CBT LaunchPad Syracuse Student Startup Showcase

As part of Coming Back Together, the LaunchPad will host an energized conversation with Syracuse University startups and opportunities for mentoring entrepreneurs working on innovative new ideas.

Keynote remarks by Syracuse University alumna Dayanna Torres ’06 G’09, Director, Blackstone Charitable Foundation. Panel and pitches by diverse student founders.

Panel Discussion featuring distinguished alumni:

• Kelsey Davis ’19 G’20, founder of CLLCTVE and graduate of Techstars
• Victoria Lawson ’20, founder of Weird & Woke (digital marketing, rapid prototyping, videography, photography, and video art design firm), and Design Associate for Techstars LA and Techstars Founders Catalyst with JP Morgan
• Caeresa Richardson ’07, founder of Ecodessa
• Kristina Taylor ’17, founder of Melux
• Yathniella S Lubin G’21, founder of The Balance Sanctuary
• Samadhi (Moreno- Rodriquez) Aviv ’14, SparkCharge and innovator at Mass General Brigham

About Dayanna Torres:

Dayanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and rhetorical studies, a Bachelor of Science in information management and technology, a Master of Science in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a Master of Arts degree in international relations from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, all from Syracuse University. She is a member of the Syracuse University VPA Young Alumni Council and a Maxwell School Ambassador.

As a student, she was part of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and was actively involved in student organizations including RAICES Dance Troupe, BLISTS, The Black Voice, Citrus TV Noticias en Español and Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Senoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. always dedicated to culture, diversity, inclusion and equity. Her awards and recognition for her leadership at SU included the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO)/ Latino University Magazine Leader Award, Syracuse University Student Affairs C.O.R.E Award for Excellence in Leadership and the Syracuse University Office of Multicultural Affairs La Fuerza Community Enhancement Award. Upon graduation she went on to shape a career in social impact and equitable economic development.

Dayanna recently joined the Blackstone Charitable Foundation as the Director of the Blackstone LaunchPad Network. She brings over thirteen years of experience in higher education, nonprofit, and the public sector. In her role at the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, she helps empower entrepreneurs and bring entrepreneurial skill-building to students who need it most through the Blackstone LaunchPad program. In 2020, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation announced a $40 million expansion of LaunchPad to exclusively support colleges and universities that have a majority diverse population or are serving under-resourced communities. In doing so, it will increase its program from 46 to 75 campuses over the next five years. Blackstone LaunchPad will work with UNCF, the largest scholarship provider for students of color, as a strategic advisor to help identify schools for growth and develop plans to support students.

Following Dayanna’s remarks, a panel of diverse student startups will pitch their innovation venture ideas, seeking feedback, coaches and subject matter experts, and connections that can help them on their entrepreneurial journey.

Can’t attend in person, but want to mentor a Syracuse University student startup? It’s easy to sign up to be a mentor here: https://launchpad.syr.edu/become-a-mentor/

This event is part of Coming Back Together 2021, September 9 – 12 at Syracuse University. Every three years, Black and Latino/a alumni come back to campus to celebrate their accomplishments, meet current students, and remain connected with the University.

Attend the event virtually.