Topic - Entrepreneurship (90)

Iona University’s Hynes Institute Inspires Next Generation of Entrepreneurs During Two-Day Entrepreneur Talk (E-Talk) Series (News 6003)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:40:43 +0000

Iona University’s Hynes Institute Inspires Next Generation of Entrepreneurs During Two-Day Entrepreneur Talk (E-Talk) Series (News 6003) jhernandez33@g… Tue, 03/24/2026 - 12:40 Iona University’s Hynes Institute Inspires Next Generation of Entrepreneurs During Two-Day Entrepreneur Talk (E-Talk) Series

The two-day Hynes Institute E-Talk Series featured guest speakers from across the business and innovation sectors.

March 24, 2026

At Iona University, students graduate not only with the practical skillset necessary to succeed in their chosen field, but with the knowledge of what it looks like to become intentional leaders among their peers.

In this spirit, the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosted its annual two-day E-Talk series on March 4-5, bringing leading entrepreneurs in their respective industries to campus to share insights, spark innovation and mentor the next generation of business leaders.

The event featured eleven guest speakers:

Eddy Cruz (Founder, Nine26)
Jean Anne Menna-Cruz, BSN, RN, CHPN (Hospice Nurse & Author)
Anne Sansevero (Co-Founder, Home Care Wizards)
Romelia Flores (Distinguished Engineer & Master Inventor, IBM), Mike Shute ’02 ‘03MSBS, Senior Architect, Master Inventor - Governance, Risk and Compliance Tooling and Maria Tapia ’89, IBM Retiree
Joshua Riley (Owner-Operator, Chick fil-A Scarsdale)
Matt Rizetta ’05 (Founder, Underdog Global Partners)
Alena K. Powell ’95 (Event Specialist, A. Powell Enterprise)
Paul L. Gunn (Founder, KUOG Corporation)
Joy Malone (Photographer, Joy Malone Photography)

View the E-Talk series on the Hynes Institute YouTube

A hallmark of the Iona experience, the latest installment of the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s E-Talk series at Iona provided students across all disciplines with the unique opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders who are redefining the business sector.

Iona University alumnus Matt Rizetta discussed community and risk-taking.

Throughout the series, speakers explored themes of community, innovation, and intentional leadership. Matt Rizetta ’05 emphasized the value of community and risk-taking, Anne Sansevero encouraged students to identify gaps in the market while using AI responsibly, IBM panelists highlighted how diverse perspectives fuel innovation and Joy Malone reminded students that storytelling, intention and perspective are powerful assets in building a brand.

Intentionally designed to be highly interactive, the sessions allowed students to ask pointed questions about the challenges of scaling a business and the tenacity required to succeed in competitive markets.

The E-Talk series highlights Iona University’s commitment to providing a transformative education that extends far beyond the classroom, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that prepares students for their future careers.

Christoph Winkler, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of real-world mentorship.

When reflecting on the impact of this year’s program, founding program director and endowed lecturer at the Hynes Institute Christoph Winkler, noted:

“We are extremely appreciative for each of the speakers who took the time to engage with our students and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs,” Winkler said. “Their presence on campus provides our students with the unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders’ real-world experiences, fostering the entrepreneurial mindset that is at the heart of everything we do within the Hynes Institute.”

Author and nurse Jean Anne Menna-Cruz discussed intentional leadership and healthcare entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneur and founder of Nine26 Eddy Cruz shared his insights with Iona University students.

IBM experts Romelia Flores, Mike Shute ’02 ’03MSBS, and Maria Tapia ’89 lead a panel discussion on innovation and governance.

ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of over 4,000 students and an alumni base of 55,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review once again named Iona to its “Best Business Schools for 2025,” recognizing both its on-campus and online MBA programs. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.

Forbes: Iona Student Nicolette Zaffuto on the intersection of AI, Art and Business (Media Mentions 6000)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:37:35 +0000

Forbes: Iona Student Nicolette Zaffuto on the intersection of AI, Art and Business (Media Mentions 6000) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 03/24/2026 - 09:37 Forbes: Iona Student Nicolette Zaffuto on the intersection of AI, Art and Business March 20, 2026

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Iona’s Dr. Christoph Winkler Named USASBE Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year (News 5981)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:32:28 +0000

Iona’s Dr. Christoph Winkler Named USASBE Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year (News 5981) jhernandez33@g… Mon, 03/16/2026 - 15:32 Iona’s Dr. Christoph Winkler Named USASBE Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year

The USASBE award recognizes exceptional leadership and innovation in entrepreneurship education.

