On April 16, 2026, Chicago became the epicenter of aviation innovation. Led by the AMAC Chicago Chapter, we gathered to dismantle barriers and unlock unprecedented access, proving that when we intentionally bridge the gap between capital and opportunity, minority-owned enterprises don’t just participate in the process…they lead. This competition was more than a pitch; it was a powerful statement about the ingenuity, resilience, and executive excellence thriving within our diverse business community as we redefine what is possible in the airport industry
We are proud to announce the businesses advancing to the next round of the AMAC Runway to Success Pitch Competition:
🥇 First Place – Love Cork Screw | Chrishon Lampley
🥈 Second Place – Veggie Vice | Riddhima Kapoor
🥉 Third Place – StickFit | Paden Sickles
🏅 Fourth Place – MsPsGFree | Lisa L. Marsh
Each of these founders demonstrated not only strong concepts but also the discipline, presence, and readiness to move forward in a competitive space.
To our winners, please continue to build on this momentum.