-week Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge Training Program led by Jennifer Yang, McDaniel’s entrepreneur-in-residence. Each student was also paired with an alumni mentor and a faculty mentor to assist them in developing their ideas and getting ready for the competition.

In addition, McDaniel students have the opportunity to participate in entrepreneurship activities while making connections in the community during Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week, leading up to the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge. The weeklong series of events is in partnership with StartUp Portal, 1 Million Cups, MAGIC, and Covalent Spirits.

The five finalists are:

Gifted Readings Presented by senior Eno Akpan

Eno Akpan is a Communication major from Fulton, Maryland.

Gifted Readings is a publishing company that aims to distribute educational and recreational books in which children of color are represented.

“We’re on a mission to share captivating children's books that celebrate kids of all colors. Our goal is simple: we want every Black and Brown child to dive into the enchanting world of reading, where they not only find joy but also see themselves reflected in their beloved fairy tales and fantasy adventures,” said Akpan.

FyFence Presented by junior Lauren Dixon

Lauren Dixon is a Business Administration major from Baltimore.

FyFence is designed to be a wind blocker for lighter flames to prevent flameouts.

“FyFence is designed to be a wind blocker for lighter flames when one is attempting to use a lighter in weather conditions that interrupt the flame,” according to Dixon.

Resilient Roots (formerly MYCHI) Presented by senior Melissa Torres

Melissa Torres is a Business Administration major from Baltimore.

Resilient Roots (formerly MYCHI) is a platform that connects first-generation college students with mentors to provide guidance and support.

“MYCHI is an integrated mentorship app designed to empower first-generation college students and working professionals by seamlessly connecting mentors and mentees, facilitating goal setting, and enabling efficient communication through chat and video sessions, all at the click of a button,” according to Torres.

Mecca Astro adaptable bag Presented by sophomore Moonasia William

Moonasia Williams is a Cinema major from Baltimore.

This color-changing, Zodiac-themed unisex bag converts from a purse to tote bag to backpack.

“The Mecca Astro adaptable bag is an on-trend bag that easily converts from purse to tote bag to backpack,” said Williams. “Each time the bag transforms, it changes colors. Each bag features one astrology sign. Consumers have the opportunity to select astrology from among Roman, Chinese, and African (Orisha) to best reflect themselves.”

Trauma Presented by first-year student Josiah Yung

Josiah Yung is an Art major with a specialization in Graphic Design and Communication major from Takoma Park, Maryland.

A card game with the goal to be the last player to still have a body part.

“Trauma is a brand-new card game with a fun playing style that brings people together,” said Yung.

The judges who will choose the winners include:

Denise L. Beaver was appointed as the director of the Carroll County Department of Economic Development in January 2024 after working in Carroll County Government for 30 years in workforce and economic development. She was a founding member of the Carroll Technology & Innovation Council and serves on the boards for Carroll County Workforce Development, Carroll Arts Council, and Carroll Transit Advisory Council. She is also on the BGE Local Community Advisory Council. A certified economic developer, she served as the Maryland Economic Development Association’s secretary and co-chair of the membership and program committee.
Jason Stambaugh '07 is a a former entrepreneur-in-residence at McDaniel. He has led teams since 2010 in developing SaaS enterprise platforms that services customers in retail, financial markets, and education sectors, and serves as director of accounts and partnerships at DTS Connex, a cash management consulting company. He is involved as a trustee for Hey Westminster, an informal collaborative that gives $1,000 to “an awesome person or project” monthly in Westminster, Maryland, and is also assistant football coach for the Gamber Mustangs.
Karen Zuccardi is manager of the Rural Business Innovation Initiative at TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation), where she oversees the development and growth of entrepreneurs in the northern counties of Maryland. She is passionate about the work she does, believes in rural communities’ untapped potential, and is committed to fostering innovation and growth in these regions.

The master of ceremonies is Kathleen Pratt, adjunct lecturer in Economics and Business Administration and faculty advisor of the college’s Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge is part of McDaniel’s Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, an academic program open to students in any major that is aimed at developing core entrepreneurial skills. Through the program, students have access to the entrepreneur-in-residence, alumni connections, mini grants, and events like the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge. McDaniel students can also choose to minor in Entrepreneurship or major or minor in Marketing.