Finley Grace Warren, C’2027, has been named one of 10 grand prize winners nationwide in the Duke Fuqua School of Business New Ideas Competition for her proposal titled ‘Economic Empowerment for Migrant Women: A Business Plan for Social Integration and Economic Growth.’
Warren will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Duke's Fuqua School of Business in Durham, North Carolina, from April 3 - 6, 2025. While there, she will present her proposal to influential business leaders and participate in a live case study. Winners from the program who are admitted to one of Fuqua's one-year master’s programs will also receive partial scholarship funding.
“My inspiration for this project stems from a combination of my academic background, professional experiences, and commitment to social justice. Given my experience as an intern at AkiDwA: Ireland’s Women Migrant Network, where I researched immigration policies, led stakeholder interviews, and secured private funding for migrant-related initiatives, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by migrant women. Through this work, I saw how economic barriers—such as limited job training, lack of access to financial resources, and language obstacles—hinder their ability to integrate into society and achieve financial independence,” said Warren, a political science major from Dallas.
Warren designed a project to provide sustainable economic opportunities for migrant women by offering structured job training, vocational education in high-demand sectors (such as healthcare and technology), language education, entrepreneurial mentorship, and access to microfinance resources. These components directly address systemic barriers, equipping participants with the necessary skills to achieve economic independence and contribute to their communities.
“Finley’s submission was comprehensive in its scope, highlighting its intended impact upon business, educational institutions, and community organizations. Her emphasis on empowering a population that faces significant barriers to economic participation is strongly tied into the themes of the competition related to using business as a force for good and addressing polarization in our society,” said Matt Clemons, assistant dean of Admissions, Duke Fuqua School of Business.
Program applicants were asked to pick existing companies or industries or present an entrepreneurial idea of their own with the hopes of highlighting how their idea would contribute to improving civil discourse and reducing polarization in society. They were also able to share their proposals on how a company, set of companies, or industry sector can positively impact a specific community, population, location, industry, or the environment at large.
“The program is meant to provide inspiration and support to participants as they pursue their passions, along with developing a network of like-minded individuals. Finley and the other participants will receive feedback on their ideas from a distinguished pane of advisors, network with members of our community, and form bonds with one another,” said Clemons. “Several previous participants have used the competition as a springboard for other opportunities as they explore ways to have a positive impact upon the world. We look forward to following Finley’s journey at Spelman and beyond.”