Peacock Pitch TRIO Summer Program 2023
On August 4th, 2023, Saint Peter’s University celebrated the accomplishments of both TRIO and EOF summer program students as they jump-started their experience as a peacock. During this event, the Ignite Institute for Business Innovation teamed up with TRIO to introduce the Peacock Pitch (previously known as Shark Tank).
Within this program students Julia Blok, Adam Badawy, and Omaria Serrano worked with mentors/advisors, Mikayla Carrillo, andEvony Jones, and supervision from Dr. Chanaz Gargouri, to create and pitch a one-of-a-kind product known as Dromemode. Dromemode targets the lives of those who have Down syndrome as well as caregivers, guardians, doctors, and therapists.
Julia Blok, Adam Badawy, and Omaria Serrano have dedicated both their free time and effort within the four-week program to share their creativity, knowledge, and interests with one another to create a life-changing product. Together they have cemented relationships as well as learned the ins and outs of marketing, finances, business planning, and public speaking skills.
Mentors Mikayla Carrillo (a previous winning Peacock Pitch Competitor) and Evony Jones (previous experience with the Peacock Pitch Class Session ) came together to conduct this event by providing guidance and mentorship. Together Mikayla and Evony created weekly lessons to teach the mechanics of what business pitches are. They used past experiences within both Dr. Chanaz Gargouri’s courses as well as the Mission 50 Peacock Pitch Competition to show students that business is more than a general study, it’s a world of creativity and passion.
“My freshman year at Saint Peter’s University opened up more doors than I could’ve ever imagined. Dr. Gargouri saw the real potential and passion I had as a student and introduced me to the Peacock Pitch Program. Who knew that my co-founder and I’s company would win both competitions as well as become a mentor for incoming freshmen? As a rising Sophomore I can’t wait to see the rest of what the world of business has to offer.” – Mikayla Carrillo.
“This has been a surreal experience for me; I have met some amazing people along the way. I was allowed to be a mentor and help the incoming first-year students get started on creating a business. I am grateful for this opportunity and I cannot wait to see what else Saint Peter’s University has to offer.” – Evony Jones.