March 18, 2024

 

Utah Valley University (UVU) continues to support students while partnering with local entrepreneur and UVU alum, Krista Andersen ’99, Ed.D., CEO of Fiksal. By hosting a national case-study competition, UVU will provide a platform for students to interact with Dr. Andersen and understand decision-making, fundraising, and management. Academic teams from across the United States, including those from Stetson University, East Tennessee State University, Illinois State University, and more, will compete to see who can craft the best solution for a dilemma currently faced by Dr. Andersen.

 

This event will take place on March 21-22, 2024, as the Women in Leadership Case Competition. It is a collaboration between the Women in Business Impact Lab, the Women's Success Center, and the Woodbury School of Business. Kelly Hall, director of the UVU Women’s Business Leadership Initiative has helped organize and elevate this event, gaining national recognition. UVU students actively contribute at every stage of the competition.

 

“We have had student researchers collaborate and support writing the case this year,” shared Hall. “Also, we have had event management students help plan the competition. Students are playing a significant part in the execution of the event, from the logistics to the catering and atmosphere.”

 

Ram Subramanian and Kelly Hall authored the competition's case-study as an honest and authentic representation of a challenge Dr. Andersen and her business, Fiksal, are experiencing.

 

“The more I learned of Dr. Andersen and her story, it occurred to me that this is exactly the kind of person I want to speak to young students,” shared Hall.

 

Hall envisions the Women in Leadership Case Competition evolving into a comprehensive development conference, expanding over a weekend. The goal is to create a platform for workshops, networking, and community engagement. She would like to develop a scholarship fund to address financial barriers and ensure that no student misses out on participating in the competition due to budget constraints.

 

For those eager to support the competition, UVU welcomes contributions through the Women in Business Impact Lab giving page. Additionally, observers are invited to attend the final round, networking reception, and award ceremony starting at 2 pm on March 22, in the Scott C. Keller Business Building. For more information, please visit the Women in Business Impact Lab website.