NBMBAA® Institutes Luncheon Featuring the Innovation Whiteboard Challenge®

By Sheryl S. Jackson

Innovative use of technology was the theme of the three Innovation Whiteboard Challenge finalists who presented their ideas at the Institutes Luncheon on September 23.

With only five minutes to make their pitches, Makeda Ricketts with PinkThink; Chidinma Achebe with ResSpot; and Stephanie Lampkin with Blendoor wowed the audience with their creative, out-of-the-box thinking to address specific needs in different arenas.

The winner, announced at the Institutes Reception later in the evening, was Stephanie Lampkin and Blendoor.

Blendoor
There are many different types of employment and job search sites but Lampkin’s company provides a platform that enables a non-biased match between applicant profiles and technology employers’ needs. The company matches profiles and skills to the employers’ job listing and sends employers qualified, abbreviated profiles that don’t list gender or race. The goal of the company is to open doors into the technology field for women and minorities by focusing on skills, experience and qualifications.

Designed to encourage girls ages 8 to 14 to develop a continuing interest in science, technology, engineering and math, PinkThink uses a bracelet to nurture their interest in coding and learning more about STEM applications and careers. Currently focused on school-based programs, Ricketts’ company wants to expand their sales strategy to include direct-to-consumer sales.

Achebe’s technology solution provides communications, security alerts, a panic button and access to home service providers, such as plumbers or cleaners, to build a community for residential complexes in Johannesburg, South Africa. While technology platforms for these services are readily available in the U.S., there are no comprehensive providers in South Africa, says Achebe. 

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