Category: Office of Engaged Learning – Entrepreneurship

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

Interview with 2024-25 Big iDeas Entrepreneurship Fellow, Neha Husein

Neha Husein graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2019 with degrees in Human Rights and Marketing. Driven by a strong commitment to social impact, she founded Just Drive, a startup focused on reducing distracted driving accidents. Today, Neha is the Senior Event Producer for Vegandale, an international festival that celebrates vegan food, music, and art. In addition to her professional achievements, Neha is passionate about mentoring and supporting collegiate entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing their own ventures. 

Tell us a little bit about your professional journey since graduating from SMU.  

“Right after I graduated, I worked full time with my start up Just Drive. It was a steep learning experience going from college to learning how to navigate working as a full-time professional. Ultimately, the covid pandemic hit and I had to pivot my business which very much served small businesses. I was then approached by another startup, ZSTACH, and their mission very much aligned with my environmental goals and passions. This was very cool starting another app from scratch. I learned how much my skills developed from when I was running my own startup and how my skills can transfer into other jobs and other industries.” 

In what ways do you think your entrepreneurship experience can enhance the E-Launch workshops for students this year? Any skills you have that stand out?

“My entrepreneurship experience allows me to provide practical, real-world insights into the startup journey, from ideation to execution. My ability to relate with and mentor students on a personal level can create a supportive and inspiring environment for them.”

What makes you most excited about being the E-Fellow at this point in your career?

“Being an E-Fellow at this point in my career excites me because it combines my passion for entrepreneurship with my desire to give back to the community that shaped me. I am thrilled to be in a position where I can challenge and support young entrepreneurs, helping them turn their ideas into viable businesses. This role allows me to leverage my experience and network to create meaningful impact and foster a culture of innovation and creativity at SMU.”

Besides being an SMU and Big iDeas alum, what makes coming back “home” to SMU so special this time around?

“Coming back to SMU is special because it feels like a full-circle moment. SMU and the Big iDeas program played a significant role in my personal and professional development, providing me with the foundation and support to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Returning as the E-Fellow allows me to contribute to the same ecosystem that nurtured me and to help shape the future of entrepreneurship at SMU. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with mentors, peers, and the vibrant community that has always felt like home.”

Why should an SMU student build their entrepreneurship base for their business idea while in college? What are the benefits to starting in that season of life?

“Building an entrepreneurship base while in college provides several benefits. College students have access to a wealth of resources, including mentorship, funding opportunities, and a supportive community of like-minded peers. Starting a business in college allows students to experiment and take risks in a relatively low-stakes environment. They can leverage their academic knowledge, gain practical experience, and develop a strong network that can support their entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, the skills and experiences gained from starting a business in college can be invaluable, regardless of whether the venture succeeds or fails, as they prepare students for future professional challenges.”

Neha will also be a panelist at the next Big iDeas Roundtable Discussion on Tuesday, October 1st, discussing “How to Build Your Brand.” To learn more information and register, visit SMU 360. 

 

 

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

The Office of Engaged Learning welcomes Neha Husein as Entrepreneurship Fellow

We are thrilled to welcome Neha Husein as the 2024-2025 Entrepreneurship Fellow in the Office of Engaged Learning. Neha’s journey as a Big iDeas alumna to successful entrepreneur and mentor embodies the spirit of innovation and social impact that we strive to cultivate in our community. 

Neha graduated from SMU in 2019 with degrees in Human Rights and Marketing. Her academic background laid the foundation for her commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Recognizing the growing issue of distracted driving after being rear-ended by a distracted driver, Neha channeled her passion for social entrepreneurship into creating Just Drive, an app dedicated to rewarding undistracted drivers with coupons good for local businesses.  

Today, Neha serves as the Senior Event Producer for Vegandale, an international festival that celebrates vegan food, music, and art. In addition to her professional achievements, Neha is deeply passionate about mentoring and supporting collegiate entrepreneurs. As a former student herself, she understands the unique challenges that come with starting and growing a venture in college and is dedicated to helping students navigate these hurdles. Neha’s mentorship provides invaluable guidance, inspiration, and practical advice, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to achieve their goals. 

As the new Entrepreneurship Fellow, Neha will play a pivotal role in enhancing our programs and initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and increasing women entrepreneurs. We believe that her experience and insights will undoubtedly inspire and encourage more women to develop their entrepreneurial skills. 

