Amanda Beckett Wins at Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute Pitch Competition

Amanda Beckett, a Psychology major and Start Something LAS Academy Cohort 4 member, earned one of the two $500 awards in the Idea Stage of the 2025 Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute (OEI) Pitch Competition. The competition, held on the program’s final full day, included three stages: Idea, Pre-Launch, and Revenue. Amanda competed against about a dozen other students in the Idea category.

The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship brought several Iowa State students to OEI, providing support and mentorship throughout the week. Leading up to the competition, Amanda participated in a networking “speed dating” session with local business owners, OEI alumni, and professionals. “That experience was huge for me because I came in feeling discouraged and overwhelmed, but it gave me the confidence to keep showing up,” she said. Her mindset during the competition was clear: “No one knows my idea like I know my idea. Feedback is advice to take or leave, but at the end of the day, it is on me to represent my vision.”

Amanda’s biggest takeaways from OEI focused on persistence, leadership, and community impact. She emphasized the value of failing fast, taking risks, and learning quickly without being paralyzed by perfection. “Change starts in your community. Be the change you want to see, create impact locally, and then scale from there,” she said.

Through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on pitch experience, Amanda walked away with new skills, connections, and confidence in her role as a leader and entrepreneur. If you are interested in learning how to participate in OEI, visit the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship website!