The results are in and something we already knew was once again confirmed. Memphis students are creative geniuses. Every year, LITE Memphis’ Pitch Night gives us a prime example of this genius.
Pitch Night was the culmination of the 16-week Finalist Program where LITE Memphis students have been developing and honing in on business ventures. The night was broadcast over zoom before attendees and a panel of judges.
The panel of judges included:
Jessica Traveau: Interim CEO, Epicenter Memphis;
Madeline Lyles: Co-Owner and Founder of After Life Mortuary Services;
Jessica Williams: Chemical Day Lead, Nucor Steel Memphis;
Jamond Bullock: Prolific Memphis muralist known and branded as Alive Paint;
Alfredo Lopez: Co-Owner and Operator of Cool Beans Coffee Shop
The winners of Pitch Night were:
- $1,000 in additional funding: Dillon Dowell, a 9th grade student at East High School and the founder of Swift Fit.
- $750 in additional funding: Kelcie Harris, a 10th grade student at East High School and the founder of Kelcie’s Kreations.
- $500 in additional funding: Kynadi Franklin-Carter, a 12th grade student at Bartlett High School and the founder of Melanin Paper Company.
You can rewatch Pitch Night here.
To shop student products, visit www.litememphis.org/shop
To invest in future LITE students, visit www.litememphis.org/donate
LITE Memphis equips African American and Latino/a/x students with 21st century skills to create wealth through entrepreneurship. They help high school students launch their dream venture by providing them with funding, coaching, and broader networks. To date, Finalists’ ventures have generated over $200,000 in revenue.