Congratulations to the Wolf Pack LaunchU 2025 Winners!
Last night, Loyola University New Orleans’ Center for Entrepreneurship & Community Development celebrated innovation, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit as four outstanding ventures claimed prize funding at the Wolf Pack LaunchU 2025 Final Pitch.
Prize Winners
Katamaran Reptile Ranch – Founded by Kat Lee (Undergraduate Student ’27). Winner of $15,000. Mentored by Mickal Adler.
Breeze Shuttles – Founded by Tristan Sariego (Alumni ’24). Winner of $7,000. Mentored by Andreas Pashos.
FreshDripd – Founded by Aimee Alleman (Faculty, ’05). Winner of $7,000 and the inaugural Michelle Gauthier Prize for Emerging Food Entrepreneurs. Mentored by Marigny deMauriac.
Camila & Catherine Co. – Founded by Aja Cousin (Alumni ’23). Winner of $5,000. Mentored by Cristy Cali.
Highlights from the Night
Katamaran Reptile Ranch took home the top prize of $15,000, impressing judges with its ethical breeding of New Caledonian geckos and strong commitment to animal welfare and community education. Breeze Shuttles and FreshDripd each earned $7,000, with Breeze showcasing its electric microtransit model for college towns, and FreshDripd winning praise for its biodegradable, single-serve coffee filters. Camila & Catherine Co. was awarded $5,000 for its faith-inspired jewelry that blends elegance with inclusivity and purpose.
We are especially proud to announce FreshDripd as the first recipient of the Michelle Gauthier Prize for Emerging Food Entrepreneurs. Our sincerest thanks go to the Gauthier family for making this award possible, and to Michelle’s sister, Cherie, who joined us to present the inaugural prize in Michelle’s honor.
2025 Panel of Judges
Matt Handal, '91 - CEO, US Service Animals
Dr. Mazhar Islam - Faculty Director, CECD
Brenna Kane, '10, MBA '18 - Founder, RITUALI (+ WPLU Cohort 3 winner!)
Philip Lapeyre, MBA '20 - Director + Machine Shop Technical Advisor, Laitram
David Price, '23 - Founder, The Safety Pouch (+ WPLU Cohort 1 winner!)
Meaghan McCormack, '16 - CEO, St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
Dr. Bobby Savoie - Dean, Loyola University New Orleans College of Business
The judges lauded all finalists for their passion, clarity of vision, and readiness to scale. Special recognition also goes to the rest of the finalists' mentors: Denise (Denny) Bro, Jennifer Jeansonee, Erich Mattei, and Christy Rowley — whose guidance played a crucial role in preparing their teams for this night.
A Huge Thank You
Thank you to everyone who made LaunchU 2025 possible: our judges, mentors, sponsors, and of course the founders who dared to dream big. And a huge shout-out to the audience — those who showed up, cheered on the finalists, and lifted Loyola’s entrepreneurial community.
Congratulations to Katamaran Reptile Ranch, Breeze Shuttles, FreshDripd, and Camila & Catherine Co. — we can’t wait to see where you go next.
Missed the fun? Re-watch the pitches on Loyola's YouTube channel, and keep up-to-date with the Center on LinkedIn and Instagram.