HWS News
17 April 2025 Baldev ’25 Wins at Regional NY Business Plan Competition
Three HWS students enter their business plans prepared for the HWS’ 2025 Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch competition to the New York State Contest.
Diya Baldev, ’25, Ahata Laska ’27 and Chloe Odell ’26 recently competed in the New York Business Plan Competition in Rochester, N.Y. All three students brought to the competition ideas they had refined during HWS’ 2025 Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch Entrepreneurial Leadership Competition. Baldev now advances to the first round of NYBPC’s state competition with results announced later this month.
Baldev, a senior double majoring in business management and entrepreneurship, and political science, won in the Safety, Power and Mobility track with her product idea, MotoGuardian, a product line of safety apparel and accessories designed for female motorcycle riders who are looking for reliable and tailored safety gear.
“All three of our participants demonstrated remarkable passion and business acumen, but seeing Diya Baldev take first place in her track at the NYBPC regional competition validates the quality of innovation happening right here on our campus,” says Centennial Center Entrepreneurship Fellow and Business Management and Entrepreneurship Faculty Kevin Miles, who attended the competition. Centennial Center faculty Craig Talmage and Steven Brookstein, and Centennial Center Intern Cori Bohan ’27 also attended the competition.
Centennial Center Director Lisa Kaenzig commends Baldev’s work. “Diya is extraordinary; it was wonderful to have her receive this important recognition and move on to the next level of this competition. We are all so proud of all our amazing students!”
“The idea for MotoGuardian developed from a personal passion for motorcycle safety, stemming from my own near-death experience and the common risks associated with riding. I began conceptualizing MotoGuardian in the fall of 2023, aiming to enhance rider safety without compromising the thrill of riding,” says Baldev.
Transferring to HWS last year, Baldev says she owes a great deal of thanks to her mentors and faculty at both HWS and Wells College.
“I particularly want to thank everyone at the Centennial Center - Kevin Miles, Craig Talmage, Lisa Kaenzig, Samuel Williams, Jenna Terrel, and all the interns, who provided invaluable guidance and support throughout the development and pitching process. Also, a special thank you to Heather Ouida who was my alum mentor since winter break,” says Baldev.
Miles adds that students like Baldev, Laska and Odell aren't just presenting ideas—they're building viable business concepts that can make a real impact. “Their success reflects both their individual talents and HWS’ commitment to fostering entrepreneurial thinking that extends well beyond the classroom,” he says.
Winners of round one of NYBPC’s state finals will travel to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for the second round, followed by the Grand Prize Final round on April 24. The NYBPC Finals award up to $100,000 in cash prizes to help seed new ventures.
In the photo above, Chloe Odell ’26, Diya Baldev '25 and Ahata Laska ’27 gather for photo at the NYBPC regional competition held at St. John Fisher University.
