The week was filled with learning and networking opportunities for students to engage with faculty, alumni, and local business leaders, culminating in the exciting Lion’s Cage competition.
During the lead-up to Business Week, Pitch Mentor Sessions for those planning to participate in the Saints Showcase were offered at the Brown Innovation Center, where students received one-on-one feedback to refine their ideas.
Throughout the week, experiential learning was at the forefront—students prepared for interviews by selecting professional attire from the Career Development Center’s “Career Closet,” participated in mock interviews with local professionals, and honed their social skills during the Etiquette Dinner in the Abare Hospitality Suite. Professional headshot sessions added the finishing touch, helping students build a polished and professional image. On Workshop Wednesday, the Center hosted “Using AI to Drive Innovation,” giving students hands-on experience with this rapidly growing technology.
The week also included the Business Week Networking Reception at the Alumni House, where students and alumni connected with members of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and the Business Advisory Board. Speakers like School of Business Dean Charles White, Chamber President Isabelle Renault, Flagler alum and keynote speaker Aliyah Meyer ‘24, and Business Advisory Board Chair Clint Pyle emphasized the importance of collaboration and community in fostering student success.
A notable highlight of the week was the Saints Showcase, where students pitch their solutions to this year’s challenge for a chance to compete in the Lion’s Cage competition. This year, 17 student teams participated, the most to have competed in the event’s history. These teams brought their best ideas forward, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that defines Flagler College. From this impressive field of 17, five outstanding teams advanced to the Lion’s Cage finals.
The highlight of the week was the Lion’s Cage competition on March 6 in Lewis Auditorium, modeled after the popular show “Shark Tank,” where the top five teams from the Saints Showcase pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges.
The top three teams in the Lion’s Cage came from Flagler’s Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program, reflecting the program’s strong focus on applied learning and problem-solving. The winning team—Elizabeth “Liz” Rieke, Lauren Gallagher, Bridget Young, and Asher Phillips—impressed judges with their innovative concept, Park de Leon. Using Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) sensors, their smart parking solution aims to address campus parking challenges by providing real-time updates via website and app. Their well-researched, phased implementation plan was a testament to the creativity and strategic thinking cultivated in the HTM program.
The Lion’s Cage competition awarded $8,500 in prize money to the top three teams, supporting these student ventures with tangible resources. After their win, the Park de Leon team had the opportunity to present their project to the Business Advisory Board and meet with President Delaney to discuss future steps, reinforcing the value of innovation and leadership within the Flagler College community.
Business Week 2025 showcased the power of experiential learning, industry collaboration, and a commitment to solving real-world challenges. It also highlighted the vital role of the Business Advisory Board, whose mentorship and support bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. For the winning team and all participants, the week reinforced that innovation is a process that thrives in a supportive community of educators, mentors, and peers.
We are excited to announce Business Week 2026: Future-Proof: Bold Ideas for a Changing World, scheduled for March 2nd-March 5th. Please stay tuned for updated programming!