We are excited to have Neha Husein join the Office of Engaged Learning team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our Big iDeas community. Please join us in welcoming Neha!  

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Mid-Summer Highlights from the Office of Engaged Learning

Students presenting presentation to audience in classroom
Student team presenting to judges at the 2024 Data Science Happiness Hackathon

As Summer 2024 unfolds, the Office of Engaged Learning is driving forward multiple programs and initiatives that support undergraduate research, foster student connections, and nurture academic growth. Here are some key highlights:

The OEL and Dedman College Department of Statistics and Data Science hosted their second annual summer Data Science Hackathon on June 28 and 29. This event brought together undergraduates from the “Data Science for Social Good” NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates and Summer Research Intensive as well as graduate students from the Masters of Science in Data Science program. Working in teams over a 24-hour period, 18 students tackled complex datasets to extract valuable insights around the theme of “happiness”. Special thanks go to Dr. Jon Carman (Office of the Chaplain), Dr. Adam Scott Neal (Office of Engaged Learning) and Dr. Monnie McGee (Dedman College Department of Statistics and Data Science) for their expertise.  Additional thanks to Dr. Eric Godat (Office of Information and Technology) and Duwani Gonzalez and Kevin Wang (PhD Candidates at SMU) for their coaching support and Kelly Chandrapal (OEL) for organizing the event.  Finally, another special thanks go to Dr. Stephen Robertson (Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute) and Dr. Dustin Grabsch (Office of General Education), and Dr. Lynne Stokes (Professor Emeritus, Dedman College Department for Statistics and Data Science) for judging the competition.

Students in the Summer Research Intensive are hard at work on projects for their faculty mentors. Each week they also attending professional development workshops that focus on research related skill sets with Dr. Adam Scott Neal (OEL). In these highly interactive workshops, students are developing their communication skills by learning about storytelling, presentation structure and aesthetics, elevator pitches, and networking. The SRI program will culminate in a Three Minute “Thesis” competition on July 25, 2-5pm in the Hughes-Trigg Chamber.  All are invited to attend!

The SMU Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) initiative, under the leadership of Alisha Bailey (OEL), has been working closely with university service partners and academic departments over the summer to launch new programs and events for the upcoming fall and spring semesters. PBI students can anticipate engaging workshops focused on certifications in business, finance, and Microsoft Office. Additionally, they will have access to professional development workshops hosted by the UAC, Hegi Family Career Center, and Office of Engaged Learning. Stay tuned for the “Introduction to PBI Red, Blue, and YOU!” podcast episode later in July.

The Mustang Mentors Peer-Mentoring Program is preparing to welcome a full cohort of mentors and mentees this fall. The Mustang Mentors Core Team, headed by Olivia Prioleau (OEL), has been strategic and resourceful in recruiting students over the summer. The core team’s spheres of influence include First-Generation Initiatives, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Student Success and Inclusive Excellence, the University Advising Center and Transfer Office, the Office of Engaged Learning, and Residential Life and Housing.

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Big iDeas Spotlight: Ryder McNeal

Ryder McNeal presenting in front of a slide with business name PREVO

The invitation for Ryder McNeal ‘24, to dream big was prompted four years ago by a simple yard sign on Dallas Lawn for the Big iDeas Pitch Competition. This moment clearly made an impression, too, because McNeal, stayed intrigued about Big iDeas throughout his journey at SMU.  However, it wasn’t until the fall of his senior year that McNeal decided to pitch an idea at the intersection of film, marketing, business and entrepreneurship.  And a good idea it was, for his company, PREVO, was the top winner of the Big iDeas Business Plan Competition this past February!   

PREVO, McNeal’s exciting new company, is a streaming platform dedicated to showing a curated catalogue of independent or student-made films, from film-makers across the country. After Big iDeas awarded prize money to McNeal, he dove deeper into his business through the Big iDeas E-Launch.  

E-Launch is a robust training series powered by the Office of Engaged Learning that offers workshops and guest speakers to develop student businesses. This past year it was led by Entrepreneurship Fellow Michael Kelly (Founder, Resolute Future) and the Big iDeas team. McNeal said that E-Launch was “truly the catalyst in helping him flesh out {his} ideas and gain the feedback that was needed in order for PREVO to be successful.”  

