If you’re a woman-identifying student entrepreneur looking to form or grow your business, University of Miami Hillel is now accepting applications for its UDisrupt competition.
In the “Shark Tank”-inspired event, contestants will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a renowned panel of South Florida’s leading Jewish women entrepreneurs and win seed funding for up to $3,000. Students who partake in the competition are being asked to create a product that will help address the needs of women in the workforce.
UM Hillel has teamed up with the Toppel Career Center, The Launch Pad, Butler Center for Service and Leadership, Miami Herbert Business School, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Women in Business, Alpha Kappa Psi professional co-ed business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, TAMID: Israel Investment Group, and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation to select one first place winner and two runners-up, who will also receive $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.
Tamara Zishuk, director of strategic initiatives at UM Hillel, hosted a networking mixer on Nov. 3 to introduce the new business-focused competition to students who may be interested in applying.
“We are looking for students who care about supporting women in the workplace, who are seeking mentorships from strong women in their career field and are willing to take risks and try new things,” said Zishuk.
The initiative was funded through the Women’s Impact Initiative of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation to help inspire and empower Jewish women and girls and improve the local community through various programs.
Sophomore Caroline Moody, a double major in political science and Spanish from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, said she is a Jewish student who supports anything Hillel-related, and this competition will be no different. She attended the mixer looking to learn more and left feeling inspired and hopeful for her peers who have great ideas.
“I can definitely think of some people who have a lot of great business ideas on this campus but don’t necessarily have the resources or even know how to get started,” said Moody. “So, I think this is an awesome idea for someone and they will receive a venue where they can get that support. This sounds like an incredible opportunity.”
Abigail Schcolnik, a first-year economics and international studies major from Uruguay, said she is going to perfect her business idea and apply as soon as possible.
“Once I’m confident in my idea, I’m going to pitch it and see what comes from it,” said Schcolnik. “I’ve made impacts in my community back home in the education area, so this will be something interesting for me to get into. I’m happy to have this opportunity.”
Any student who meets the criteria and has a product they are interested in launching can submit an application for UDisrupt by Nov. 20. Applicants who are selected will be paired with a mentor in the Miami area to help develop their idea.
Visit the UM Hillel website for more information.
