United Way of Long Island recently hosted a one day Hackathon, in partnership with the event sponsor Citi. Participants, mostly military veterans who are enrolled college students, collaborated to develop a solution to help veterans successfully transition into the civilian workforce. The Hackathon complements United Way of Long Island’s Mission United, which provides introductory building science job training, vital case management services and emergency financial assistance for veterans and their families.
“As an organization, we seek ways to find solutions to meet the needs of Long Islanders. We are grateful to Citi for allowing United Way to offer young veterans living on Long Island the opportunity to develop applicable solutions to the challenges our returning military members face,” stated Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island.
The event provided a unique opportunity for veterans to help their peers using their direct insight into the struggles that veterans face post-military life. The “challenge” presented by Citi was to develop a product or service to help veterans better prepare to transition into the workforce and be successful over the long term of their careers.
“Through our work with United Way, we’re furthering Citi’s mission to enable growth and progress around the world by connecting employees with their communities. This initiative is just one example of Citi’s partnerships that underscore our commitment to the veteran and military community and deliver local impact," said Hasan Kazmi, Director and Head of Partnerships for Citi Ventures Studio.
The winning team, understanding that many veterans struggle to navigate growth within a non-military industry, conceptualized an app that would outline job expectations, provide for personal goal-setting and highlight opportunities for advancement within their career industry. The runner up team conceptualized a “Roadmap 4 Life” app to guide veterans through various workforce or higher education choices once they transition to the civilian workforce.
Winning team members were Dylan Honett of Farmingdale State College, Adriel Fernandez and Nancy Sanchez-Fernandez, both of St. John's University. The team took home the Grand Prize of $1,000 and an interview for the prestigious Citi internship.
Runner Up team members were Kenneth Choi, Hakim Lynch and Samul Lee, all of Hofstra University and received a team prize of $500.
Additional participants were: Christopher Barber, Joseph Bonilla, Fabrizio Bustos, Jesse Canazon, Angelo Colonna, Ahad Ikram, Joseph Kohout, Maryjane McCormack, Eugene Murray, Yismel Peguero and Alphonso Richardson.
The Hempstead Village-based company Spring Board Incubators facilitated the Hackathon.
Judges included Hasan Kazmi, Director Citi; Ron Hurtado, Founder AirBorne TriTeam; and Aaron Foss, Founder Nomorobo.
Participants came from colleges across Long Island and Queens: Farmingdale State College, Fordham University, Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, St. John's University and St. Joseph's College.
Photo Caption 1: Veterans participate in a one day Hackathon hosted by United Way of Long Island, sponsored by Citi.
Photo Caption 2: Hackathon Grand Prize team members (front row, left to right) Dylan Honett, Adriel Fernandez and Nancy Sanchez-Fernandez along with (back row, left to right) judges Ron Hurtado of AirBorne TriTeam, Aaron Foss of Nomorobo and Hasan Kazmi of Citi.
Photo Caption 3: Hackathon Runner Up team members Samul Lee, Hakim Lynch, and Kenneth Choi (far left, center and far right) along with judges Ron Hurtado of AirBorne TriTeam, Aaron Foss of Nomorobo and Hasan Kazmi of Citi.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, financial stability and health. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit UnitedWayLI.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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