STARTedUP Wins Mira Talent Impact of the Year Award
The STARTedUP Foundation is honored to be named the 2025 Mira Talent Impact of the Year award winner! This recognition is a testament to our dedication to empowering students and educators across Indiana through innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world experiences.
As highlighted in our Mira Award bio:
"Since 2017, STARTedUP has worked with more than 10,000 students in 59 Indiana counties and has created the largest high school pitch competition in the country. It encourages creativity and critical thinking and provides students with hands-on experiences that build essential skills for the future workforce. In addition, the foundation has trained and supported more than 210 educators. Through partnerships and alliances with private sector companies, STARTedUP is working to expand STEM education in rural and underserved areas, ensuring students have access to quality resources and mentorship, bridging the gap between education and real-world applications. It has collected $15 million for scholarships from 12 university partners and trade schools. More than $650,000 has been awarded to high school students to further their entrepreneurial endeavors. Ninety percent of STARTedUP students choose to remain in Indiana after graduation."
We are incredibly proud of the impact we have made and will continue working toward a future where every student has the opportunity to explore their ideas and turn them into reality.
Alumni Spotlight: Faith N. Spencer & IronWorkz Win Community Impact Award
One of our standout alumni, Faith N. Spencer, along with co-founders Alex Termini and Emmani Ellis, has been recognized with the Mira Community Impact Award for their work with IronWorkz in Gary, Indiana.
"Founded in December 2022, by Faith N. Spencer, Alex Termini, and Emmani Ellis, IronWorkz was created to address long-term equity issues in the Gary area by providing a grassroots-focused, entrepreneurial hub for individuals to create and innovate. Through various programs and initiatives, IronWorkz connects residents with local organizations and resources that can help them develop their ideas and start their own businesses, which stimulates economic growth and promotes self-sufficiency and personal development. The name of the company is an homage to the city’s steel industry, which attracted families from southern states who were looking for opportunities to improve their lives."
Their commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in their community exemplifies the spirit of STARTedUP, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments!
Celebrating Our Alumni & Fellowship Teachers
The Mira Awards also recognized STARTedUP alumni and educators who are leading the way in innovation:
Isaiah "Izzy" Branam was nominated for four prestigious awards: Rising Entrepreneur of the Year, BioCrossroads Life Sciences Innovation Team Award, Startup of the Year, and the Tech Innovation of the Year Award.
Caylyn Pruitt was nominated for the Rising Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Sarah Ackerman, one of our incredible Fellowship teachers, was honored as a Mira Resilience Award nominee.
The impact of our students and educators continues to inspire us, and we are thrilled to see them recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners! The future is bright for Indiana’s next generation of innovators and changemakers.
