EDA was joined by speakers from Student Made Rock Hill, Rock Hill Economic Development, and Winthrop Universities to explore how universities can turn student talent into real economic value for their regions. Attendees heard how these collaborators established a student-led business platform helping institutions build career readiness, entrepreneurship, and community ties through hands-on experience.
Student Made connects students with local opportunities, supports university-led economic development, and foster long-term regional engagement. A simple idea evolved into student-powered businesses and a powerful tool for regional economic growth and lasting university-community impact.
Meet the Speakers
P.N. Saksena‘s focus has been on teaching and interacting with students. He received over twenty teaching awards while at IU South Bend including IU South Bend Alumni Association Faculty Legacy Award, IU President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, IU South Bend Distinguished Teaching Award, Faculty of the Year Award, and [co-recipient] of the Educator of the Year Award. Additionally, he has conducted research in forensic accounting, managerial accounting and accounting education.
Eduardo Venegas is an Economic Development leader with 10+ years of experience driving investment, strengthening business ecosystems, and building partnerships that create lasting community impact. His career spans global business recruitment, small business development, and workforce programs; giving him a unique ability to bridge local entrepreneurship with international investment opportunities. Venegas worked across sectors and borders, recruiting companies from Canada, Brazil, and Europe while also helping small businesses in the Carolinas scale and thrive.
Ryan McElhinney co-founded Student Made to grew his love to locally-made products & small businesses, inspired by students pursuing a passion and growing a business from their dorm rooms. As Student-Made has grown from 1 to 2 to 4 campuses and beyond, he has obsessed over growing the best team possible & providing the best opportunities to support all his students better every day. His top advice to participants: be 100% engaged in this program, as people get out of what they put in.
Lindsay Reeth co-founded Student-Made from a love and amazement for student making incredible things. She gets joy out of seeing students showcase their amazing talents with a community of supporters to help them reach their ultimate success. Lindsay’s dream is for Student-Made to expand to college across the country, with the focus of building a strong, supportive and authentic community at the forefront. She hopes that Student-Made will give people confidence in their passions, tangible experiences to help them grow, and a community that will last them a lifetime.