HWS News
12 February 2025 Finalists Announced for Todd Feldman '89 and Family Pitch Competition
Four students compete for $10,000 to help their entrepreneurial ventures.
With startups ranging from economically sustainable flowers and upcycled jewelry to a consulting service and women’s motorcycle apparel, the four finalists of the Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch Competition have been chosen. This year’s competitors are Diya Baldev ’25, Ahata Laska ’27, Maeghan Mahoney ’26 and Chloe Odell ’27.
"These four Pitch finalists represent well the incredible diversity of HWS students' innovative thinking,” says Director of the Centennial Center Lisa Kaenzig P’22. “This is the 14th year of the exciting Pitch competition at Hobart and William Smith and these four women have incredible business concepts. The Centennial Center staff is excited to work with them in the weeks ahead as they continue to refine their ideas and prepare for the final.”
The final Pitch competition will take place on Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in the Vandervort Room of the Scandling Campus Center.
The business proposals presented by the finalists include:
With MotoGuardian, Diya Baldev ’25 is redefining female motorcycle gear by blending safety, comfort and style. Designed for diverse body types, MotoGuardian empowers women riders while fostering a community through its online platform.
AGLA Education.USA, by Ahata Laska’s ’27, is a consultancy service empowering students from CIS countries to navigate the U.S. college admissions process. Offering affordable, tailored guidance, the platform bridges gaps in access and support to help students achieve their educational dreams.
Darling’s Dahlias, created by Maeghan Mahoney ’26, is a flower business that fosters mindfulness and creativity through locally grown arrangements and bouquet bars. Rooted in family tradition and scientific evidence, it emphasizes sustainability, community connection, and intentional living.
Through Mirabilia Jewelry, Chloe Odell ’27 has brought to life unique, upcycled pieces from antique cutlery, blending sustainability with personal storytelling. Affordable and gender-inclusive, the handcrafted designs offer a meaningful, eco-conscious alternative to traditional jewelry.
Judges for this year’s competition are Lowell Kronowitz ’85, P’27, the president of Levy Jewelers; Michael Tesoro P'27, the founder and CEO of Ooma Tesoro's Premium Marinara Sauce; Robin Tesoro '96, P’27, the creative director and business manager of Ooma Tesoro’s Premium Marinara Sauce and Karla Valas P'27, the head of private wealth and executive services at Fidelity.
Established in 2011, the entrepreneurial competition begins with students submitting a business plan for a product or service. Then the finalists, who are chosen by the Pitch selection committee, present their plan to a panel of alumni judges for the opportunity to win $10,000. Leading up to the final event, each student is partnered with an alumni mentor to learn from their extensive experience and refine and strengthen their plans.
Top: The finalists for the Todd Feldman ‘89 and Family Pitch Competition Maeghan Mahoney ’26, Chloe Odell ’27, Diya Baldev ’25 and Ahata Laska ’27 pose for a photo in the Gearan Center.
