Klein Collins Student-Developed Business Named Pitchfest 2022 Winner
Klein Collins’ student-founded business, Flora Enterprises, is “growing” in the right direction.
Flora Enterprises, a sustainability-focused business founded by former Klein Collins students, was named the Houston Community College 2022 Pitchfest competition winner. These student entrepreneurs took home $1,500 in seed money for future projects.
Student entrepreneurs developed Flora Enterprises through the Junior Achievement (JA) Company Program at Klein Collins. CEO Meridith Malo and Senior Officer Khanh Truong now head the business.
“Having been able to carry on the legacy of Flora, our members gained invaluable business experience and entrepreneurial skills under the JA Company Program and learned about the impactful benefits of sustainability,” Flora Enterprises CEO Meredith Malo said. “We wanted to build a better world for the next generation, striving to create and promote environmentally conscious products.”
This year, Flora has developed a sustainable greeting card made with seed paper and designed by students. This innovative product is the gift that keeps giving because the cards can be planted if desired.
“I have worked with Flora Enterprises for the past five years and have been amazed by their tenacity and desire to build a sustainable world for us all,” JA Sponsor Tania Daniel said. “From aiming to replace harmful chemicals found in soaps to designing plantable seed greeting cards, they have represented Junior Achievement and Klein ISD well. I am excited to see how they champion sustainable initiatives this year!”
The JA Company Program aims to give high school students the tools they need to fill a need or solve a problem in their community. The program teaches the practical skills required to develop, capitalize, and manage their own business venture. The JA Company Program has more than tripled since 2019 and is looking to expand in Klein ISD in the next school year.
“Through our current product, we’ve been able to not only reach our financial goals in a short time but also won the coveted Pitchfest competition hosted by HCC, all while championing our sustainability goals,” Malo said. “Generation Z needs to play a leading role in shaping the future. That is what we are doing at Klein Collins High School through the JA Company Program.”
Congratulations to these outstanding student leaders for their creativity and success! Our Klein Family is so proud of you.
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Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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