Gaels Ignite participants and judges.
At Saint Mary’s, Students Aren’t Just Pitching Ideas—They’re Building What’s Next
Blending startup energy with mission-driven purpose, Gaels Ignite underscored what happens when big ideas meet real opportunity.
On March 12th, the School of Economics and Business Administration hosted Gaels Ignite, a high-energy, startup pitch competition that brought innovative student ideas to the forefront—and proved that the next generation of changemakers isn’t waiting for permission to start building.
From across disciplines and backgrounds, students stepped into the spotlight to present ventures, creative concepts, and purpose-driven innovations. They had just five minutes to make their case to a panel of seasoned judges, and they came prepared—with real research, real passion, and real-world potential.
The evening’s standout winners—Kaila Harris '25, James Brumley '26, James Person '22, Jackson Hulett '21, and Ryan O’Neil '24—each walked away with more than just recognition. In true pitch-night fashion, they were awarded oversized checks, creating a moment that brought cheers from the crowd and a sense of celebration that matched the entrepreneurial spirit of the night.
The event wasn’t just about competition—it was about collaboration and growth. “This year’s Gaels Ignite Pitch Competition was truly inspiring,” said Professor Jeem Sirivar, Faculty Lead for the event. “We had participants from across the college—art, mathematics, sociology, business—all bringing unique perspectives and creativity to the table. It was amazing to watch how initial ideas evolved into compelling startup concepts through mentorship and hands-on workshops. The energy, collaboration, and innovation on display were exactly what this competition is all about.”
Judges Dickson Chu, Shirley Gee, Melissa Marsh Ross, MBA, Jason Shellen, and Professor Paul Stich brought a wealth of experience and insight, offering pointed questions and actionable feedback that elevated the competition. Their presence signaled something important: Gaels Ignite isn’t just a classroom exercise—it’s a launchpad.
Behind the scenes, students were supported by mentors Brett Yokom, Ph.D., Channa Bannis, Rahul Chachare, and Jeem Sirivar, DBA, MBA, who helped them refine their ideas, strengthen their delivery, and own their voice.
"Entrepreneurship represents a vital set of skills that all students need to learn, from idea generation to marketing to the business model," said Dean Don Gibson. "And we're grateful to our community for helping us teach those skills--experienced judges, involved mentors, and sponsors who made our cash awards possible."
The event drew a full crowd—students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the college—creating a buzz that felt more like a Bay Area pitch event than a campus showcase. And that was the point. Gaels Ignite wasn’t about pitching for a grade. It was about pitching for what's next.