A Hobart and William Smith Colleges student won a $10,000 prize at the 2026 Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch Competition.
David “Duke” Charles II ’27 earned the top award for his business idea, a streetwear discovery app called The Wave.
The app is designed to connect consumers with emerging fashion designers and highlight brands focused on ethical and sustainable production.
Charles competed against three other finalists, who each received $500. The finalists were Nicholas Jones ’26, Virginia Ritchay ’28 and Tru Styles ’27.
The competition followed a six-month process in which students developed ideas, worked with mentors and refined their pitches.
“You have a clear vision for the market you’re going after and you bring passion both as a consumer and as a storyteller,” Pitch judge Sabrina McKee Budd ’89, P’25, P’28 said to Duke.
Organizers said finalists also received a year of mentorship and additional pitch preparation support as part of the program.
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