About this Event
WomanUp & Pitch: Statewide Food Competition
Michigan’s most delicious pitch competition is here.
Join MWF for a special in-person, statewide edition of WomanUp & Pitch, spotlighting women food entrepreneurs from across Michigan as they pitch their businesses live — and serve up samples of their products — at Schoolcraft College.
This high-energy event brings together bold founders, expert judges, and a live audience for an evening that celebrates innovation, culture, and the power of women-owned food businesses.
What Is WomanUp & Pitch?
WomanUp & Pitch is MWF’s annual pitch competition series, awarding cash prizes to women entrepreneurs while giving them a platform to share their stories, sharpen their pitches, and grow their businesses.
The Statewide Food Competition is a unique, live experience focused exclusively on food-based businesses — from packaged goods to prepared foods — with tasting built right in.
What to Expect
- Live pitches from women food entrepreneurs representing communities across Michigan
- Samples of every food business competing (included with your ticket)
- Expert feedback from a panel of respected judges
- Cash prizes awarded to top pitches
- Networking with entrepreneurs, supporters, and ecosystem partners
Meet the Finalists
- Shardaira Jones – Rev Luxury Juice Bar
- Lisa Knight – SIDEZ
- Alicia LaZette – Rebel Pizza and Brews
- Bola Okpue – Wani Cakes
- Yuktha Pulavarthi – macaronza!
- Doreen Gardner – Papa's Brittle
- Ladonna Girty – The Slush Queen
- Keirsten Johnson – Kookies by Keirsten
- Myra Thomas – LIvy's Sweet Rolls
Meet the Judges
This year’s competition will be evaluated by an accomplished panel of leaders in food, education, and economic development:
- Mamba Hamissi – Owner, Baobab Fare
- Tiffany Vargas-Cruz – Schoolcraft College
- Angela Thompkins – Consumers Energy Foundation
Ticket Information
$15 General Admission
Your ticket includes:
- Entry to the live competition
- Samples from all competing food businesses
Space is limited — advance registration is strongly encouraged.
Event Details
📍 Location: Schoolcraft College, Livonia
📅 Event: WomanUp & Pitch – Statewide Food Competition
👩🍳 Who Should Attend: Food lovers, entrepreneurs, funders, community leaders, and anyone passionate about supporting women-owned businesses
Come hungry. Leave inspired.
Secure your seat and taste what Michigan’s women food entrepreneurs are building next.
Want to catch more WomanUp & Pitch competitions?
Explore our upcoming LIVE online events:
- — February 10, 2026
- — February 17, 2026
- — February 24, 2026
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, United States
USD 15.00
