UD Entrepreneurship Major Wins Great Dames Remarkable Ideas Pitch Competition

 Sierra RyanWallick’s green startup protects the environment and supports underserved teens

(Wilmington, Philadelphia, International) UP Cycle Design Founder Sierra RyanWallick won the 2021 Great Dames Remarkable Ideas Pitch Competition, a fiercely competitive contest narrowed down to five finalists who presented ideas to reimagine the future. Besides a $1,000 cash award, RyanWallick received a business mentor for an entire year and a portfolio of business services.

UP Cycle Design, RyanWallick’s green startup, is a zero-waste sustainable fashion brand that upcycles materials fated for landfills into new products, a concept designed to reutilize excessive amounts of clothing donated to thrift stores. The startup supports community causes by donating 15% of the proceeds from each unit sold.  In partnership with The Warehouse, a project serving teenagers in Northeast Wilmington’s underserved Riverside area, RyanWallick also mentors teens about entrepreneurship, design and sustainability.

 A University of Delaware entrepreneurship major, RyanWallick began her social entrepreneurial career at the age of ten by launching AutumnLeaf Fundraisers, which has raised over $100,000 for nonprofit causes. UP Cycle Design also shows promise, having expanded to a team with five interns and plans to develop additional partnerships.

“Sierra is a passionate and fearless young woman with a proven track record of creating robust solutions to address social issues,” says Great Dames CEO and President Sharon Kelly Hake. “She’s also giving a voice to other aspiring entrepreneurs who have not had opportunities elsewhere.”

For interview requests and high-resolution images, contact Sharon Kelly Hake at SharonHake@Great-Dames.com or (610) 389-0610. 

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