In a showcase of analytical prowess and social impact, undergraduate business students from across South Florida gathered at the University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School for the 2025 Miami Herbert Undergraduate Case Competition. This year’s competition challenged teams to develop strategic solutions for The Way Forward Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with paralysis.
The first-place team, Miami Herbert students Jonah Businger and Judah Pardau, claimed the top prize of $3,500 after impressing judges with their innovative recommendations for the foundation’s growth and expansion. Their victory underscores the competition’s core mission—bridging business education with real-world impact.
“This year’s case competition was a valuable opportunity to apply classroom learning while leveraging a strategic business mindset,” said Businger and Pardau. “It was significant to do so for a foundation that catalyzes change in our local South Florida community.”
Nova Southeastern University’s H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship team took second place and a $2,400 prize. In a powerful gesture of generosity, team member Van Deijck pledged her share of the winnings to The Way Forward Foundation, further exemplifying the competition’s spirit of giving back.
University of Miami’s second competing team—Domenica Nunez Del Arco, Veronica Rubio, Paul Lohmann, and Matias Rubin—secured third place and $1,200 in prize money.
“The caliber of ideas presented this year was truly outstanding,” said Charles M. Durham, Jr., a competition sponsor and business owner. “These students didn’t just craft business strategies—they designed sustainable solutions for a nonprofit working to transform lives.”
"It was incredible to share our small but mighty organization with students from three different universities in Florida,” said Lucy B. Foerster, executive director of The Way Forward. “Their fresh ideas have already made a meaningful impact on our work. They took a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of our business plan, pitching innovative solutions. Through this experience, they not only listened and learned but also gained a new perspective on the world by seeing life through the lens of a paralyzed person."
This year’s challenge unfolded in two stages. In Case I, released in early January, teams submitted a video and slide deck evaluating the foundation’s readiness for growth. In the final stage, Case II, students had only three hours to develop and present an eight-minute proposal with an accompanying five-page written report. A rigorous Q&A session with judges followed, testing the depth and feasibility of their recommendations.
The competition received support from The Hyperion Council, a student-led consulting group at Miami Herbert that assisted with client meetings, and helped outline the case and preparation workshops. Notably, it also initiated engagement with the TWF Foundation to explore the implementation of select team proposals.
A panel of distinguished judges—including Cathy Dos Santos, executive director, Transit Alliance; Lucy Foerster executive director, The Way Forward Foundation; Melissa Reyes ambassador, The Way Forward Foundation; and Constance N. Bowers, president, Business Synergy Florida Consultants—provided expert evaluations.
With growing momentum, the 2026 competition will expand to include business schools nationwide, offering an even broader platform for students to sharpen their problem-solving skills while supporting a meaningful cause.
For more information on next year’s competition, visit: Miami Herbert Undergraduate Case Competition.
