Penn State Berks honors student and community entrepreneurs in award ceremony

WYOMISSING, Pa. — Student teams and community entrepreneurs were recognized for creativity and drive when Penn State Berks hosted the Berks Innovation Awards Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 14. The winning students and entrepreneurs were awarded "IMAGINE Your Business" grants, funded by the County of Berks "Imagine Berks" Fund. For the first time, one ceremony was held for both competitions and the event was co-sponsored by the college’s Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) Center and Berks LaunchBox.

“The county is pleased to have the Penn State Berks Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center and Berks LaunchBox as key partners to implement our IMAGINE Berks Strategic Plan. They are proven and valuable resources for entrepreneurs and help us provide a supportive and welcoming environment,” said Pamela Menet, director of community and economic development, County of Berks.

Awards were presented for two different challenges: The Innovation and Business Idea Challenge, in which the Flemming CEED Center recognized student teams that developed creative, real-world solutions to local and global challenges, and the Imagine Your Business Grant Awards, in which Berks LaunchBox recognized community entrepreneurs who received grant funding to support prototyping, marketing, product development and more.

Innovation and Business Idea Challenge awards student creativity

The Innovation and Business Idea Challenge encourages student teams to tackle pressing local or global issues with bold, scalable ideas. This year, submissions focused on reducing hunger and food insecurity.

This year’s Innovation and Business Idea Challenge was also supported by the college’s Food Bank Operations Optimization: Data-driven Societal Impact Approach (FOODSIA) project funded by a grant from Penn State's Inter-Institutional Program for Diversifying Research to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local food banks.   

EggShare Network was developed by Hannah Pham, a marketing major. She explained that the mission of EggShare Network is to create a community-based network where local small-scale farmers and backyard producers can contribute surplus eggs via a centralized digital platform. This platform connects suppliers directly with local food banks, schools and households in need, reducing waste while increasing access to affordable, protein-rich nutrition.

Finish Me was developed by Minnich Tang Chuy, a finance major. FinishMe at Penn State Berks is an app that provides information on upcycled safe cafeteria surplus that can be transformed into affordable meals. High-quality, uneaten food from cafeterias can be repurposed into safe and valuable food products. Students would be able to reserve or buy via the app and scan a pickup code to purchase food at discounted rates.

FoodWaste was developed by a team of engineering students, including Gage Fulmer, mechanical; Sara Christine, environmental; Amelia Knott, aerospace; and Conner Semel, electro-mechanical engineering technology. The team created an interactive exhibit in Tully’s, the college’s dining hall, that uses scales to show how much money is lost through waste, based on different meal plans. It will also include an infographic highlighting food waste and food insecurity on college campuses.

“The purpose of this award is to provide seed money to support enterprising and innovative student at Penn State Berks,” said Sadan Kulturel-Konak, professor of management information systems, director of the Flemming CEED Center, and program chair of the entrepreneurship and innovation minor. “Our primary objective with this competition is to allow students to utilize their Penn State Berks education to become entrepreneurs and start businesses that can create jobs in our local community.”

IMAGINE Your Business Grants supports early-stage community entrepreneurs

Meanwhile, IMAGINE Your Business Grants were awarded to early-stage entrepreneurs who demonstrated creativity and drive. Grants will support marketing, prototyping and operational costs. This round of recipients represents a range of industries and services — from technology and mental health to landscape design and artisan goods — demonstrating the breadth of innovation within Berks County’s entrepreneurial community.

Wildcraft Landscapes LLC, founded by Nathan Tietbohl, designs, installs and maintains ecologically grounded landscapes using native plants, rain gardens and stormwater management solutions. Their mission is to blend natural beauty with environmental sustainability, creating thriving ecosystems that benefit both people and wildlife.

Alison Woo Designs, founded by Alison Woo, creates one-of-a-kind jewelry using semi-precious stones and fine metals to craft pieces for special occasions and every day. The brand focuses on sustainability and customization, helping clients express individuality through thoughtfully designed, timeless pieces.

LumiVillage, founded by Amna and Syed Fahad Hussein, is an app that helps community members connect to teach and learn everyday skills through one-on-one lessons and group classes. Built on trust and safety, with verified profiles, ratings, reviews and background checks, the app makes it easy for students to find reliable local coaches.

On Brand Moments LLC, founded by Danielle Hettler, delivers laser engraving on wood, metal, glass and acrylic for gifts and to promote branding. Their services are offered through a variety of online platforms and live events. Their innovation lies in "just-in-time" customization on location, along with color engraving on metal and custom photo engraving.

Emotional Compass, founded by Licensed Professional Counselor Hilary Aponte-Chimelis, provides trauma-informed, perinatal and family therapy services. Aponte-Chimelis offers bilingual counseling for individuals, couples and families, focusing on holistic well-being and cultural connection during both in-person and virtual settings.

Wolfe Counseling and Wellness LLC, founded by Licensed Professional Counselor Jenna Wolfe, provides evidence-based mental health treatment with a focus on building strong, trusting therapeutic relationships. Wolfe Counseling creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can achieve meaningful emotional growth and healing.

KimonoMono, founded by Adrian Heredia, is a marketing and sales alignment agency that helps small- and mid-sized businesses turn brand clarity into measurable growth. They provide integrated services — brand positioning, digital presence and web strategy, lead-generation systems, and a five-step marketing and sales playbook.

“We’re proud to partner with Berks County to empower early-stage entrepreneurs,” said Erica Kunkel, director of Berks LaunchBox. “This support ensures that promising ideas have the funding they need to grow, succeed and make a meaningful impact right here in our region.”

About the County of Berks “IMAGINE Your Business” grant

"Imagine Berks" is Berks County’s strategic economic development plan. The "Imagine Your Business" grant provides early-stage entrepreneurs with support for various business needs such as prototyping, marketing and product/service development. The initiative aims to foster innovation and economic growth within Berks County. Visit Imagine Berks for more information.