CT State Housatonic Students Win Major Awards at Werth Center Elevator Pitch Competition
Student entrepreneurs from Connecticut State Community College Housatonic earned top honors and major cash awards during the 2025 Werth Center Elevator Pitch Competition, showcasing innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial leadership on a statewide stage.
CT State Housatonic students advanced through a highly competitive selection process that narrowed more than 50 submissions from across Connecticut to 19 finalists. All finalists received $50 for advancing and full funding for LLC business registration.
Several CT State Housatonic students earned additional top prizes:
- Hailey Diaz (Bridgeport) — $2,000, Frantic Frenzy Production video game concept
- Jenna Briones (Bridgeport) — $2,000
- Moriah Israel (Bridgeport) — $2,000, Home Matters home care services
- Hoang Ngoc Anh Nguyen (Shelton) — $1,000, Lakodo crocheted gifts
Additional CT State Housatonic finalists included:
- Derreck Pruden (Bridgeport)
- Jean Carlos Reyes Contreras (Bridgeport)
- Dannella Scarlett (Bridgeport)
- Maya West (Bridgeport)
Lorenzo Camillo receives a $2,000 for his work in the competition
Each finalist was recognized for presenting a strong business concept during the competition.
The competition was hosted by the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at CT State Housatonic and brought together students from six CT State campuses. Funding support was provided by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and philanthropist Peter Werth. More than $15,000 in total funding was awarded statewide.
“These events are truly wonderful,” said Matt Connell, Ed.D., director of the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “They provide student entrepreneurs with mentoring as well as funding to help launch and grow their young businesses. The creativity our students bring forward is remarkable—and this competition gives them both visibility and momentum.”
The Werth Center continues to provide students with mentorship, startup funding, and business development resources to support early-stage ventures and economic mobility across the region.
For more information, contact Matt Connell at .
About CT State Housatonic
Connecticut State Community College Housatonic, based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is part of CT State Community College—a single accredited institution with 12 campuses statewide. The college offers affordable, high-quality programs that help students achieve career goals, transfer to four-year institutions, and pursue lifelong