Since the pitch competition last fall, PREVO has found collaborations across SMU’s campus. Roseanne Hart, an adjunct professor in both the Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, and the Division of Journalism’s Fashion Media program, asked McNeal if PREVO could be the focal point a public relations class this Spring. Hart’s PR students are tasked with creating a launch and marketing plan for PREVO and will present their plans to McNeal at the end of the semester. “I’m really excited that PREVO could be used for students in an academic space, but also that I can be encouraged by the launch plans they come up with. Hopefully, it can really help frame how I launch PREVO this summer,” said McNeal. 

PREVO is set to fully launch in mid-July of 2024, on the date of McNeal’s birthday. As McNeal is concluding his final semester on the Hilltop, he has shifted many of his larger efforts towards the marketing for PREVO. He is reaching out to film faculty members and film festivals across the country, hoping to generate excitement within film schools and cities that celebrate independent films regularly. In addition to marketing, McNeal is working on getting a student ambassador for PREVO. 

For a while, independent films were all that McNeal could take on with the resources that he had, but creating PREVO has deepened his appreciation for small-scale films as a whole. 

All of these efforts “were made possible to me through receiving Big iDeas funding. The financial support helped be build out the steps I needed to take to be prepared to launch this summer and I am extremely grateful,” said McNeal. And for the student who may need some encouragement for starting their business or sees a simple yard sign on Dallas Lawn, McNeal says, “get involved with the things you love! Get involved as much as you possibly can because there are so many ways to do a lot with a little, especially while you’re in college.” 

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship

Seeking Clinton Global Initiative “Commitment-Makers”!

Clinton Global Initiative University promotional picture with panel discussion
The Office of Engaged Learning coordinates the Clinton Global Initiative University program at SMU. Undergraduate and graduate students can apply to join a growing global community of over 12,500 social entrepreneurs working to solve our world’s most pressing issues.
SMU’s CGIU “Commitment Makers” receive
  • Up to $1500 to fund their Commitment to Action Project
  • Funding to attend the CGIU annual meeting
Application Process
The deadline for CGIU 2024 is March 15, 2024. Contact our office at engagedlearning@smu.edu for help with your application.
Information sessions/workshops with former winners, on Zoom:
More details: SMU.EDU/CGIU
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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Pathways to Industry

SMU Alum’s business featured on NBCDFW

Woman talking to news anchor at desk with beauty products.

We love seeing SMU entrepreneurs in the news! SMU alum Lidya Winnie ‘19 was recently featured on Texas Today on NBC discussing her natural beauty business Konjo Beauty. Watch Lidya’s Texas Today segment. 

Lidya started her company Konja Beauty while studying Arts Entrepreneurship and Markets and Culture and developed this idea as a fellow at the Big iDeas, SMU Incubator. You can learn more about her business and shop her products at konjabeauty.com.

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship

Congratulations Big iDeas Business Plan Winners!

Students standing together, smiling, holding large checks

On Friday, February 12, The Office of Engaged Learning held its annual Big iDeas Business Plan Competition where twelve undergraduate entrepreneurship teams pitched their business plan in four minutes to a panel of business experts. Seven entrepreneurs were awarded funding up to $7,000. Please help us in congratulating the winners:

Ryder Mc Neal ’24, PREVO

Jude Lugo ’24, LectureLogger

Mason Morland ’24, SteadiSpoon

Anish Senthikumar ’25 and Vedang Uniyal ’24, The Active Mind Initiative

Joshua Baier, ’24, Timio News

Mason Dierkes ’27, Seed Innovate

Benjamin Omoregbe ’24, Internsurf

Special thanks to our judges Ayodele Aigbe (CEO of Hangio), Andrew Denton (Founder of Glia Health and Prosper AI), and Michael Kelly (Co-Founder of Resolute Future).

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship

Introducing Big iDeas Marketplace!

Big iDeas Marketplace Feb 9 2024. Sign up at smu.edu/bigideas

The Office of Engaged Learning invites all SMU-affiliated entrepreneurs to sell their products, demo their apps, share brochures, etc. at the Big iDeas Marketplace on February 9, 2024 from 11am to 1pm.

Big iDeas has held a demo fair featuring past winners each spring. Now we are opening up the fair to the community. If you have a business, no matter the size, and want to participate, please sign up for a table at the Big iDeas Marketplace.

