Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge 2026 Kicks Off on the Northshore
Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans proudly launched the 2026 Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge with the Northshore Finals, held Friday, December 12th, at Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC). Student entrepreneurs from across the Northshore took the stage to pitch innovative business ideas, demonstrating creativity, confidence, and the real-world problem-solving skills that define JA’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge empowers young people to think boldly, take risks, and turn their ideas into action, skills that are essential for success in today’s economy. The event showcased the power of youth innovation and the impact of hands-on, experiential learning as students presented business concepts rooted in problem-solving, market awareness, and social impact.
We extend our sincere thanks to Northshore Technical Community College for hosting the Northshore Finals, and especially to Dr. Jim Carlson, Chancellor of NTCC, for his leadership and continued support of youth entrepreneurship. NTCC’s partnership provides students with a collegiate setting that reinforces the connection between education, innovation, and future career pathways.
We are also deeply grateful to our partner organization, StartUP Northshore, and Vincenzo Carona, Executive Director, for their collaboration and commitment to strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem. Additional thanks to St. Tammany Parish Public Schools for their continued partnership and dedication to expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for students across the Northshore.
Winning Team: Hair Tag
Students: Josie Leingang and Mckenzy Lange
School: Fontainebleau High School
Teacher: Jessica Constant (third consecutive year leading a winning team)
The winning concept, Hair Tag, is a hair elastic safety device designed to provide discreet location tracking and SOS signaling in the event of an emergency. The judges were impressed by the team’s thoughtful approach to personal safety, innovation, and practical application. Hair Tag is an outstanding example of student-driven entrepreneurship that addresses a real-world need with creativity and purpose.
We are deeply grateful to the business and community leaders who served as judges, generously sharing their expertise, insight, and encouragement with student teams. Their feedback and mentorship play a critical role in helping students refine their ideas and build confidence as emerging entrepreneurs.
Our judges included:
Shannon Capouch, Vice President, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company
Evie Poitevent Sanders, Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, GNO Inc.
Jeanne David, Founder & Chief Brand Officer, Outer Aisle Gourmet
Rick Gonzales, Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A and sponsor of the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge
Dr. Jim Carlson, Chancellor, Northshore Technical Community College
Jeremiah Clements, Senior Program Manager, Progressive HR Strategies
Cecielle Palmer, Scrum Master and Business Manager, DXC Technology
Bryant Buttone, Vice President and Franklinton Financial Center Leader, Hancock Whitney Bank
Candy Martin, Founder & CEO, Martin Business Solution, LLC
Gretchen McKinney, Chief People Strategist, incHRement
Wayne Ricks, Director, Southeast Louisiana Business Center, Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Matt Preuett, Marketing Advisor, Ninety-by-Three
Alana Scott, Founder, Kinkz Hair Products
Mike Davidson, Principal, Compliance Product & Operations, Premium Parking
A special thank you to our presenting partner, the Brees Dream Foundation, and to our generous sponsors, Capital One and Chick-fil-A, whose support makes the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge possible.
The Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge will continue across our region in the coming weeks as students advance and prepare to compete at the next level. We are inspired by the bold ideas, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit on display and look forward to seeing where these young innovators take their ideas next.