Meet The Entrepreneurs

Why did you join EYE?

I've learned many things here that will help me in the future, along with bringing me opportunities that other may not have.

Roy Phelps

Why did you join EYE?

I believed the class would be a great way to learn professionalism and build an understanding of how a business manages to stay afloat. I also had the understanding that the class would be able to give many to that would be useful in future endeavors that may await me.

Victor Vazquez

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE for exposure to business and Finance. I was also just curious about the class because I heard that It was a lot of fun and a whole bunch of field trips.

Jamil Gregory

Why did you join EYE?

I started my own business when i was 11, but i never really knew how to expand or learned many good tips or ways to expand. Joining E.Y.E, I saw this as an opportunity to grow as a professional and as a student.

Timothy Harris

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE because I shared similar interest and values with EYE. I wanted to continue my entrepreneur mindset in a class that would continue my passion for business.

Matthew Mendez

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I want to be a prosecutor, then one day sit on the Supreme Court.

Tony Jones-Blakely

Why did you join EYE?

Dominic Bonilla

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I hope I can use the skills I learn on any future business

Adrian Bahena

Why did you join EYE?

I want to learn the business aspects of the career I'm going into. I think it's always important for people to learn about business and be well versed in the topic.

Noah Miranda

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I want to be in the Mechanical Electrical field or to be in the Sports Administration field.

Juan Fuentes

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE because I saw students taking the class last year and I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn about business and entrepreneurship.

Bianca Garcia

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I hope to have my own architecture business or be the head of an accounting firm. Backup plans would becoming a Pastor or being a Public Speaker.

Ethan Thompson

What do you hope to do for a future career?

Be in the United States Navy.

JaMarkus Lofton

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE in hopes to become more knowledgeable about how to become an entrepreneur.

Camren Jenkins

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE because I saw an opportunity to grow in areas, I have become comfortable in the taking the path to least resistance - in EYE, in the real world, that approach won't work.

Isabella Torres

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE so that I can learn the ins and outs of Entrepreneurship, and running and sustaining a successful business.I would gain exposure to numerous different learning opportunities.

Luis Gutierrez

What do you hope to do for a future career?

Trader

Yasmin Gonzalez

What do you hope to do for a future career?

Real estate
Clothing brand
Automotive
Create Generational Wealth

Sariah Knight

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE because I wanted to learn Entrepreneur skills so I can potentially build a business in the future.

Ryan Williams

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I hope to do something in criminology or be a lawyer of some sort

Pablo Zamora

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE in hopes to become more knowledgeable about how to become an entrepreneur.

Jalen Jackson

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE in hopes to become more knowledgeable about how to become an entrepreneur.

Cam’ron Centeno

EYE Class of 2023 - 2024

Why did you join EYE?

I've learned many things here that will help me in the future, along with bringing me opportunities that other may not have.

Aamori Guy '24

Why did you join EYE?

Carlos Colon ‘24

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE for exposure to business and Finance. I was also just curious about the class because I heard that It was a lot of fun and a whole bunch of field trips.

Esteban Ruiz ‘24

Kasandra Chavez-Falcon - 2023_edited.jpg

Why did you join EYE?

Kassandra Chavez-Falcon ‘23

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE because I shared similar interest and values with EYE. I wanted to continue my entrepreneur mindset in a class that would continue my passion for business.

Miguel Ramirez ‘23

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I hope i can use the skills i learn on any future business

Abigail Tanco ‘24

Why did you join EYE?

I want to learn the business aspects of the career I'm going into. I think it's always important for people to learn about business and be well versed in the topic.

Deborah Akwafo ‘23

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I want to be in the Mechanical Electrical field or to be in the Sports Administration field.

Dennis Williams ‘23

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE because I saw students taking the class last year and I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn about business and entrepreneurship.

Mateo Young ‘23

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE because I saw an opportunity to grow in areas, I have become comfortable in the taking the path to least resistance - in EYE, in the real world, that approach won't work.

Brayden Walker ‘23

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE so that I can learn the ins and outs of Entrepreneurship, and running and sustaining a successful business.I would gain exposure to numerous different learning opportunities.

