Student Wins Top Prize at 2025 Bulldog Pitch Competition with Innovative Venture ‘HairHaven’

Entrepreneurial Spirit Shines as Students Compete for $20,000

 

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.) — The Student Center Ballroom at Bowie State University buzzed with innovation and anticipation during the 2025 Bulldog Pitch Competition, hosted by the university’s Entrepreneurship Innovation Center. The event spotlighted eight exceptional student entrepreneurs, each competing for a share of $20,000 in prize money in a high-stakes, Shark Tank-style finale. 

Dayana Ferrufino, a junior majoring in information systems and science, earned the top award of $8,000 in the revenue-generating category for her trailblazing venture, HairHaven — a tech-enabled media hub that provides resources, training, and services in photography, podcasting, and videography, aimed at empowering emerging content creators. 

“This experience was more than just a pitch, it was a moment to stand for creators who don’t always have access to the tools or platforms to shine,” said Ferrufino. “HairHaven is built for us, by us. Winning this shows that representation and innovation go hand in hand.” 

Other winners in the revenue-generating category included Chiemela Kalu, Jenaiyah Lewis, and Kyra Cabbagestalk. In the pitch-idea category, the winners were Juliana Pianim and Ashanti Boone, and Marvel Onwumere. Runners-up included Jade Ford and Zahra Tholley. 

Adding to the evening’s excitement, audience members voted live to select the Crowd Favorite, giving attendees a direct role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship at Bowie State. 

Johnetta Hardy, executive director of the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center, praised the competitors for their professionalism and ambition. 

“The Bulldog Pitch Competition is more than a contest; it’s a celebration of the next generation of changemakers,” she said. “These students aren’t just dreaming, they’re building real solutions that speak to community needs and market opportunities. What we witnessed tonight is the power of possibility.” 

With a total of $20,000 in prizes awarded, the competition continues to serve as a springboard for student entrepreneurs, helping transform bold ideas into viable ventures. The event drew students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals, reinforcing its role as a premier showcase of innovation on campus. 

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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.