November 20, 2018
Team wins $5,000 grant at the Ford Mobility Innovation Challenge
Hackettstown, N.J., Nov. 20, 2018— Centenary University’s Enactus team took an impressive third place at the Ford Mobility Innovation Challenge this fall in Palo Alto, Calif. Competing against teams from the United States, Brazil, Morocco, and Ghana, the Cyclones took home a $5,000 grant from Ford Motor Company’s philanthropic arm, Ford Fund, in the contest.
Linda Poisseroux, Centenary business professor and director of Enactus, called the finish “a proud moment for Centenary University.” “This team was highly motivated to compete for this grant,” she said. “They displayed a tremendous amount of commitment in preparing the grant application, script, and presentation. It was amazing to see their professionalism and energy shine through during the presentation.”
An international organization, Enactus encourages entrepreneurial, student-led projects that empower people and communities. In a proposal submitted to Ford in August, Centenary’s team described their concept for Shieldz Wearable Technologies, a wristband that warns drivers of fatigue through sound and vibration. The Cyclone team was one of six finalists invited to travel to Ford’s Greenfield Labs to compete for the prizes.
Enactus Co-president Mariah Russo, a senior from Westfield, said participating with the team has opened her eyes to the difference students can make. “It’s amazing because Centenary is a small school, but we see what an impact we could have on the community,” explained Russo, a business major with triple concentrations in marketing, social media marketing, and management. “The opportunities I’ve been given through Enactus have been absolutely amazing.”
Randolph resident Brittany Bradley, a junior co-president of Enactus, noted that Centenary was the only New Jersey team to place at Enactus nationals last spring. “It was so exciting for us to be recognized as the number one team in New Jersey,” the business management major said. “Developing new products and initiatives and getting ready for competitions really prepares you for the workforce. Plus, helping your community makes you feel like a better person.”
In addition to Russo and Bradley, Enactus team members who participated in the Ford competition are Colin Hudson of Hackettstown, Daniella Peter Paul-Loor of Springfield, Eddie Medina of Newton, and Jessica Toribio of Phillipsburg.
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs at two locations, Parsippany and Edison, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.
Photo ID:
L-R, Colin Hudson of Hackettstown, Daniella Peter Paul-Loor of Springfield, Eddie Medina of Newton, Mariah Russo of Westfield, Brittany Bradley of Randolph, and Jessica Toribio of Phillipsburg.