March 16, 2026

Iona University’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit across campus has once again earned national recognition. Christoph Winkler, Ph.D., founding program director and endowed professor at the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, has been named the 2026 Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), one of the field’s highest honors.

The prestigious national award is presented annually to an educator who has demonstrated distinguished leadership in entrepreneurship education. Recipients are recognized for advancing how educators think about and approach entrepreneurship teaching and learning, as well as for making a lasting impact on students, institutions and the broader field.

“It is an honor to be presented with the Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year Award by the USASBE,” Winkler said. “Being an entrepreneurship educator is both a privilege and a responsibility — empowering students to recognize that they have power and that they are capable of pursuing their dreams or discovering new dreams through the entrepreneurial process.”

Winkler’s selection reflects his commitment to bolstering a culture of entrepreneurship at Iona that spans across disciplines and into the Iona community. Last year, the Hynes Institute earned the prestigious 2025 Model Program Award by the USASBE, a recognition highlighting the Hynes Institute’s impactful programs.

Throughout his time at the University, Winkler has led the development of innovative programs and initiatives designed to equip students with the mindset, skills and real-world experience needed to thrive in an evolving economy. Examples include, among many others, the Iona Innovation Challenge business competition; Gael Ventures business incubator program; and partnership with The Business Council of Westchester’s City Labs initiative, offering students first-hand experience addressing problems in the county’s biggest municipalities.

From left: Christoph Winkler, Ph.D., Lendynette Pacheco-Jorge, MS, and Aakash Sapru, Ph.D.

“Christoph has inspired so many educators with his innovative ideas and ability to unite a campus under the umbrella of entrepreneurship,” said Jennifer Capps, CEO of USASBE. “The programs and teams under his leadership will positively impact students and communities at Iona University and well beyond for many years to come.”

Under Winkler’s leadership, Iona has also expanded its degree offerings in entrepreneurship. The Hynes Institute now offers degrees in Entrepreneurial Leadership (BS), Entrepreneurship (BBA), and Health and Wellness - Entrepreneurship (BS) along with undergraduate minors in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and AI, as well as advanced certificates in AI for Business and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Winkler has also been integral in the development of Iona’s new Healthcare Leadership & Innovation (MS), a collaborative degree offered in partnership between the Hynes Institute, LaPenta School of Business and New York-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

“Iona is tremendously proud of Christoph for his leadership and impact through the Hynes Institute and across campus,” said Iona University Provost Tricia Mulligan. “This award affirms what we have long believed — that Iona is a place where dedicated educators inspire our students to think boldly and develop into the innovators and leaders world needs.”

The USASBE is the premier national organization dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship education.

Winkler’s approach focuses not only on launching ventures, but on helping students think creatively, solve real problems and lead with integrity — core elements of an Iona education.

"Christoph has been an extraordinary leader in advancing entrepreneurship education,” said Dr. Sara Cochran, USASBE’s Board Chair. “Through his service to USASBE including serving on the board, directing the Doctoral Consortium, and serving as Executive Editor of Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy, he has made a remarkable impact on our field. We are proud to recognize him as the USASBE Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year.”

For Winkler, entrepreneurship education is about more than launching businesses; it is about empowering students to recognize opportunity, create value and lead with purpose in any field they choose.

Winkler was formally recognized in February at USASBE’s annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, where educators and thought leaders from across the country gather to share research, best practices and innovations in entrepreneurship education.

About the USASBE and the Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year Award

USASBE is the premier national organization dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship education through bold teaching, scholarship and practice. The Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year award highlights individuals who have provided distinguished educational leadership within the field of entrepreneurship and who have contributed advancements to the way in which educators think about and approach entrepreneurship teaching and learning.

Last year, the Hynes Institute earned the prestigious 2025 Model Program Award by the USASBE, a recognition highlighting the Hynes Institute’s impactful programs.

