Standing left to right: Adjunct Professors Keith Kinch, Nakeba Mckoy, Dr. Zulema Blair (Dean), Dr. Patricia Ramsey (President), Vermita Adolphus (student), Aisha Dyer (student), Thierno Diallo (student). Front row: Adjunct Professor Lashawn Alexander and Zelena McDonald (student).
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Medgar Evers College Students Claim Third Place Trophy Among 30 Universities at HBCU Entrepreneurship & Innovation Showdown

April 29, 2026 by Jua James

Medgar Evers College is proud to announce that our students have earned the third-place trophy at the HBCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative, a prestigious competition sponsored by Leadership Needed Foundation Inc. and led by CEO Dr. Mohammad Ali Bhuiyan. This outstanding achievement reflects the exceptional talent, ingenuity, and determination that define the Medgar Evers College community.

Standing left to right: Adjunct Professors Keith Kinch, Nakeba Mckoy, Dr. Zulema Blair (Dean), Dr. Patricia Ramsey (President), Vermita Adolphus (student), Aisha Dyer (student), Thierno Diallo (student). Front row: Adjunct Professor Lishawn Alexander and Zelena McDonald (student).
Standing left to right: Adjunct Professors Keith Kinch, Nakeba Mckoy, Dr. Zulema Blair (Dean), Dr. Patricia Ramsey (President), Vermita Adolphus (student), Aisha Dyer (student), Thierno Diallo (student). Front row: Adjunct Professor Lishawn Alexander and Zelena McDonald (student).

Medgar Evers College students, listed alphabetically, Vermita Adolphus (CIS), Aisha Dyer (Biology) Thierno Diallo (CUNY BA), and Zelena McDonald, delivered a dynamic and compelling presentation of their original innovation alongside a fully developed business plan, impressing a distinguished panel of judges comprised of accomplished entrepreneurs and recognized experts in business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. Competing against talented teams from other institutions, the Medgar Evers College delegation stood out for their boldness of vision, depth of research, and the real-world impact potential of their work.

Medgar Evers College Students: Front row starting third from left: Aisha Dyer, Vermita Adolphus, Thierno Diallo, and Zelena McDonald.
Medgar Evers College Students: Front row starting third from left: Aisha Dyer, Vermita Adolphus, Thierno Diallo, and Zelena McDonald.

The HBCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative is a transformative program designed to help students and community members at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions develop an entrepreneurial mindset and emerge as confident leaders and innovators. The initiative encompasses a broad and empowering curriculum — including STEM education, financial literacy, career development, and personalized coaching — ensuring that participants are equipped not just to compete, but to lead.

“We are incredibly proud of our students. This recognition is a reflection of their hard work, creativity, and the culture of excellence we strive to foster every day at Medgar Evers College. This is only the beginning.”

— Dr. Patricia Ramsey, President, Medgar Evers College

Dr. Zulema Blair, Dean of the School of Business and Dr. Patricia Ramsey, President of Medgar Evers College/CUNY.
Dr. Zulema Blair, Dean of the School of Business and Dr. Patricia Ramsey, President of Medgar Evers College/CUNY.

Medgar Evers College has long been a cornerstone of the Brooklyn community and a beacon of opportunity for students who are determined to shape a better future. Our participation in the HBCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative aligns directly with our institutional mission to produce graduates who are not only career-ready, but prepared to create, innovate, and lead in an ever-changing global economy.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Leadership Needed Foundation Inc., Dr. Mohammad Ali Bhuiyan, and the entire team behind the HBCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative for creating this extraordinary platform. We also congratulate all participating institutions on their outstanding contributions and look forward to continued collaboration and competition in the years ahead.

Medgar Evers College encourages all students and community members to explore the full scope of opportunities available through this initiative. Together, we are proving that HBCUs are not just part of the conversation about innovation — we are leading it.

Many thanks to the student team advisors Dr. Zulema Blair, Dean of the School of Business, Adjunct Professor Lishawn Alexander, Nakeba Mckoy, and Keith Kinch.