Dr. Aisha Harris and Kristina Lakey of Flint (in featured photos-left to right) have placed as top-ten finalists in Michigan Women Forward’s 53 Voices Pitch Challenge, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank! The competition allows Michigan women to pitch their business ideas for the chance to win up to $8,450 to jump-start or grow their business.
Public voting began Sept. 27, and winning entrepreneurs will receive up to $8,450 to support their business ideas!
The top ten finalists are:
- Zienethe Adewole of The Damage Zone – offers a safe and non-judgmental environment to release stress in the form of destruction;
- Delana Hall of The LINAF Group – a mentoring and life coaching service assisting families, young adults, youth and children;
- Dr. Aisha Harris of Harris Family Health – direct primary care clinic providing quality, affordable, and personalized care through monthly memberships;
- Jen Heard of Love Bigger™ – connects charities with givers committed to downsizing so that they can declutter for GOOD;
- Kristina Lakey of The Goblin King Players – specializes in unforgettable professional shadowcast theater and nostalgic entertainment;
- Courtney Larvadain of Reveille Skin Care – a luxury skin and body-care line providing structured neck-down regimens;
- Corynn Marchesi of The Inclusion Project MI – a speech and language provider offering in-home and community-based treatment, education, and advocacy;
- Marilyn McGee of Mkpads – all-natural, premium feminine products, designed to keep women and girls cool, comfortable, and dry while improving their lifestyle;
- Katie Moore of Sisu Mobile Sauna –offering a wide range of physical and emotional well-being benefits through the Finnish tradition of sauna;
- Debra Turnboe of Paradise Juice – an All Natural Jamaican themed juice company also providing functional health benefits.
Each finalist submitted a 53-second video outlining their business idea. The public will have an opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite idea by visiting miwf.org/53-voices-finalists. Voting will be open from Wednesday, Sept. 27 through Wednesday, Oct. 11.
“53 Voices offers education and opportunity for local entrepreneurs,” said Carolyn Cassin, president and chief executive officer at Michigan Women Forward.
Cassub added: “Michigan Women Forward and Fifth Third Bank launched this competition to give women in eastern Michigan the opportunity to expand or grow their businesses. Each of the top ten finalists have put in significant time and hard work to make their dreams a reality – and now it’s up to the community to select our winners. MWF is very proud of all the finalists and encourages everyone to vote to select a winner.”
After submitting their business concept papers and 53-second voice submissions, applicants completed three Michigan Women Forward entrepreneur education training workshops.
“Opportunities like 53 Voices are life-changing for entrepreneurs and ultimately benefit the community,” said Tawnya Rose, vice president, community impact manager at Fifth Third Bank.
“When small businesses thrive, the local economy thrives,” Rose added. “Fifth Third Bank is proud to lift up female entrepreneurs alongside Michigan Women Forward, and we cannot wait to see what’s in store for their futures.”
The top three winners of the 53 Voices pitch challenge will be announced at a finalist event on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and livestreamed via Michigan Women Forward’s YouTube channel. The first prize winner will receive $7,500 second-place winner will receive $5,000 and the third-place winner will receive $2,500.
For more information about the 53 Voices pitch challenge, visit miwf.org/53-voices-finalists.
About Michigan Women Forward
MWF was founded in 1986 by 20 extraordinary visionaries who conceived of an organization that would encourage women to play an active role in philanthropy and governance. MWF is a community development organization whose mission is to expand economic opportunity, empower the next generation and celebrate and honor the accomplishments of Michigan women. For more information, visit www.miwf.org.