Forbes: How This Iona Student is Using AI to Build His Business (Media Mentions 5969)

ptascio@iona.edu — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:43:27 +0000

Forbes: How This Iona Student is Using AI to Build His Business (Media Mentions 5969) ptascio@iona.edu Fri, 03/06/2026 - 16:43 Forbes: How This Iona Student is Using AI to Build His Business March 6, 2026

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Iona Students Launch AI Club to Explore its Evolving Role in Learning, Work and Life (News 5929)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:45:01 +0000

Iona Students Launch AI Club to Explore its Evolving Role in Learning, Work and Life (News 5929) jhernandez33@g… Thu, 02/19/2026 - 14:45 Iona Students Launch AI Club to Explore its Evolving Role in Learning, Work and Life

Members of AI in Real Life share the belief that developing AI literacy at the undergraduate level will prove beneficial in life beyond the classroom.

February 19, 2026

As Iona University continues to be a leading voice in the conversation surrounding artificial intelligence’s place in higher education, a group of its students have embraced their role as ambassadors to educate and inspire their peers.

Appropriately named AI in Real Life, the club serves a dual-purpose mission: to educate members of the Iona community — more specifically students — on the multitude of resources made accessible by AI and to create a supportive environment for aspiring AI entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.

“That is the reason we are here,” club founder, president and finance major C.J. Moriarty ‘28 said. “Because we want to teach people that there are right ways to use AI. There are ways we can use it to help people. We want to teach our peers how to make it beneficial.”

Beyond skill-building, the club emphasizes the role of human creativity and decision-making in AI development, encouraging students to see the technology as a tool rather than a replacement for independent thought. The club builds upon the University's work around embracing AI while engaging in broader discussions about the history, evolution and future of the new technology.

Students at Iona are encouraged to see AI as a tool rather than a replacement for independent thought.

“AI is driven by the human mind,” club member and computer science major Thomas Johnson ‘28 said. “AI is only as good as what you make it. And I think that's why we're called ‘AI in Real Life,’ because AI is this big topic, this big idea, but once you really get down to it, the meat of the product comes out from the human mind. We are teaching people that you can do AI for whatever you want. It is up to you and up to your creativity.”

As part of its outreach efforts, AI in Real Life fosters intentional discussions about the practical applications of various AI platforms and tools, helping students understand how each can be used in academic and professional contexts.

“AI can be the most beneficial thing for you,” Moriarty said. “I use Perplexity, which is the best for research. I have probably saved myself upwards of 18 hours just in research alone by using Perplexity. ChatGPT is better at Sheets and then Claude is the best for coding right now.”

While promoting AI fluency, the organization also addresses common concerns surrounding the technology, particularly its potential risks when used without proper understanding or oversight.

“I think (AI) can be dangerous because it will either give you a 100% correct or a 100% wrong answer,” Moriarty said. “It is only dangerous in the hands that it is used by…that is why we also talk about news and AI.”

Rob Kissner, Faculty Advisor & Clinical Lecturer

Faculty advisor Rob Kissner noted the club’s contributions to the ongoing discourse surrounding AI, noting that the group is taking a mature approach towards both building fluency and spreading awareness.

“They are taking the ethical implications of this whole thing very seriously and exploring what that's going to mean for their jobs, what that means for learning and what that means for society,” Kissner said. “They are really approaching this from a mature, well-rounded standpoint, and I am proud to see students from engaging in the conversation at a level that I think it needs.”

With the risks of promoting ethical use of AI in mind, the club takes a firm stance against academic dishonesty and emphasizes ethical use of AI tools in coursework.

“We do not condone cheating,” Moriarty said. “AI can be the most beneficial thing for you. If you are using (AI) to blatantly cheat on an assignment, when you are given every answer in a way that you can just use your own brain to formulate together, that is where you are being harmful to yourself.”

Members of AI in Real Life share the belief that developing AI literacy at the undergraduate level will prove beneficial in life beyond the classroom.

“When you graduate college, you are going to use (AI) every day,” Moriarty said. “At least I hope, and I theorize that to be. It's so beneficial for you to look at AI as a resource. So I want to take away this whole outlook of, ‘people who use it are lazy,’ and show that it's actually the opposite.”

AI in Real Life convenes twice each week, using the first meeting as time to collaborate on the club’s ongoing group project and the latter time allocation to work on each member’s individual project.

Winners of the Fall 2025 Iona hackathon, the group successfully created a student-focused AI calendar companion, along with a chatbot plugin compatible with the University’s website.

