The Viscardi Center, a nonprofit dedicated to educating, employing and empowering individuals with disabilities, partnered with Iona University’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to host the third annual IdeaSpark program. “Iona’s commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive community is at the heart of this partnership,” said Dr. Christoph Winkler, endowed professor and founding program director. “Together, we’re building a vibrant ecosystem where innovation thrives, and every aspiring entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed.”
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 10 aspiring entrepreneurs from across the country spent eight weeks developing their business ideas, culminating in a high-energy PitchFest held at Iona’s campus.
“Partnering with Iona University and the Hynes Institute allows us to create an entrepreneurial space where people with disabilities not only develop groundbreaking ideas but also gain the support and resources needed to turn those ideas into impactful ventures,” said Dr. Chris Rosa, president & CEO of The Viscardi Center. “Together, we’re opening doors to economic opportunity and redefining what’s possible.”
Participants competed for $7,500 in non-equity cash grants, showcasing not only their entrepreneurial spirit, but also a shared commitment to inclusion, innovation and breaking barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Congratulations to the following 2025 IdeaSpark winners:
- 1st Place: Alex Garrett, OneLegUpAlex
- 2nd Place: Gesy Duran, Wheel Eating
- 3rd Place: Edith Alvarez, EMA Designs
Rounding out this impressive group, here are the other entrepreneurs who took part in the 2025 IdeaSpark program:
- Wacinque Amistad Kaizen BeMende, KaizenRhino Solutions
- Kathryn Konkle, Independent Illustrator
- Beatrice Schmidt, Schmidt Consulting
- Walden Hughes, Hughes Productions
- Courtney Pugh, Blue Luna
- Abigail Dreyer, AIM – Access, Inclusion & More
To learn more about the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, visit here.