Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York | St. John's University-New York
A notable competition unfolded at St. John’s University on April 10 during the annual James and Eileen Christmas Business Plan Competition, an event organized by The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. This competition presented diverse entrepreneurial ideas, including a technology solution aimed at improving urban parking efficiency, a healthier fast-food alternative for Poland, and a lighting company employing genetically modified bacteria for natural light.
The contest, which is a key event in the University's business development calendar, is funded by alumnus Mr. Christmas ’70CBA, who also participated as a judge. Roy Weissman, M.B.A., an Assistant Professor and Director of the competition, noted a substantial increase in submitted business plans, stating, “We had a significant increase in the number of plans submitted."
The judging panel comprised several experienced individuals, including Christopher P. Long, Ph.D., Stanley A. Moskowitz ’80MBA, William D. Reisel, Ph.D., and Thomas Scaturro ’86CBA, joining Mr. Christmas.
Francilia Wilkins Rahim ’09TCB, ’11MBA, addressed the participants, stating, “I was you almost 20 years ago,” sharing her experiences during the recession period post-graduation.
The finalists presented various innovative business plans, including a clothing chain with repurposed wearables and an AI-based corporate wellness app. The prize pool consisted of eight awards totaling $9,500.
Mariana Arias Correa secured the first prize with her app, ParkX, which uses real-time data to pinpoint available parking spaces in major cities. She expressed hope that the app could expand beyond the United States.
Runner-up Wiktoria Kowalczyk introduced a healthier dining option in Poland, inspired by her experience with poke bowls in America. Third place went to Shuborno Hassin for BioGlow, focused on creating light through genetically engineered bacteria.
Fifth-year Pharmacy student Maimuna Maula topped the business pitch category with her app Medmuna, aimed at simplifying prescription drug information.
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