Tri-C Student Pitch Competition Showcases Innovative Ideas
Lovely O’Neal wins first place for home-style meals and meal prep kits
CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) recently celebrated the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of its students at the Student Pitch Competition at the Metropolitan Campus in April.
Hosted by the School of Business, Legal Professions and Hospitality and the Center for Entrepreneurs at Corporate College®, the event showcased student entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of judges. It highlighted the talent and innovation within the Tri-C student community and reinforced the College's commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success.
Each student received guidance from experienced coaches to refine their presentations and business plans.
Participants included:
- Lovely O'Neal (Twa'Lovely Pantry): Homestyle meals and meal prep kits
- Maureen Gray-O'Shea (Mo's Bee Balm): Natural skincare for holistic wellness
- Jasmine S. Howard (RJ's Goodies & Creations): Custom apparel solutions
- Ja'kaila S. Banks (Delicious Delights): Dairy-free, allergy-friendly treats
- Chayenne Padgett (Chay's Soul Kitchen): Full-service soulful catering
- Sharmir Oglesby (Put It On Wax Initiative): Creative wax exhibits
- Riyan Sita (Ravana Cartel Comic Magazine): Original comic art
Lovely O'Neal claimed the $2,000 grand prize and was selected as the Fan Favorite award with an additional $500. O'Neal is a graduate of Tri-C's Culinary Arts program and recently earned her Associate of Arts from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She is also an alumna of The Center for Entrepreneur's Discovery Track at Corporate College.
Second place went to Maureen Gray-O'Shea, who received $1,000, and third place was awarded to Riyan Sita, earning $500.
The panel of judges included Ariane Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Jabali Group; Anthony S. Manna, chairman of M7 Holdings LLC; and Dr. Olusegun Ishmael, executive in residence at Tri-C.
The event was sponsored by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship's Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund.
June 18, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu