Congratulations to the 2026 College of Business Award Recipients

As the academic year comes to a close, the Loyola University New Orleans Center for Entrepreneurship & Community Development (CECD) is proud to celebrate the students recognized at the 2026 College of Business Awards Ceremony — students who brought creativity, initiative, and heart to everything they did this year.

Kelly Rosales — Outstanding Entrepreneurship Graduate

Kelly Rosales threw herself fully into Loyola's entrepreneurial ecosystem as part of the Wolf Pack LaunchU 2026 cohort — an intensive accelerator experience connecting students, alumni, faculty, and staff with mentorship, workshops, and the real work of turning ideas into action. Her collaborative spirit and willingness to engage made her a standout presence in the program and a deserving recipient of the Outstanding Entrepreneurship Graduate award. Looking ahead, Kelly isn't slowing down — she'll continue building through Wolf Pack LaunchU as her entrepreneurial journey moves into its next chapter.

Nicolle Anderson — Outstanding Marketing Graduate

Nicolle Anderson spent the Spring 2026 semester as the CECD's student intern, supporting day-to-day programming coordination and the storytelling behind the Center's initiatives. Her impact was especially visible during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, where she led student volunteers in capturing content to showcase The Summit on Loyola's campus. Enthusiastic, dependable, and always willing to take on whatever the moment required, Nicolle exemplified what it means to be a true community builder. Originally from Honduras, she's chosen New Orleans as her home — and the city is lucky to have her.

Ariana Giambrone — Outstanding Master Level Graduate

Ariana Giambrone earned the 2026 Outstanding Master Level Graduate award after leading Loyola's IDEAcorps MBA Consulting Challenge team to a runner-up finish at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week. Competing against teams from 10 universities nationwide, Ariana guided her team through six weeks of research, strategy, and collaboration with startup partner ZOKYO — delivering a standout growth strategy in the live final pitch competition. She's already putting those skills to work, actively contributing to a local startup that recently closed a new round of funding.

Congratulations, Kelly, Nicolle, and Ariana

Each of these students helped strengthen Loyola's culture of innovation this year — through accelerators, competitions, volunteer leadership, and the everyday work that keeps a community moving forward. We're proud of everything they've accomplished and can't wait to see where they go next.