GSW students showcase award-winning FitFlow concept to USG Board of Regents

Students invited to present following fourth-place finish in statewide innovation competition

AMERICUS, Ga. (Aug. 15, 2026) — Three Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) students showcased their innovative business concept, FitFlow, on the statewide stage once again this August to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) in Atlanta.

The invitation follows a fourth-place finish earlier this year in the inaugural 2026 USG Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition held at Kennesaw State University’s Marietta Campus. Emely Jimenez of Americus, Ga., Macy Taylor of Thomasville, Ga. and Milced Velasquez of Vienna, Ga. were recognized as finalists in a competition among 25 teams and 51 students representing all 25 USG institutions.

FitFlow is an innovative cooling wheelchair seat cover designed to improve comfort for wheelchair users. The lightweight, rechargeable product uses continuous airflow to help reduce heat-related discomfort, a challenge Taylor observed through her younger sister’s personal experience using a wheelchair. Taylor, a marketing major anticipated to graduate in Dec. 2026, developed the FitFlow concept and partnered with Velasquez and Jimenez to take the idea to the statewide level.

“One of my favorite parts of the competition was getting to meet other young entrepreneurs and seeing the creativity, passion and purpose behind their ideas,” Taylor said. “It’s a reminder of how much of an impact students can make when they are given the opportunity.”

The recent presentation gave the GSW students another opportunity to showcase FitFlow alongside other top student innovators from across Georgia, demonstrating the creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills that earned them statewide recognition.

“This opportunity is a tremendous recognition of what Macy, Milced and Emely accomplished,” said Becca Jones, senior lecturer of marketing in GSW’s College of Business and Computing, who helped prepare the team for the competition. “Their invitation to present FitFlow to the Board of Regents allowed them to take an idea developed at GSW and share it with leaders from across the University System. We are incredibly proud of the way they continue to represent GSW.”

The students originally advanced to the statewide competition after FitFlow received the Best Innovation Award at GSW’s first-ever Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition in March. The award included $1,000 in development funding and the opportunity to represent GSW at the USG competition.

“This accomplishment reflects the exceptional talent, determination and entrepreneurial mindset of our students,” said Gaynor Cheokas, D.B.A., dean of GSW’s College of Business and Computing. “Opportunities like this allow our students to apply what they learn in the classroom, develop solutions to real-world challenges and demonstrate their abilities before leaders from across the state.” Jones and Cheokas joined the students for the Board of Regents presentation in August.

Velasquez, a recent graduate with a bachelor’s in marketing, is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at GSW. “It was a rewarding opportunity to represent GSW alongside talented students across the state,” Velasquez said. “The experience strengthened my confidence, reinforced my passion for marketing and reminded me of the value of teamwork, perseverance and believing in an idea from start to finish.”

Jimenez recently graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s in business management. “Working on this project expanded my perspective and increased my awareness of the challenges many individuals with disabilities face every day,” added Jimenez. “Competing alongside talented students from universities across Georgia and presenting before a large audience challenged me to grow in confidence and communication. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent GSW on a statewide stage.”

The GSW students’ fourth-place finish reflects the University’s continued commitment to hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with practical problem solving. Through initiatives such as the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition and GSW’s online Entrepreneurship Certificate, students have opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills, identify real-world needs and turn innovative ideas into viable solutions.

Offered through the College of Business and Computing, the fully online Entrepreneurship Certificate is designed to equip students with the skills to develop, launch and grow new business ventures. Learn more about GSW’s Entrepreneurship Certificate at gsw.edu/entrepreneurship.