Isaiah Nickerson ‘23

What do you hope to do for a future career?

Trader

Jamari West ‘24

What do you hope to do for a future career?

Real estate
Clothing brand
Automotive
Create Generational Wealth

Kai Jackson ‘23

Latrayveon Barrow-Harris 2023_edited.jpg

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I hope to have my own architecture business or be the head of an accounting firm. Backup plans would becoming a Pastor or being a Public Speaker.

Latrayveon Barrow-Harris ‘23

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE because I wanted to learn Entrepreneur skills so I can potentially build a business in the future.

Payton Thompson ‘23

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I want to be a prosecutor, then one day sit on the Supreme Court.

Mildred Akwafo ‘23

What do you hope to do for a future career?

Be in the United States Navy.

Sabian Ortiz ‘23

What do you hope to do for a future career?

I hope to do something in criminology or be a lawyer of some sort

Sofia Pacheco ‘23

Why did you join EYE?

DaShara Flowers ‘23

Why did you join EYE?

I joined EYE in hopes to become more knowledgeable about how to become an entrepreneur.

Xavier Magana ‘23

EYE Class of 2022 - 2023

Jalen Lewis ‘23

Jalen grew up in the South side of Chicago and lived there for fourteen years. He is most passionate about track and basketball. In EYE he is excited to learn about all the aspects of business and what it takes to start one, and long-term he’d like to be in communications and radio broadcasting! Fun fact: Jalen writes poetry!

Kayla Negrete ‘23

Kayla is from Berwyn. She loves to cook, bake and spend as much time with family as she can. Friends describe her as funny, responsible, and reliable. In EYE Kayla is excited to get a better understanding of what entrepreneurship is and what goes into it. Long-term, she’d like to be in business and finance as an advisor or accountant. Fun fact: country music is her style!

Leslie Ortega ‘22

Leslie is from Cicero, IL. She’s passionate to be a first-generation college student. Described by friends as kind, leader-like and encouraging she’s excited to be exposed to multiple career paths. Ong-term she’s hoping to study nursing and pursue a career in the medical field. Fun fact: she’s head of student council!

Giselle Henry ‘22

Giselle was born and raised in Auburn Gresham, on the South Side of Chicago. Outside of the classroom, she is most passionate about seeing glimpses into people's souls, through literature, philosophy, art, history, or just talking to people face to face. She loves taking advantage of every chance to gain a better understanding of humanity. Friends describe her as funny, cognizant, and observant. Giselle would like to combine the form and function of visual art by being an architect, specifically to independently design and construct homes for people in need. Fun fact: she broke the same toenail twice when she was younger! Ouch!

Christian Taylor ‘22

Christian grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and moved to the city when he was 9. He’s most passionate about soccer and wants to play in college. Friends say he’s funny, athletic and tenacious. In EYE Christian is excited to understand what are the important steps to becoming an entrepreneur with hopes of starting his own business. He has his sights set on mechanical engineering, sports management or Real Estate. Fun fact: Christian loves to dance!

Francisco Montoya ’23

Francisco Montoya’23

Francisco “Cisco” Montoya grew up in Little Village. A baseball player and avid investor, he loved finding new ways to make money. Friends describe him as quiet, caring and very analytical. In EYE he want to learn what it takes to run a business and long-term he’d like to run his own business. Fun fact: he has eaten Iguana! Ew!

Crystal Cervantes ‘23

Crystal was born and raised in Berwyn. She loves soccer and friends describe her as funny, energetic and motivated. When she was unable to speak to a group of 10 people it made her realize that she needed work speaking to groups and thought EYE would be a great opportunity. She’d like to become an Orthodontist! Fun fact: she works hard so she can have extra time to be social! Smart!

Chris Eubanks ‘23

Chris is from Woodlawn in Chicagoland. Friends describe him as hard-working, funny and futuristic. Long-term he would like to be in business, and has actually started already in a network marketing company and is working his way toward various recognitions. Chris joined EYE to hone his sales skills and try something new. Fun fact: Chris plays drums in his spare time!