Iona University in Forbes: 6 Tips To Building An AI Startup Far From Your Computer (Media Mentions 5910)

ptascio@iona.edu — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:56:42 +0000

Iona University in Forbes: 6 Tips To Building An AI Startup Far From Your Computer (Media Mentions 5910) ptascio@iona.edu Mon, 02/09/2026 - 17:56 Iona University in Forbes: 6 Tips To Building An AI Startup Far From Your Computer February 6, 2026

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Iona Faculty Member Recognized for Leadership in Innovation, Entrepreneurship (News 5899)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:58:42 +0000

Iona Faculty Member Recognized for Leadership in Innovation, Entrepreneurship (News 5899) jhernandez33@g… Thu, 02/05/2026 - 14:58 Iona Faculty Member Recognized for Leadership in Innovation, EntrepreneurshipHynes Institute’s Lendynette Pacheco-Jorge Named Faculty Innovation Fellow by the University of Twente’s DesignLab February 5, 2026

As Iona University hosted its annual University Innovation Fellows (UIF) pinning ceremony on Friday, Jan. 23, celebrating students newly inducted into the program, the moment also served as a reflection point for Lendynette Pacheco-Jorge, whose own journey with UIF underscores Iona’s growing leadership in entrepreneurship and innovation.

“The University Innovation Fellows program is a wonderful opportunity, and my time as a Faculty Innovation Fellow challenged me to think more intentionally about how students engage with their experiences,” said Pacheco-Jorge, associate director of the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. “At Iona, we create so many pathways for learning, and guiding students to reflect on and connect those moments is central to the work I do every day.”

Pacheco-Jorge was recognized for her global engagement in the field after being named a Faculty Innovation Fellow (FIF) by the University of Twente’s DesignLab in April 2025. Her cohort of 15 educators from institutions around the world were recognized for their commitment to advancing innovation ecosystems on their campuses.

“We designed this program to address needs expressed by the faculty and staff in our community. These campus leaders wanted similar resources and a community of practice just like their student Fellows have,” said Humera Fasihuddin, founder of the University Innovation Fellows program. “These new Faculty Innovation Fellows have worked together for the last two years in a close-knit community to develop new ways to engage their students. Our team is so thrilled to see their efforts realized, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”

Her selection for the fellowship stems from her work at Iona, where she helps shape entrepreneurial programming that emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world problem solving. Pacheco-Jorge becomes the second Iona representative to earn the distinction, joining endowed professor and founding program director of the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Christoph Winkler in the international FIF network.

Over the past two years, Pacheco-Jorge collaborated closely with other Faculty Innovation Fellows, sharing resources, exchanging feedback and developing projects focused on strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship at colleges and universities worldwide. Beginning in 2023, the fellows met regularly in small groups to identify opportunities for change and growth within their respective campus communities.

For Pacheco-Jorge, the experience centers on reflection—particularly around how Iona students engage their skills, interests and experiences during their time on campus and how those experiences translate into meaningful professional pathways.

“My time in the program was about community and learning from others, which allowed my original project idea to pivot,” Pacheco-Jorge said. “At Iona, student success it at the center of it all. And to this day, the one thing that prides me the most is the vast number of intentional opportunities that we are providing to our students.”

As part of the fellowship’s culmination, Pacheco-Jorge presented her work during the Faculty Summit & UIF meetup held in April 2025 at the University of Twente’s DesignLab. The three-day event brings together nearly 300 student and faculty fellows from institutions around the world for sessions, talks and collaborative activities focused on innovation, creativity and design thinking.

The summit presented Pacheco-Jorge with an opportunity to not only share her findings but provided a dedicated space to reflect on the impact her and her peers were making in their communities.

“When you go to this summit, not only do you get the chance to share the work you've done, but you get the chance to really reflect on the impact of that work as speaking to your peers,” Pacheco-Jorge said.

ABOUT THE FACULTY INNOVATION FELLOWS

The Faculty Innovation Fellows initiative operates under the University Innovation Fellows program, which empowers students and faculty leaders to increase campus engagement with innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity and design thinking. University Innovation Fellows is a program started by Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school) and now lead by the University of Twente.

PACHECO-JORGE AT IONA

At Iona, Pacheco-Jorge oversees the development and implementation of programs that foster entrepreneurial thinking and action among students, faculty, staff and alumni. She also teaches Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, and Entrepreneurial Internship courses, supporting students as they build entrepreneurial mindsets, refine skills and access resources to launch ventures—work that continues to shape Iona’s expanding role as a hub for innovation.

