North Little Rock High School

Alyssia Freeman, a 17-year-old junior, combined her passion for sports and science to create Athleticurls, a hair care product for black women athletes. Addressing the gap in the market, her desire to develop a sweat-proof, non-flaky hair gel aims to maintain tight curls during intense physical activities, enabling athletes to focus on their performance.

Ryan Boone, addressed the crucial issue of limited high-speed internet in rural-like communities. His business idea, seeks to improve internet connectivity for students and families, recognizing the link between internet access and improved educational outcomes. A_Net aims not just to connect people, but to level the educational playing field in his community.

Dahlia Markin, a 16-year-old junior at North Little Rock High School, is the driving force behind "Inclusive Futures," a digital platform aimed at amplifying minority voices and creating opportunities. Tackling racial profiling and misinformation, her project highlights local minority stories and connects them with tangible opportunities. Dahlia's commitment to representing and empowering minority teens in Arkansas through this unique platform is shaping a more inclusive future.

Fidelia Rodriguez Fidelia Rodriguez, mentored by her mother Eblyn Lopez, transformed her sewing passion into a successful venture, "Fidelia's Alterations and Dressmaking". Their business, born from a costume design win at Spa-Con, offers affordable, personalized sewing to lower-income families, fostering community confidence and belonging through clothing.

Hannah Torres, a junior, aims to transform the jewelry industry with her sustainable brand, Gaea. Named after the Greek Earth goddess, Gaea offers ethically sourced and recycled jewelry, addressing the environmental impact and consumerism in traditional jewelry. Hannah's initiative represents a blend of fashion and environmental responsibility, challenging the industry's norms.

Jada Broadway, a junior, is the passionate founder of JaysRuby Beauty, a venture aimed at revolutionizing the beauty industry for minority teenage women. Inspired by her mother's adverse reactions to beauty product chemicals, Jada's project is more than just a product line; it's a solution tailored to those often overlooked in the beauty narrative. Her blend of passion and determination is driving a change in how beauty products are created and perceived.

Miguel Lara, a junior, is addressing healthcare accessibility with his initiative, "Laraceuticals." Aimed at helping low-income families in his community, especially those dealing with chronic conditions, Laraceuticals seeks to provide affordable pharmacy services and healthcare education. Miguel's vision is to collaborate with local pharmacies and healthcare providers to offer discounted medications and easier prescription access, significantly improving community health.

Tavion Simpson, a junior, is the creative force behind Sparklook, an initiative to boost minority representation in the arts and entertainment sector. Focusing on Central Arkansas, Sparklook is an innovative online platform for diverse comic graphic design and scriptwriting. Tavion's project is dedicated to creating inclusive and collaborative content that resonates with and reflects the community's diverse interests.

Ty'juan Patton, a junior, aims to tackle high housing costs and poor living conditions for young adults and low-income earners. It focuses on sustainable, affordable modular homes with shared amenities, catering to those starting careers or in higher education, and emphasizes community and sustainability in housing solutions.

Taylor Whitley Taylor Whitley, a 16-year-old junior, is making waves in the baking world with her venture, BlueBirds Bakery. Since discovering her passion for baking at age 12, Taylor has been dedicated to creating health-conscious and delicious alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, focusing especially on the needs of black and brown communities. Her innovative approach has led to a range of unique products, such as gluten-free cookies and sugar-free cupcakes, which cater to a variety of health requirements.

Mariyah Dawson, a junior, is making waves at BlueBird's Bakery with her passion for baking and a commitment to health-conscious options for her community. Her dedication to this cause is deeply personal. Growing up in a community where dietary health issues are prevalent, Mariyah witnessed the challenges faced by those who couldn't indulge in typical baked goods due to health concerns.

Tay Shan Roseburrow, a junior, is focused on on mental health and suicide prevention among young adults. His approach uses writing, journaling, and performing arts to empower individuals through creativity and self-expression. Renaissance Tranquility aims to create supportive spaces and leverages social media for community engagement. Tayshan's mission is to foster empathy and transform lives, starting with targeted initiatives in Arkansas.