Legal Studies Student to Participate in BIG EAST Startup Challenge

Radiah Jamil, a Legal Studies major in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS), will participate in the BIG EAST Startup Challenge, a competition featuring teams of student entrepreneurs from BIG EAST Conference universities, on February 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

This event offers undergraduates the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and BIG EAST alumni. Teams are evaluated on concept, market need, feasibility, sustainability, and presentation. The top three receive an honorarium. In 2019, St. John’s students won second place at this competition.

Radiah, who won first place in the Not-For-Profit Division of the 2022 Pitch Johnny Competition hosted by CCPS in collaboration with The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. Pitch Johnny is part of CCPS’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, which trains young entrepreneurs to develop their own entrepreneurial ventures or business.

Radiah won for Mentalligence, a free mental health program that brings students together from across New York City virtually to learn and try a variety of therapy and self-care methods. She has expanded her program to 200 students from 18 high schools in New York City and has partnered with the superintendent of Brooklyn North Schools to give workshops during mental health awareness month.

“This program provides youth with a safe space to grow emotionally and socially,” Radiah said. “It overcomes barriers such as stigma and financial burdens that often bar youth from receiving mental health support.”

Watch Radiah showcase her idea to the BIG EAST community and the world live via Microsoft Teams and YouTube. Register to receive a link to the broadcast.