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Inspiring the Next Generation

Inspiring the Next Generation

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Each year, West Virginia Executive magazine publishes a “Young Guns” list recognizing young professionals in the business community who drive our Mountain State forward. We're proud to share that Tara St. Clair, program director of our Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, made West Virginia Executive magazine's Young Guns Class of 2023! As one of 10 West Virginia professionals, St. Clair was honored to be chosen for this year’s class.

“It was an honor to be recognized among such an esteemed group of folks from across West Virginia,” she said. “I feel grateful to have a job that I am able to serve all West Virginians and make a real impact.”

Through the Encova Center, St. Clair works with West Virginians of all ages to empower them to innovate.

“I help people in West Virginia turn their dreams into reality. Working in an outreach center under our land-grant mission, I am fortunate to serve all 55 counties and people of all ages. As the Center has grown, we have made a bigger push for supporting K-12 entrepreneurship education. I feel it is important to create a pipeline of problem solvers in order to create a better future for West Virginia.”

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Virtual Globetrotting

While COVID-19 has forced us to pivot the way we work and play, the Robbins Center for Global Business and Strategy is no exception. In fact, two virtual activities alone in October saw more than 250 students involved in international lecture, case analyses and culture sessions in Hong Kong and Bahrain. “Framed in this way, that's very promising international reach between WVU and these two international partners,” said David Dawley, executive director of the Robbins Center. 

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The Future is Innovative Females

In an effort to reach innovative and entrepreneurial females throughout the state, the WVU Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab hosted its Second Annual Women Innovate Pitch Competition. Ten women entered the virtual competition in October in hopes of winning prizes up to $5,000 to turn their idea into a reality. The contestants had to consider every aspect of their pitch – everything from production to advertising – and field questions from the all-female panel of judges. First place went to Anna Cummings, a business management major and entrepreneurship minor from Ashburn, Virginia, whose pitch identified an unaddressed need for a device to help earring-wearers attach their earring backtracks. “The Women Innovate Pitch Competition is an important opportunity for women entrepreneurs,” said Carrie White, executive director of the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab. “The LaunchLab is here to provide support to all student innovators. However, historically we have seen fewer female clients as compared to male. This event is designed to level that field. The first year we held it, we saw our female entrepreneurs increase by 20 percent. We want to provide encouragement to all WVU students who wish to create something new!” 

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Breaking the Mold

MBA graduate Kristin Morvik is using her business education to educate the world.  

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Is PEPSI ok?

Actually, it’s more than OK for Amy Toscano, who graduated in May with a global supply chain management degree. Toscano, of East Stroudsburg, Pa., quickly fizzed into the workforce with a supply chain position with PepsiCo, which Toscano calls “a global brand that encourages my personal growth that started with great experiences at the Chambers College – both in and out of the classroom.”

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Ignite!

The Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship continues to empower budding entrepreneurs across the Mountain State with the tools needed to flourish. The Encova Center is launching IgniteWV, thanks to $200,000 in grant funding from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

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