UJIMA Business Pitch- Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The International Girls Academy Hosts UJIMA Business Program Pitch Competition Featuring 15 Student Entrepreneurs
Event takes place March 30, 2026 at Intuit Headquarters in New York City
New York, NY — March 23, 2026 — The International Girls Academy (IGA) proudly announces its UJIMA Business Program Pitch Competition, taking place on Monday, March 30, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 2:45 PM at Intuit Headquarters in New York City. This year, 15 students will compete in the IGA UJIMA Business Pitch Program, presenting original business ideas and demonstrating the leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills they have developed throughout the program.
The UJIMA Business Program is an entrepreneurship and leadership experience powered by The International Girls Academy. Designed to help participants strengthen innovation, confidence, and real-world business skills, the program provides hands-on learning and exposure to professionals who are shaping the future of business, media, technology, and community impact.
IGA is honored to welcome keynote speaker Lisa Marie Falbo, an Emmy-nominated television host, media entrepreneur, and founder building one of New Jersey’s most dynamic modern media platforms.
Lisa Marie Falbo is the Founder and CEO of Long Shot Productions, a full-service video production company she launched in 2009, and a Partner at Media First Group, where she helps lead large-scale broadcast, digital, and branded content initiatives. Together, these ventures have produced content across the U.S. and Europe for corporate, commercial, and entertainment clients. She is also the co-founder of ONNJ (On New Jersey), a 24/7 streaming television network dedicated entirely to the Garden State. As host of Your New Jersey on MeTV-WJLP, she spotlights the people, businesses, and organizations shaping the state. Her storytelling has earned multiple New York Emmy nominations and industry recognition, including honors from the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists and The Telly Awards. Before launching her companies, she spent 16 years in sports radio, including work with WFAN and the New York Giants Radio Network. She is also the author of the award-winning novel Ten Years Later and a proud graduate of Montclair State University. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children.
In addition to the keynote address, the event will feature an accomplished lineup of speakers and leaders from education, talent acquisition, marketing, digital strategy, technology, and entrepreneurship, including:
Yvonne McNair, Chief Experience Officer, Captivate Marketing Group
Jennifer Santiago, Talent Acquisition Manager
Linell Wright, Educator and Author
Fatima Thomas, Digital Marketing Strategist
Malini Benjamin, Technology Founder and Qualitative User Experience Expert
Stacey Pearl, CEO
Crystal Kotei, Creative Director and CEO, Crystal K Events
“The UJIMA Business Program reflects what happens when girls are given the tools, mentorship, and space to lead,” said Makeba Green, Founder of The International Girls Academy. “We are excited to celebrate our students and the powerful ideas they are building.”
IGA also extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors for making this experience possible. The International Girls Academy gratefully thanks Intuit, Enterprise Foundation, and Allstate Foundation for their generous support of the UJIMA Business Program and their continued commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
Event Details
UJIMA Business Program Pitch Competition
Date: March 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:45 PM
Location: Intuit Headquarters, New York City
About The International Girls Academy
The International Girls Academy (IGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls through leadership development, entrepreneurship, academic enrichment, and community impact programming. IGA creates experiences that help young people build skills, confidence, and pathways to future success.
Media Contact
Makeba Green
The International Girls Academy (IGA)
