HCC student Iris Diaz, Stamford resident, won first place in the fall 2016 Elevator Pitch Competition, Students from Gateway and HCC competed. Diaz was one of four HCC students to enter the contest. This marks the second year that a HCC student has won the competition. Diaz, the winner received $250.

The competition is sponsored by the Entrepreneurship Foundation and took place at the University of Bridgeport. Competition presenters are limited to 60 seconds maximum to make their “pitch” or oral sales talk. No audiovisual aids are permitted.

Diaz pitched her business, Butterfly Car Service, a transportation option for business women. Diaz has experience as a chauffeur and dispatcher. She says, “My experience in the field helps me fulfill customers’ needs. We provide a safe, punctual service that makes women feel comfortable and our prices are competitive including everything, even tips.” All Butterfly Car Service drivers are women.

Butterfly Car Service has been in business for one year and donates 5% of their revenues each month to breast cancer research.

The competition is designed to develop and encourage young entrepreneurs and hone the skills required to sell a concept and convince a potential funder in the shortest possible time…time equated to an elevator ride.

Photo from the left, HCC student Nefertari Kydd, HCC Professor Pam Pirog, HCC students Kevin Leon, Iris Diaz, and Tavon Williams.