Central State University students excel at national HBCU Business Plan Competition in Atlanta

Above: Asher Akens, Alanna Bryant, La’Zale Johnson, and Stacy Powell-Griffith pose for a photo with Robert F. Smith, billionaire investor and founder of Vista Equity Partners. 

Four Central State University students showcased their innovation, professionalism, and entrepreneurial spirit at the HBCU/MI Entrepreneurship and Innovation Business Plan Competition in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 11-13. Sponsored by the Leadership Needed Foundation, the event brought together more than 30 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for a weekend of collaboration, competition, and professional development. 

Representing Central State were students Asher Akens, Alanna Bryant, La’Zale Johnson, and Stacy Powell-Griffith. The team presented a dynamic business plan for GAMMA Water Systems, an innovative product designed to detect harmful contaminants in water fountains — addressing both present-day health concerns and future water safety challenges. 

Originally, the students explored two product ideas — a solar-powered tractor and GAMMA Water Systems. After evaluating feasibility and impact, they chose GAMMA for its strong innovation potential and real-world application.  

“Our water detection system was not only timely and relevant, but also creatively designed to meet future challenges,” Johnson said. 

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The CSU team’s presentation was the culmination of months of teamwork, strategy sessions, and collaborative support from faculty and staff. Guided by Dr. Corey Owens, the team’s coach, the students spent months preparing their business model, refining their messaging, and practicing their delivery. Along the way, they received input from faculty experts in water resources and business strategy, including Dr. Sakthi Kumaran, Dr. Jose Toledo, and members of CSU’s Water Resources Management Department. 

“I was honored to have served as one of the faculty advisors for our HBCU/MI Business Competition team,” said Dr. Toledo, Vice President for Research and Economic Development and Director of 1890 Land-Grant Programs. “It was impressive and fulfilling to see how our students evolved an idea into a full-fledged business plan. Our CSU team prepared diligently and competed fiercely against other salient HBCUs. The learning experience derived from this first-ever competition was enlightening and profound for our students. It will serve them well as they move along with their professional careers.” 

CSU President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti also traveled with the team. 

“Events like the HBCU/MI Business Plan Competition are essential to the very essence of Central State University's mission,” he reflected. “We are building leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who will shape the future. Experiences like this ignite the drive and confidence our students need to take their place on the world stage.” 

For engineering student Akens, who joined the team just weeks before the competition, the experience was an intense crash course in teamwork and adaptability.  

“I had to learn the product fast to be able to explain its features and respond to technical questions from the judges,” Akens said. “The experience has changed my perception of myself as a leader because it not only allowed me to see the areas I need to improve, but it allowed my strengths to be acknowledged by my team and the judges.” 

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Business major Alanna Bryant wore multiple hats throughout the project, serving first as chief operations officer, keeping operations from production to shipping running smoothly, and later as chief financial officer handling finances and growth strategies. 

“The biggest challenge that I faced during this experience was finding where to start my research. As a business major, I have no prior knowledge of water monitoring devices and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various products and industrial processes since the 1940s),” she said. “To overcome this, I leaned a lot on my team and asked for help when I needed it.” 

Johnson echoed the importance of team connection. “We kept each other motivated with daily encouragements and always came to meetings ready to work — and to have fun,” he said. “My professor, Dr. Owens, reminded me that if we’re not enjoying the process, we’re missing the point.” 

The three-day conference also offered invaluable opportunities for networking. The CSU team met with high-level executives, university presidents, and industry leaders including Robert F. Smith, billionaire investor and founder of Vista Equity Partners; Stanley Porter, vice chairman at Deloitte; and Chuck Mattera, retired CEO of Coherent Corp.  

Johnson said the moment he met Smith was especially meaningful. “I’ve been educating my peers about Robert F. Smith for years because I think it's important to highlight successful Black Americans outside of entertainment. Meeting him in person was surreal.” 

In addition to the business plan competition, students participated in the Presidential Policy Forum on Fundraising for Higher Education and the HBCU Deans Development Seminar. Johnson took full advantage of the opportunity, asking questions about artificial intelligence, graduate school pathways, and the future of HBCUs. “Connecting with other HBCU presidents and hearing their visions for students like me — that was a moment I won’t forget.” 

Akens offered advice to his peers: “Make sure they know their market well, be diligent on working on their business plan, practice answering questions about their product or presentation, and remember to have fun throughout the process!” 

Dr. Fred Aikens, Dean of the College of Business, said this was the first year Central State University students participated in the contest.  

“Our students absolutely rose to the occasion,” he said. 

“They stood out with their professionalism, preparation, and poise. They left an impression on the judges and earned an invitation to return next year.” — Dr. Fred Aikens, Dean, College of Business

Though the team did not advance to the final round, they made a strong impression. “The judges didn’t offer a single suggestion for improvement,” Dr. Aikens said. “That’s rare, especially for a first-year team.” 

With plans already underway for next year’s competition, Central State University is committed to expanding opportunities for student innovation, leadership, and excellence. “We’re proud of how far our students have come, and we’re even more excited about where they’re going,” Dr. Aikens said.