

Claudine Miles, Restore More (1st Place)
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) received a generous donation from the Atlanta Hawks Foundation to present a series of workshops, a pitch competition and grants for women entrepreneurs in the City of Atlanta. The businesses were divided into two groups, one representing the Greater Atlanta Community and the second for their current cohort. From the Greater Atlanta Community group, two Georgia State University alums Claudine Miles, M.Ed. (’19) and Elissa Russell (’20), participated in the workshops and were chosen for the semi-final round out of 33 competitors and ultimately to the final round. Miles’ Restore More builds capacity with restorative practices anti-racism, and social emotional learning for students, educators, and parents winning a $15,000 award.

Elissa Russell, READI Consulting (3rd Place)
Russell’s READI Consulting a tech-enable workforce readiness solution upskills and reskills entry level workers received a $5,000 award. Also selected to compete in the finals was ENI staff member Deniece Griffin. She pitched Grown & Fit Studio, a tech-enabled subscription-based fitness solution for women 40+.

Deniece Griffin, Grown & Fit Studio
What started as a workshop series gravitated quickly into a pitch competition and grant awards for women-led startups. “I am grateful to be a part of a startup ecosystem that made a shift to focus on minority and women owned businesses. The Tech Tip Off under Monica Delores Hook’s leadership was well designed and the flexible workshop series was perfect for busy business owners like myself.” says Elissa Russell. She went on to say, “READI Consulting is honored to receive a grant from WEI organization along with another Georgia State University alum and founder.”
Here’s a full list of winners and their businesses:
Greater Atlanta Community
1st Place – Claudine Miles – Restore More
2nd Place – Tia Robinson Vertical Activewear
3rd Place – Elissa Russell – READI Consulting
WEI Cohort
1st Place – Akissi Stokes – WUNDERgrubs
2nd Place – Sarah Marske – Saramar Group
3rd Place – Evana Oli – Beautiful Curly Me
Congratulations to all participants and winners. To learn more about the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative of Atlanta visit weiatlanta.com