CT State Student Entrepreneurs Recognized at 2025 Elevator Pitch Competition
Connecticut State Community College (CT State) celebrated student winners and finalists during the 2025 Elevator Pitch Competition, held Dec. 1 at the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at CT State Housatonic.
More than 50 CT State students submitted video pitches for the competition, with judges selecting 19 finalists to present their ideas. The top 10 winners received a cash prize, and all of the student entrepreneurs received an LLC-filing grant to support their business start-up costs.
The annual competition is a signature event for the Werth Center, designed to foster entrepreneurial leadership among students.
“The Werth Center is proud to empower students with the resources, feedback, and connections they need to transform bold ideas into thriving businesses,” said Matt Connell, Ed.D., director of the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “This event provides students with guidance, connections, and a small boost of funding to help turn their vision into reality and take the first steps toward achieving their entrepreneurial dreams.”
Winners and finalists are listed by prize level and town of residence with their home campus affiliation:
$2,000 Prize Winners:
Bridgeport
Hailey Diaz (CT State Housatonic)—Frantic Frenzy Production’s video game concept
Moriah Israel (CT State Housatonic)— Home Matters home care services
Guilford
Marcos Lopez (CT State Gateway)—Premiere Shoreline Illumination’s holiday light hanging, gutter cleaning and power washing
Southington
Lorenzo Cavallo (CT State Tunxis)—Guardcore investigation and security services
Stratford
Jenna Briones (CT State Housatonic)—Jenn the Visionary, creative nail design and salon services
$1,000 Prize Winners:
Easton
Catt Schenfeld (CT State Gateway) —A reusable bag for concerts
Manchester
Taniah Matticks (CT State Manchester)—video design and graphic design services
Shelton
Hoang Ngoc Anh Nguyen (CT State Housatonic)—Lakodo’s crocheted gifts
West Haven
Danajah Parson (CT State Gateway)—Crochet with Nay’s crochet classes
Windsor
Justene Huy (CT State Manchester)—Blind Box’s blind box concept.
Finalists:
Bridgeport
Derreck Pruden (CT State Housatonic)
Jean Carlos Reyes Contreras (CT State Housatonic)
Dannella Scarlett (CT State Housatonic)
Maya West (CT State Housatonic)
Cromwell
Zavior Darden (CT State Manchester)
East Hartford
Belen Aparicio (CT State Capital)
Hartford
Samantha Martin (CT State Capital)
Stamford
Kylie Argudo (CT State Norwalk)
Funding for the event was provided by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
Founded in 2021 at CT State Housatonic in Bridgeport with philanthropic support from philanthropist Peter Werth, the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship helps students and community members launch and grow businesses through coaching, workshops, and resources. For more information, contact Matt Connell at .
