Muhlenberg Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program

Introducing our Judges for the Innovation Challenge! Join us on Thursday, November 20th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM Fahy Commons 004 for an inspiring afternoon of creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

We’re honored to welcome an extraordinary panel of judges whose creativity, expertise, and leadership will inspire the next generation of innovators:

Shelby Lawson – Owner & Principal Designer, Lawson Accessories. Award-winning fashion designer and community leader whose designs have been featured at New York Fashion Week, the Allentown Art Museum, and across the Lehigh Valley arts community.

Marcus Pereira – Regional Banking Leader, Penn Community Bank. Business and community builder committed to entrepreneurship and partnership-driven growth throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Lindsay Batzar ‘26 – Senior, Media & Communication and Film Studies, Muhlenberg College. Program Director at WMUH and Recording Academy Grammy U Ambassador, bringing insight into creative storytelling and the evolving music industry.

Professor Ira Wolfe – Leadership educator, author, and TED Talk speaker known for his groundbreaking work on adaptability, innovation, and the future of work.

Students will pitch their prototypes and compete for the $1,000 Grand Innovation Award, supported in part by the Martin MARTIN GUITAR CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, along with additional cash prizes celebrating design, technology, music, and sustainability.

Students interested in pitching their ideas or learning more can contact me at [email protected] for details on participation, eligibility, and prototype development.

We would like to thank the Jay & Jace Foundation for sponsoring the Innovation Challenge.

Thank you for the students who’ve signed up. We’ve extended the deadline to MARCH 12 @11:59

Student groups will pitch ideas for the chance to win 4 cash prizes, the biggest prize being $1,000. Students will hone in on their problem solving and presentation skills as they are mentored through out the process.