Local entrepreneur featured in American Heart Association program

A Syracuse University student is among the top nine entrepreneurial candidates in an American Heart Association program working to remove barriers to achieving better health.

The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator is an intense business leadership training and grant opportunity designed to help solve health disparities. Through the Business Accelerator, the American Heart Association challenges entrepreneurs, startups and non-profits to develop community-based solutions that improve long-term health by overcoming challenges in under-resourced communities.

Russell Fearon, a senior mechanical engineering major at Syracuse University, is one of the top nine candidates in the Business Accelerator. Fearon designed Sugex, a wearable device that helps people manage their diabetes.

“When my partner and I first devised a solution to help diabetics better manage their blood sugar, we did not expect the success and support that would come,” said Fearon. “As an engineer student, I am constantly looking to make improvements within technology. Being a top candidate in the American Heart Association competition proves that pairing passion along with teamwork can lead to revolutionary changes.”

Fearon and the other top candidates will present their innovative concepts and ideas in a “shark-tank” style program on October 17th at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Roland Martin will be live streaming the event on his show #RolandMartinUnfiltered the night of the event.

Business Accelerator candidates have a chance to receive grant money to implement their ideas. First place will receive $50,000, second place will receive $20,000, and the Fan Favorite will receive $5,000. Voting for Fan Favorites is available here. Voting is open until October 17th.

“While doing research for the project, I got the opportunity to connect with amazing people who relate to my experience and truly believe it would benefit their own lives,” Fearon added. “I am excited to share my story and to further develop my solution to improve the lives of diabetics like me.”

There are many factors that affect a person’s health, including community environments. People living just five miles apart can have a difference in life expectancy by more than 20 years. That’s why the American Heart Association is working in communities and joining with alliances to address key factors that impact health and wellbeing: economic stability, education, societal influences, neighborhoods and healthcare. This is an opportunity for community-focused companies, organizations and individuals to help affect community change.