East Stroudsburg University Hosts First Warrior Startup Challenge

Warrior Startup Challenge winners

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on April 23, 2025, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University’s Division of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship held its inaugural Warrior Startup Challenge, culminating with the top three student finalists presenting their business ideas to a panel of judges on Friday, April 18. The three-round competition began in November with 29 students, from across a variety of majors, who recorded a two-minute video highlighting their business idea, and 15 students advanced to Round 2 where they prepared a Business Venture Profile to refine their business model, before the three finalists were selected.

Kevin Gardner, a senior majoring in business management from East Stroudsburg, Pa., won the first-place prize of $10,000. Gardner presented a business plan for Ceiba Café, a holistic hemp-focused café experience, featuring made-to-order infused beverages and dispensary-grade products targeting the Pocono Mountain region.

Favor Toby, a junior majoring in business management from Folcroft, Pa., came in second place, receiving $5,000 for her company Agape’s Beauty, a business providing science-backed, porosity-specific hair care products aimed at helping customers achieve their healthiest, most vibrant hair.

Aziyah Norman, a freshman majoring in business management from Philadelphia, Pa., came in third place and was awarded $2,500 for her company Mazuri Diviney, an apparel brand designed to empower individuals battling sickle cell disease through purpose-driven, stylish, and comfortable clothing while raising awareness and funding for critical research.

First, second, and third place awards were sponsored by Steve Somers, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB), and Marathon Studios, Inc.

“The Warrior Startup Challenge is an opportunity for students to embrace their inner entrepreneur and to compete for cash awards to help turn their business concepts into reality,” said Kenneth Long, president of ESU. “Our three student finalists have been mentored by ESU faculty, staff and industry partners to prepare them to launch their business ideas. What we saw in the final round competition highlights the impact of the learning environment at ESU that is fueled by our innovative and passionate campus community.”

Carol Dimopoulos, Ph.D., assistant professor of business management, served as the emcee for the event. The judges were Kate Croll, executive producer, Pocono TV Network; Stelios Melekos ’24, founder and CEO of Stack Tackle, LLC, and the 2023 winner of the State System Startup Challenge; Candice Richards, regional manager of the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union; Phil Williams, founder and CEO of Game Face Grooming; and Reanna Tong, staff accountant, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

The Warrior Startup Challenge will air on Blue Ridge Communications Channel 13 on Friday, April 25 at 4 p.m., Saturday, April 26 at 1 p.m., and Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m.

For more information about the Warrior Startup Challenge contact Michael Moreno, manager, Entrepreneurial Leadership Center by calling (570) 422-7995 or email mmoreno4@esu.edu.