Big iDeas business plan competition February 9 2024. Apply at smu.edu/bigideas

 

Winners of the Big iDeas Business Plan Competition will also be announced at the Marketplace. The Competition is open to all SMU undergrads. Apply here.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

SMU student entrepreneur Trevor Gicheru in the news

Photo of Trevor Gicheru talking with a microphone

Trevor Gicheru, a computer science junior at SMU, is making headlines with his software Nurovant AI, which uses AI technology to create quizzes, flashcards, and study tools from audio recordings of lectures. While preparing for a class at SMU, he saw an opportunity for the app, and fellow students are already using it to improve their learning experience. Nurovant AI is growing popularity among students and investors alike, and recently featured in the Dallas Morning News.

In 2024, Trevor and his team have ambitious goals for Nurovant AI.

“We are currently in the midst of raising a pre-seed round of 250k. We’ve already secured about half of our funding target and aim to complete this round by the end or middle of January,”  Trevor said. “Additionally, we’ve garnered venture interest from VCs across the country. Our objective is to finalize a deal with one of these firms by mid-year. Another key goal is to achieve 10,000 downloads of our app by April, a milestone that would significantly demonstrate our product’s traction and market fit. We’re also aiming to pilot our school-facing version of the software in at least five schools, broadening our impact and reach.”

As a two-time winner of the Big iDeas Pitch Competition, Trevor has great advice for students aspiring to build a startup:

“My advice is straightforward: take action,” he says. “Don’t wait for others to believe in your dreams. It’s essential to be proactive and pursue your vision with determination and resilience. Building a startup is a journey filled with challenges, but with a strong belief in your ideas and a willingness to work hard, you can create something truly impactful.”

For SMU students looking to take the next step in building their startup, The Office of Engaged Learning will be holding the Big iDeas Business Plan Competition on February 9 from 9am -1pm. Encourage students to apply today to pitch to win $5000.

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship

Big iDeas E-Launch propels latest generation of entrepreneurs

Session of E-Launch workshop series

SMU’s Big iDeas program in the Office of Engaged Learning offers funding, training and mentoring to undergraduate entrepreneurs in any major. The E-Launch workshop series guides entrepreneurs in the creation of their businesses. E-Launch met each Monday evening this semester and was led by Entrepreneurship Fellow Michael Kelly (Founder, Resolute Future), with sessions taught by Seth Orsborn (Director, Deason Innovation Gym), John Rougeux (Partner, Category Thinkers) and Ellen Smoak (Founder & CEO, The Society of Women Entrepreneurs).

Each student entrepreneur has made considerable strides in crafting their businesses through sessions covering market research, prototyping, business planning, and storytelling. We asked our entrepreneurs about what they’ve learned throughout the sessions.

“E-Launch has helped me ground my business idea and determine which elements to focus on and which are most important,” said senior Ryder McNeal, founder of PREVO Streaming. PREVO is a streaming platform dedicated to showing a curated catalogue of independent or student-made films from across the country. Ryder, who is majoring in Marketing and Film, looks forward to his next steps. “I am extremely excited to launch my business in the coming months and work to refine my pitch deck.”

Ryder McNeal Prevo Streaming with big check from Big iDeas

Throughout the process, the entrepreneurs completed assignments, such as a Lean Canvas, that are designed to help them develop a business plan and seek more funding in the future. “I’ve learned a lot,” said first-year Yaw Boateng, “such as the entire concept of category design, what an MVP is (minimum viable product), the different stages of prototypes, and how to conduct market research.”

Yaw Boateng, Peruna Bot with big check from Big IDeas

Yaw is majoring in Data Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is developing PerunaBot, an AI chatbot, to help SMU students navigate all the resources on campus. Yaw enjoyed learning broader entrepreneurship lessons like “alignment is purpose.” He explained, “from this framework, you’re reducing all friction from achieving your goals and creating a natural tailwind to push you forward. Also, understanding nuance for decision-making that can be applied to all areas of life.”

The next step for many of these entrepreneurs will be the Big iDeas Business Plan Competitionon February 9, 2024. All SMU undergrads are eligible to apply. Details on the application, business plan, and future E-Launch sessions are on the Big iDeas website, smu.edu/bigideas.

These interviews were conducted by Leon Jackson, interim Project Coordinator for Big iDeas.