Young Entrepreneurs Shine at 2025 Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge Finals
The spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship took center stage at Loyola University on Thursday, March 27th during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week as local high school students competed in the New Orleans regional finals of the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge, a Junior Achievement program in partnership with the Brees Dream Foundation.
Congratulations to Ava Perret, Catalina Reichard, and Reese Morgan of New Orleans, who claimed first place at the New Orleans finals with their bold and timely idea: Happinest. Their business model aims to partner with companies to create on-site childcare pop-ups, giving working parents the support they need right at the office.
Following the excitement in New Orleans, Loyola University hosted the Regional Finals on Friday, April 4, bringing together student innovators from across Louisiana.
Caddo Career & Technology Center’s very own Amira Marshall and Zaraiya Delgado took home the title of 2025 Regional Champions with their product, Power Pocket—a small, customizable magnetic battery pack that impressed judges with its sleek design, practical use, and pitch-perfect presentation. The duo was awarded $15,000 in scholarships for their winning idea.
The competition also recognized outstanding runners-up with $2,500 in scholarships:
Zoe Alexander from Shreveport, who pitched SeeClear, a magnetic-framed weather protection panel for patios and porches.
Victoria Ebel from Mandeville, who introduced Delbot, a robotic delivery system designed to assist teachers by transporting supplies in schools.
The Happinest team from New Orleans, who continued to impress and earn top honors throughout the competition with their forward-thinking daycare solution.
Now in its second decade, the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge would not be possible without the continued support of our incredible partners: The Brees Dream Foundation, Chick-fil-A, and Capital One Bank.
We are so proud of every student who pitched their bold ideas and stepped into the shoes of real entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all of this year’s innovators—and thank you for continuing to trust your crazy ideas!
