Video Highlights: 2025 "Rise to the Challenge" Business Pitch Competition

You will see the impact that a University of Baltimore education and the work of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has on our students, their families, their communities.

Kathyrn Demarest Associate Dean, Merrick School of Business

2025 Rise to the Challenge Group of Competitors — The 2025 Rise to the Challenge competitors.

UBalt Crowns "Rise to the Challenge" Business Pitch Winners!

Video highlight reel can be viewed at the bottom of the page.

The 2025 “Rise to the Challenge” Business Pitch Competition delivered on its promise of big ideas. Four impressive entrepreneurs took home a share of $30,000 in prize money, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit at UBalt.

The top $15,000 “Most Promising Business” award was shared by:

Dorien Murphy (Cheffin)
Ayanna Roberts (Pretty Kitty Wax Studio LLC)
N’Kobe Turner (Grandma’s Southern Pies)

Ayanna Roberts also dominated the “Existing Business Ventures” category ($5,000) and won the Crowd Favorite award ($1,000). N’Kobe Turner received both the Baltimore Fund Award ($1,000) and the new “Most Spirited Entrepreneur” award ($1,000). Dorien Murphy earned the “Hustle Award” ($1,000) from Jason Tagler of Pitch Creator.

In the “Aspiring Business Ventures” category, Shakkearra Sykes of Brève secured first place and $2,000.

Our inspiring keynote speaker was Aasha Mikha'El, founder of Uniquely in Place (U.I.P), and a past winner of the competition.

A huge thanks to our alumni judging panel and to UBalt’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation for sponsoring this incredible event.

Winners 2025 of Rise to the Challenge at the University of Baltimore

View the YouTube highlight reel from the 2025 "Rise to the Challenge" business pitch competition.

Read the 2025 announcement of the winners.

Categorized As

CEI Merrick School of Business