Members of the St. Francis Troubies Who Mean Business Club put their innovations and entrepreneurship in the spotlight earlier this year. Six Troubies participated in the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and Junior Achievement (JA) High School Entrepreneurship Showcase in January, and two of our teams won first and second place.

The girls competed against 10 other teams in the region, pitching their business ideas to local leaders.

Juniors Elizabeth Koo, Gianna Seghesio and Gianna Erdmann won first place and $500 for their Puzzle Project, which creates care packages to bring comfort to children in the hospital. The girls started the Puzzle Project as a club on campus and aim to grow it into a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

“As the hospital can be lonely, boring, and cold at times when patients are most vulnerable, we knew we wanted to bring light into their lives by making a small, personal gift from our hearts to theirs. By offering every patient a puzzle and story booklet along with a cozy blanket and personal card, we hope to join their fight and hold their hand along the way. The money we won will go toward buying quality fabrics, card stock, and other items necessary to make our products the best we can,” said the club co-chairs.

Sophomore Angelyn Gonzales placed second and won $300 for her creation of the TYMEE app, an AI-based time management tool for teens and those with medical conditions who need monitoring. The algorithm analyzes users’ patterns to improve productivity methods and routines through its study, push and relax modes. Angelyn also received the Rising Star Award from NAWBO at their Outstanding Women Leaders Gala on March 8th.

“As the hospital can be lonely, boring, and cold at times when patients are most vulnerable, we knew we wanted to bring light into their lives by making a small, personal gift from our hearts to theirs. By offering every patient a puzzle and story booklet along with a cozy blanket and personal card, we hope to join their fight and hold their hand along the way. The money we won will go toward buying quality fabrics, card stock, and other items necessary to make our products the best we can.”

The other two St. Francis presentations showcased ingenuity and problem solving. Sophomore Kathy Dhalai presented OutFit Oracle, an AI-powered personal stylist that helps people maximize their wardrobe budget and reduce waste. Freshman Gemma Frisch’s product, Polar Paws, makes skiing more comfortable, convenient and casual with its wrap around, light weight “ski boot” that can be worn over your shoe of choice.

The Troubies Who Mean Business club welcomed local entrepreneur Chris Johnson, CEO of The Johnson Group, back to campus for business tips and inspiration. Johnson built the fastest growing microwave cookware company that includes the Rapid Ramen Cooker and won a deal on Shark Tank.

A special thank you to judges Dr. Jayna Karpinski-Costa, Mayor of Citrus Heights, Sheri Merrick, Executive Director Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, Jenny Rodriquez, MPA, SMUD Economic Development and SEED Representative, Christy Serrato, CEO Pair Anything, and Rachel Zillner, Co-Founder of Clutch and Co-owner RSE, for their time, dedication and mentorship in making this event possible and inspiring young girls’ dreams.

We are also grateful to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Sacramento and Junior Achievement of Sacramento for providing the education, mentorship, forum and recognition that motivates and supports student dreams.