Addison Wood, a first-year engineering student at Purdue University, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 First Coast Home Pros Young Entrepreneur Scholarship, recognizing her innovative business concept and commitment to solving real-world challenges.
Wood's proposed business, Alchemy Bakery, aims to provide baked goods free from the nine most common food allergens. Inspired by her personal experience living with a severe peanut allergy, her entrepreneurial vision transforms a personal challenge into a potential solution for others facing similar dietary restrictions.
The $2,500 scholarship acknowledges Wood's clear business vision and her passion for creating inclusive food options. Her concept represents more than a business opportunity; it demonstrates a nuanced understanding of addressing consumer needs through entrepreneurial thinking.
Beyond her business concept, Wood is pursuing a Civil Engineering degree with a concentration in Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. Her academic interests reflect a forward-thinking approach to technological innovation, particularly in understanding how emerging technologies like automated vehicles might reshape infrastructure.
Wood's extracurricular activities further underscore her commitment to community engagement. She actively supports charitable organizations through campus involvement, including Make-A-Wish and the Andrea Rizzo Foundation, while maintaining a diverse range of interests from dance to volunteer work.
Her long-term goals include interning during her college years, establishing a career in engineering, and eventually pursuing an MBA to launch her own business. The scholarship provides not just financial support, but also validation of her entrepreneurial potential.
Wood's story highlights a growing trend of young entrepreneurs who view business innovation as a mechanism for solving societal challenges. By addressing the needs of individuals with food allergies, she exemplifies how personal experiences can inspire meaningful entrepreneurial solutions.
The First Coast Home Pros Young Entrepreneur Scholarship continues to support emerging talent, providing resources and recognition for students who demonstrate exceptional creativity, commitment, and potential for future business leadership.