Iona University Pins 2026 University Innovation Fellows at Hynes Institute Ceremony (News 5897)

ptascio@iona.edu — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:26:12 +0000

Iona University Pins 2026 University Innovation Fellows at Hynes Institute Ceremony (News 5897) ptascio@iona.edu Wed, 02/04/2026 - 15:26 Iona University Pins 2026 University Innovation Fellows at Hynes Institute Ceremony February 4, 2026

New Rochelle, N.Y. — Iona University recognized its 2025-26 cohort of University Innovation Fellows (UIF) during its annual pinning ceremony on Friday, Jan. 23, at the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, celebrating students committed to driving positive change on campus and beyond.

Hosted through the University of Twente in Enschede, Netherlands, the UIF program brings together student leaders from institutions around the world to develop the skills, mindset and networks needed to identify challenges and create meaningful solutions within their university communities. This year, four Iona students were selected, and completed, the program as a cohort: Adrian Vazquez ’27, Jack Kinas ’27, Aidan Rodriquez ’26 and Daniel Lima ’26.

For newly pinned fellow Vazquez — a criminal justice major with a minor in sociology — the program marked a turning point in how he approaches leadership and problem-solving.

“UIF transformed my mindset from a static one to a dynamic one,” Vazquez said. “I looked at every opportunity, and I saw not a problem, but an opportunity for change.”

When reflecting on the conversations and solutions formed within his cohort, Vazquez underscored the importance of student engagement in sustaining Iona’s close-knit campus culture.

“Iona is a very tight-knit community,” Vazquez said. “To maintain that community, you need students who are passionate, and the biggest way to create passion is through involvement.”

Faculty leaders at the Hynes Institute echoed that UIF’s impact extends beyond technology or startups, focusing instead on people and purpose.

“Everybody thinks innovation is technology, but the reality is, what is the humanity behind innovation?” said Lendynette Pacheco-Jorge, associate director of the Hynes Institute and a UIF Faculty Innovation Fellow. “That is what we bring to the forefront. It is not just about teaching students to be change makers; we must be change- makers ourselves.”

Christoph Winkler, founding program director of the Hynes Institute and a UIF Faculty Innovation Fellow, noted that the program’s strength lies in its global reach and student-driven approach.

“The University Innovation Fellows Program brings together student innovators from across the globe to become change agents on their respective campuses,” Winkler said.

Through UIF, Iona’s student fellows collaborate with peers worldwide while working to better understand the needs of their own campus community, an experience Vazquez described as both empowering and personal.

Iona Students Tackle Greenburgh Food Scrap Recycling and Small Business Social Media in Latest City Labs Project (News 5733)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:40:30 +0000

Iona Students Tackle Greenburgh Food Scrap Recycling and Small Business Social Media in Latest City Labs Project (News 5733) jhernandez33@g… Wed, 11/05/2025 - 09:40 Iona Students Tackle Greenburgh Food Scrap Recycling and Small Business Social Media in Latest City Labs Project November 5, 2025

A new collaboration between the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) and Iona University is deploying the innovative power of design thinking to address two community challenges in the Town of Greenburgh.

Iona business students will lead the latest City Labs project—a key component of the BCW’s Westchester Innovation Network (WIN). The students will focus on two distinct yet vital areas: boosting participation in the town’s food scrap recycling program and strengthening the social media presence of local businesses.

The initiative leverages the human-centered, problem-solving methodology of design thinking, which emphasizes understanding the needs and behaviors of the community before proposing solutions.

Aakash Sapru, assistant professor of design thinking and innovation at the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, said that the dual focus offers a blend of community service and business development.

The core challenge for the food scrap recycling program is not implementation, but participation. Greenburgh already has a program, potentially featuring curbside pickup, but it struggles with resident adoption. The Iona students will examine the behavioral and communication barriers preventing widespread success.

“It’s one thing for the government to encourage these initiatives. It’s another thing for the residents to change their behavior. And that’s the biggest issue,” said Sapru.

Using design thinking, the students will move through a structured process, beginning with extensive research. They are currently conducting secondary research on successful food scrap recycling programs in other communities across New York and the US. They will then move on to primary research, including visiting Greenburgh and engaging directly with residents to understand their motivations, or lack thereof.

