Spelman Students Win $1 Million in Goldman Sachs ‘Market Madness’ Competition
A group of Spelman College students competed against teams from other HBCUs to win $1 million in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness: HBCUs Possibilities Program.
The competition, which is in its inaugural year, was the culmination of a four-month class in finance fundamentals offered to 125 HBCU first- and second-year college students. Led by Goldman Sachs professionals, the classes prepared students to participate in the Market Madness case-study competition. The initiative is part of the company’s $25 million commitment to support and invest in the power of HBCUs.
Fifteen students representing Spelman in the program were separated into three teams of five for the competition. The Goldman Sachs Dream Team made up of sophomores Britney Kwakye, Gia Tejeda, Whitney Williams, Anisah Thomas and Caroline Whitfield took home the top honors after presenting a stellar strategic solution to Procter and Gamble, the subject of the case competition.
“The students who represented Spelman in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness competition demonstrated mastery of their concept, preparedness, tenacity and creativity,” said Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman. “We are proud of the success of the winning team and all of those who participated. As an institution born out of the will to educate Black women, Spelman applauds their success. This competition is a perfect example of providing our students with life changing opportunities.”
The students were inspired and motivated by the experience.
“Words can’t begin to describe how proud I am of myself and my teammates,” said Tejeda. “It has been an honor to represent our beloved institution. I often remind myself of the idea that if your dreams don’t scare you, dream bigger. And, while this was a big dream, I remained steadfast in my faith, believed in myself, and always reassured my team that we’d take home the prize. This one is for the home team!”
Hannah Archibald, who was part of a team with Jaden Hunter, Ariel Haygood, Aiyanna Manning, and Mika Campbell, said she is proud of her Spelman sisters for winning the competition.
Sophomores Nava Levene-Harvell, Gabrielle Strawn, Camille Franklin, Alexandra Jenkins, and Imani Bennet made up the other competition team.
“The final idea presented by the winning team was phenomenal. It was no surprise to me when they won first place,” said Archibald. “I feel so honored to have been a part of the inaugural Market Madness program hosted by Goldman Sachs. The opportunity was truly a blessing. I thank Spelman College and Goldman Sachs. This program has had a wonderful impact on my career development and in my personal life.”
Students from Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University and Prairie View A&M University also participated. Each student will receive a $10,000 academic stipend from Goldman Sachs upon completion of the fourteen-week program.