Calvin Thomas ‘22

Calvin grew up in Maywood and the West side of Chicago. Friends describe him as thoughtful, tall and athletic. He joined EYE based on the testimony of alumni and is excited to learn! Long term he’d like to major in electrical, mechanical or computer engineering. Fun fact: he has five siblings, but he says he’s not the 6th man!

Maribel Saldana ‘22

Calvin Thomas ‘22

Judah Mallette ‘23

Judah grew up in Bronzeville and is passionate about football. Friends describe him as funny, athletic and confident. In EYE he saw a really great opportunity to learn how to begin and develop a business and wanted to learn the skills and attributes needed to be a successful entrepreneur. While he’s not sure what he wants to do, he has his eyes on a number of Ivy league schools. Fun fact: Judah is ambidextrous.

Kristle Cruz ‘22

Kristle grew up in Berwyn, Cicero, and Forest View. She is most passionate about playing Rugby and Guitar, and loves to volunteer. Friends say she is wise, trustworthy and fun. She chose EYE as she was always interested in learning about how to build a business, and her Dad has a small woodshop business. She can’t wait to study human anatomy and then be in the medical field. Fun fact: she loves to draw in realistic illustration style!

Helen Linares ‘23

Helen is from Marshall Square. Friends describe her as athletic, wise, and trustworthy; she is most passionate about soccer. She joined EYE to learn more about how to make connections with people for me to find a way to connect with the university. Helen wants to go to college to study sports medicine and be a personal trainer long term. Fun fact: she can dance to all sorts of Mexican music!

Jocelyn Ochoa’23

Jocelyn grew up in Old Irving Park. She loves reading and writing, especially poetry. Friends describe her as loyal, honest, and caring. For Joc, she knew EYE would benefit her future knowledge and skills in business. She’s got a wide range of interests from science, to math, to writing to psychology but would like to combine medical and business! Fun fact: she has a YouTube channel with her sister!

Gabe Zaragoza ‘23

Gabe grew up in Cicero and Berwyn. He loves spending time with family and friends and caring for them. Friends describe him as outgoing, caring and determined. Having seen business in his family he was inspired to apply for EYE. Long-term, Gabe would like to be in the medical field and become a nurse or pediatrician. Fun fact: Gabe has a serious passion for music!

Krystal Ochoa ’22

Krystal grew up in Old Irving Park. She loves dance, her family and her friends, who describe her as loyal, funny and helpful. She’s fired up to learn more about business management and any tips/advice that will help her run a successful business. She also would like to learn more about other business owners and their stories. Long term she’d like to go into law, psychology, or business law. Fun fact: she enjoys singing and songwriting! Look for her some day at the Grammys!

Daniel Rafael ‘23

Daniel “Danny” is West Englewood now, and grew up in Cicero. He enjoys helping his father with his work. Friends describe him as analytical, imaginative and funny. He would like to go into civil, electrical or mechanical or medical engineering. Fun fact: Daniel’s favorite candy is Trolli’s. Smart choice.

Jada Hall ‘23

Jada grew up in Douglass Park. She is passionate about dancing and singing. Friends describe her as shy, funny and nice. Jada wanted to become a large company entrepreneur so she decided to give EYE a shot! Long-term she’d like to be in real estate and marketing. Fun fact: she can rap the lyrics of any song in a short amount of time! Look out Polo G!

Alex Garcia ‘24

Alex grew up in Chicago, specifically Humboldt Park. He is most passionate about serving others and about sports. Friends describe him as funny, smart, brave and observant. Alex joined EYE to satisfy a desire to know more about business. Since he was young people have told him he is a natural entrepreneur because he would sell things and now he gets the chance to tell a story he’s building! Long term, he’d like to go into business law. Fun fact: Alex likes doing things other people don't! Great policy!

Terry Gordon ‘22

Terry grew up on the Westside, Austin area. He loves learning, furthering his education in business and learning new things. Friends say he’s independent, determined and competitive. He joined EYE because he is interested in learning more about being an entrepreneur and starting a business. He’d like to go into finance or accounting long term… really anything that has to do with numbers! Fun fact: he loves listening to others - he finds it very unique. Deep.

