Bowie State Co-hosts ‘Gurlz Just Wanna Have Fund$’ Luncheon and Competition

Students Bring High Energy and Innovation to the Contest

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.)—The Black Door Society and Bowie State University’s Entrepreneurship Innovation Center (EIC) partnered to deliver an unforgettable experience through the “Gurlz Just Wanna Have Fund$” Wealth Luncheon and Pitch Competition. 

“This powerful collaboration gave our student entrepreneurs direct access to mentorship, resources, and a dynamic network of accomplished business leaders,” said Johnetta Hardy, executive director of the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center.  “Watching our students pitch with passion and growing confidence was truly inspiring. It’s moments like these that reaffirm our mission to cultivate the next generation of visionary entrepreneurs and changemakers.” 

Students vied for $1,850 in cash prizes, pitching their business ventures to a panel of esteemed judges and receiving direct feedback from industry experts. 

Winners of the pitch competition included: 

• First place ($750): AriAnna Redmond – Tony’s Kitchen and Bakery 

• Second place ($500): Jenaiyah Lewis – Scrubbie Scoops 

• Third place ($350): Juliana Pianim and Ashanti Boone – Screen Sight 

• Runner-up ($250): Justice Morant – Sister Sync
  

The event buzzed with creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing the exceptional talent and determination of Bowie State students.  

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.