The design thinking framework will guide students from empathizing with residents to defining the true problem, ideating solutions, and testing prototypes with the community.

“I am very pleased that the town will be working with students from Iona. I’m committed to starting a food scrap curbside recycling program for all residents of unincorporated Greenburgh in 2026 and appreciate the help and involvement of students,” said Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner. “A successful food scrap curbside program will reduce the amount of garbage that we have to collect.”

As part of their research, the Iona students met with a representative of Table2Ground, a WIN participant and food-waste recycling innovator that markets composting machines to local municipalities. Table2Ground’s technology transforms food waste into pre-compost material within 24 hours.

The second focus area addresses the need for local Greenburgh businesses to better use digital platforms. Students will study the current social media landscape of these businesses and provide actionable recommendations and strategies to help them effectively connect with customers and grow their presence online.

“The Business Council of Westchester established City Labs as a vital bridge between our academic community and local government,” said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the BCW. “This initiative allows our future workforce—talented Iona business students—to apply innovative concepts like design thinking to solve practical, real-world problems for our municipalities. It’s a win-win: local governments get actionable solutions, and students gain valuable career experience they can immediately apply to jobs right here in Westchester County.”

This City Labs project will run for six weeks, with the students planning to present their final recommendations to the Town of Greenburgh in early December.

More Than a Business: Jen Ritz ’08 Leads with Purpose (News 5456)

ptascio@iona.edu — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:12:39 +0000

More Than a Business: Jen Ritz ’08 Leads with Purpose (News 5456) ptascio@iona.edu Mon, 08/18/2025 - 15:12 More Than a Business: Jen Ritz ’08 Leads with Purpose“Owning a successful business is one thing, but using it as a way to help others Fight the Good Fight for their own cause is more than I could have imagined.“ August 18, 2025

Jen Ritz ’08 is the owner of Sweet Tees Custom Apparel Inc. in her hometown of Yorktown Heights, N.Y. She was recently recognized with a New York State Commendation Award, recognizing her significant impact on the local community, and a New York State Empire Award, acknowledging her philanthropic efforts through her business. As a former member of Iona women’s basketball and a graduate with bachelor’s degrees in English and Communications, Ritz continues to use her platform and business to uplift others and give back.

Philanthropy and Community Impact

“In 2013, I helped launch a fundraising effort called Jason's Army in honor of Jason Needle with a goal of giving back to the community who supported him during his battle with cancer. I bought my first screen printing equipment as a way to make fundraising t-shirts. Jason's Army grew over time and went on to raise over $100,000 and, to date, has granted eight wishes with Make-a-Wish Hudson Valley. Sweet Tees was officially born in 2015 and now serves communities throughout the tristate area. We often host free online stores to raise money through apparel sales for various organizations. In 2024, Sweet Tees gave back over $15,000 to schools, sports teams, and charitable causes throughout the Hudson Valley.

I donated to the women's basketball team most recently on Gaels Giving Day. I know Coach Ang's goal was to raise funds towards their new locker room. I loved that goal because, as a player, you spend a lot of time in there. You want it to be a comfortable place where players want to be.”

Learn more about Jen Ritz

What do you love most about what you’re currently doing?
All my life, one of my favorite things was getting swag from events I went to. Whether it was catching a t-shirt thrown by a cheerleader at a game or getting a free water bottle after running a 5K. My favorite thing about what I do now is I get to create that excitement for my clients whether it's a team, school, business, or event. Sweet Tees is a full-service shop offering all types of printed apparel and more.

How did Iona prepare you for your career?
Iona always felt like home to me and still does. Playing basketball and traveling with the team was one of the best experiences of my life. I think what stuck with me the most, though, is as a student-athlete we learned to balance many things at once. Between workouts, classes, games, and traveling, our schedules were packed. This has definitely translated to being a business owner and the level of multitasking that is required of me.

What advice would you give to a student?
I took a lot of different paths before landing where I am today – take classes that interest you and do your best in them. We have a vast alumni network and a passionate one at that! Get to know the people in school with you as well as alumni. These relationships are the ones that will help you no matter what your career path ends up being.

What’s your fondest Iona memory?
Iona brought me all over the world. I've been inside the Colosseum in Rome and outside of Buckingham Palace in London. I went surfing for the first time on Waikiki Beach. I've stood on the football field at Notre Dame. So many of my best memories are because of Iona Women's Basketball.