Valerie Saldana ‘24

Valerie is from Berwyn, Illinois and spent most of her childhood in Cicero. She has her eyes and heart set on going to Harvard Law School. Friends describe her as outgoing, encouraging, and enthusiastic. EYE made sense as she would like to open her own law firm in the future, so she’d would like to learn how to manage a business now. Her life purpose is to help the people who were wrongly accused in our so-called "justice" system. Fun fact: she has a baby sister 13 years younger!

Chenoa Mirrelez ‘23

Chenoa “CC” grew up inCalumet City and South Deering. She is most passionate about reading books of all genres. Friends describe her as ambitious, serious and caring. She joined EYE because she thought it would be great experience and knowledge to have. CC would like to study business and combine her passion for business and writing. Fun fact: she loves October, and says spooky season is the best season!

Martaveon Young ‘22

Martaveon “Tay” grew up on the South Side of Chicago in Englewood. When he’s not in class, Martaveon will on the basketball court… always. Friends describe him as funny, loyal and talented. He enrolled in EYE as he wanted to learn how to start a business. While he is still trying to figure out what he wants to do long term, he is interested in sports management, specifically basketball. Fun fact: he loves to sing in the shower.

Ian Calhoun ‘23

Ian grew up in the Austin neighborhood. He loves coding, creating things, and sports. Friends describe him as intelligent, creative and unpredictable. His fascination with business related ordeals led him to apply for EYE. Ian would like to study business and engineering, possibly medicine. Fun fact: Ian relies on his sixth sense more than his other five. Ha!

Emely Lopez ‘22

Emely was born and raised in Chicago in West Lawn. She really enjoys cooking in her free time, especially when she is able to make picky people enjoy a new dish! Friends describe her as friendly, smart, and creative. Emely wanted to try something new and out of her comfort zone so EYE fit that bill! Long term, Emely would like to study veterinary practice or medicine. Fun fact: she enjoys fostering dogs and helping them find their forever homes. Wow.

Dashala Molden ‘23

Dashala “Shala” grew up in Berkeley, IL in the west suburbs. She enjoys volleyball, cleaning, and making sure the people around her are good. Friends describe her as comforting, genuine, and neat. An EYE alum recommended the class so Shala took the opportunity head on! Long term she’d like to be in architectural engineering, physical therapy, or dermatology. Fun facts: she is more of a people person than people think, and she likes to clean!

Sam Silva ‘22

Sam grew up in Berwyn. She is passionate about human rights, immigration policies, and her family. Friends describe Sam as futuristic, ambitious and talkative. She joined EYE to learn about a broad range of new things. Long term Sam would like to study political science, and minor in business administration or law. Fun fact: she is a burgeoning photographer and great nicknamer!

Antonio Ortiz

Antonio is a gifted young man. He is a leading member of the Student Government at Chicago Hope where he manages finances, and a consistent presence on the cross country and wrestling team. He’s an outstanding student, positive role model and consistently encouraging classmate.

“I'm close to people who currently have their own businesses and would like to start my own. I look forward to gaining direction and clarity through the EYE program.”

Yadira Gonzalez

Yadira, or “Yadi” is a talented student-athlete at Chicago Hope. She maintains a strong academic record and plays on the varsity soccer team. Outside of school she works in the development program at Chic-Fil-A and volunteers in her aunt’s pastry business– a hard worker!

“As a first generation immigrant with the goal to attend college, I have ambition. I want to give hope to our future generation by doing something in the medical or food fields.”

Rickie Gray

Rickie Gray is a well rounded student and member of the Chicago Hope community. A junior with a solid academic background, he aspires to be a professional photographer.

“What I’m passionate about is photography, so EYE offers me the chance for a better understanding of entrepreneurship to help me make my passion a business reality in the future. Of course, I appreciate the phones and the digital cameras but film photography is dying and I want to bring it up from its roots and have it become as successful as possible.”