The Viscardi Center continues its partnership with Iona University’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to deliver programming to entrepreneurs with disabilities. In its second year, the IdeaSpark program culminated with a Pitchfest on July 10, 2024, as part of the organizations’ Disability Pride Month activities. Nine participants from around the country dedicated eight weeks to developing their entrepreneurial ideas for the chance to win $7,500 in non-equity cash grants. Presenting to a panel of judges, participants shared their business ideas from mental health services to accessibility tools for clothing racks to healthy eating.
“Through IdeaSpark, The Viscardi Center – a global leader in disability inclusion – is proud to partner with Iona University and its world class Hynes Institute of Entrepreneurship & Innovation to create truly inclusive training for aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities,” said Dr. Chris Rosa, president & CEO of The Viscardi Center. “Working collaboratively and drawing on their strengths, Iona and Viscardi are ensuring that founders with disabilities have the capacity and opportunity to participate more equitably in economic development.”
Dr. Christoph Winkler, endowed professor and founding program director, kicked off the event with opening remarks. “This partnership aligns with Iona’s values to foster and support a diverse community of learners.” said Winkler. “We’re dedicated to cultivating a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and opportunity for all.”
Eric Ryan, a Class of 2006 alumnus of Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, pitched his accessible transportation service, TRIPPr, to the panel of judges and was awarded first place. “Once I had a van, it opened up a lot of opportunities for me; I was able to go to college and attend friends and family events. It allowed me to get one step closer to the life that I wanted to live,” shared Ryan. “Winning this PitchFest validates the need we have for accessible transportation on Long Island, and I hope to make a difference with my initiative.”
Ironically, Dr. Rosa who is also a wheelchair user, had an immediate need for an accessible ride following the Pitchfest which was held on the Iona campus in New Rochelle, NY. “Eric and I were speaking after the event and went out to our vans together. One of our vehicles started and one didn’t… mine. I booked a ride home right there and then with TRIPPr!”
Kimberly Minto, who took home the top award at the 2023 IdeaSpark Pitchfest, presented this year’s grant awards. Kimberly turned her disability and passion for fashion and makeup into a winning idea that transformed her from a blogger to the founder of an online magazine, Sitting Beauty.
The 2024 IdeaSpark Pitchfest featured the following founders and business ideas:
- Eric Ryan, TRIPPr, 1st place: Launched an accessible transportation service in July 2023 with specialized customer care.
- Maria Torre, All Cando!, 2nd place: Specialized in arts and crafts for individuals with disabilities.
- Miguel Angel Davila, Davila Applied Anthropological Research, 3rd place: Provided business-to-business support by assisting business owners with organizational structure, research and operational strategies.
- Christina Sparrock, See the Person: Focused on mental health and conducts community workshops on domestic violence.
- Gabrielle Mendonca, Accessibility Consulting: Built an accessibility consulting firm.
- Joe Marks, The Shopping Plaza: Created a digital mall for personalized shopping experiences accessible to all.
- Marqueeta Hughes, Walk with Confidence: Founded a women’s footwear luxury brand with conscious design.
- Nicole Harper, Harper & Enigma Custom Creations, LLC: Developed an accessibility tool for clothing racks usable by everyone.
- Patricia Johnson, Jammin Health: Revamped unhealthy dishes into delicious nutritious meals.