The Talladega College Hack-a-Thon team has advanced to the finals of the prestigious Experian #IYKYK 25 Pitch Competition, a program aimed at empowering students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to develop innovative financial wellness solutions. The team will compete for a $40,000 prize in Costa Mesa, California, from Feb. 28 to March 4. All expenses for the event, which will be live-streamed, are covered.
The team consists of Izuchukwu Mba, a junior from Enugu, Nigeria, majoring in computer science; Ayomikun Oyeniyi, a sophomore computer science major; Thabhelo Duve, a sophomore computer science major; and Emme Hall, a senior marketing major.
“This is an incredible achievement for us,” said team captain Izuchukwu Mba. “We worked diligently over the winter holidays and January, using our skills and creativity to produce a solution we are very proud of. Being named one of the top three teams is a huge validation of our work ethic and determination.”
The #IYKYK Pitch Competition, sponsored by Experian and HomeFree-USA, challenges students to create solutions that can help their peers become debt-free within five years of graduation. It emphasizes financial literacy and debt reduction, fostering collaboration between students, educators, and organizations like Experian.
Mba expressed excitement about the learning experiences the competition has provided. “I’ve pushed myself to new limits, learning new skills and becoming a better team leader and collaborator,” he said. “We’re ready to claim victory with the Talladega badge.”
Preparation for the competition has been intensive. The team met virtually throughout the holidays and continues to meet every evening to refine their solutions. They’ve also received guidance from coaches assigned by Experian.
“What I like most about my team is our ability to show up, ready to learn and explore new worlds,” Mba added. “This commitment and optimism have brought us this far.”
The #IYKYK Pitch Competition plays a vital role in promoting financial literacy within the HBCU community, aligning with Experian’s Legacy League Game Show™ to enhance financial education.
To view the team’s semifinals performance, visit IYKYK Pitch Competition Semifinals: Team 18 - Izuchukwu , Ayomikun, Emme, Thabhelo.
For more information about the competition, visit the Experian Diversity webage.
