Entrepreneurship and Social Impact
Entrepreneurship fuels Illinois’ economic growth, and IMSA is key to its future. Through its Center for Innovation and Inquiry and cutting-edge curriculum, IMSA nurtures young innovators, equipping them with the skills to tackle real-world challenges and launch transformative ventures. This dynamic approach ensures Illinois remains a leader in technology and business. See how these young entrepreneurs and IMSA’s programs are shaping Illinois’ future.
IMSA Senior Named Top 100 Emerging Innovator
Senior Michael Anderson has been named one of the Top 100 Emerging Innovators of 2026 by the Horn Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Delaware. This international recognition spotlights young creators shaping the future. Selected from top applicants across 29 countries and 25 states, Michael earned his place through a visionary concept: a low-cost, accessible 3D printer designed to broaden access to fabrication technology.
His idea addresses a real global challenge, reducing barriers for students, makers, and communities who are excluded from innovation due to cost. By envisioning affordable tools that empower more people to prototype, create, and solve problems, Michael embodies IMSA’s mission to advance the human condition through bold, socially conscious innovation.
IMSA Juniors Earn Global Finalist Honors in Stock Pitch Competition
IMSA juniors Charlotte Okulaja and Benas Stonys earned international recognition as one of the top five North American teams and Global Finalists in the 2026 Ascend Berkeley Stock Pitch Competition, one of the world’s premier finance competitions for high school students.
The competition challenges teams to evaluate publicly traded companies and deliver a rigorous, well-supported investment analysis to panels of industry experts. Charlotte and Benas impressed judges with their sharp market insights, strategic reasoning, and strong presentation skills, standing out among teams from
across the globe.
Their achievement reflects not only business acumen, but a deeper commitment to understanding how financial decision-making shapes communities, markets, and long-term impact. Together, they demonstrate how young leaders can blend analytical skill with responsible, informed economic thinking.
Annual Power Pitch Competition Inspires Young Entrepreneurs
IMSA is helping cultivate the next generation of Illinois innovators through its annual Power Pitch Competition, a statewide event open to all high school students. Designed to spark entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem-solving, Power Pitch invites students to identify a challenge, develop a viable solution, and present a compelling business pitch to a panel of industry professionals.
Participants gain hands-on experience in market research, venture design, financial planning, and persuasive communication—key skills for launching impactful ventures. The competition provides mentorship, feedback, and a platform for students to refine ideas that can drive social, technological, or economic change.
By opening the program to every high school student in Illinois, IMSA expands access to entrepreneurship education and empowers young creators to turn bold ideas into meaningful impact.
Alumni Impact
Charles Ballowe ‘97
Charles recently retired from Google and now works to strengthen Illinois’ innovation ecosystem. He supports River City Labs, advises local startups, works with Distillery Labs, and helps develop the Maker to Mogul initiative to support entrepreneurship in Central Illinois.
Jessica Droste Yagan ‘95
Jessica is championing corporate responsibility and social entrepreneurship leading a Chicago-based venture capital and private equity firm that invests in startups that deliver positive social outcomes.
Katlyn J Gao ‘97
Katlyn is Co-Founder and CEO of League One Volleyball (LOVB), the nation’s largest youth volleyball brand. She is building a new model connecting youth, collegiate, and professional play, expanding opportunities for women athletes through innovative sports leadership.
