Courtesy of Spelman College
Spelman College students won the $1 million grand prize during the third annual Goldman Sachs Market Madness competition on April 24, 2023. The winning team included students Victoria Woodward, Princess Dandoo, Gabrielle Smith, Havelin Autry, and Madison Porter. Spelman students also won first place during the inaugural competition in 2021 and won second place in 2022.
Team member Princess Dandoo, C’2025, described securing a victory for Spelman as the epitome of being “undaunted by the fight.” She explained that the team faced a variety of challenges, from reshaping their initial ideation to changing their presentation days before the big day. Despite these obstacles, the team emerged victorious.
Spelman College President Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH, lauded the team’s exceptional achievement.
“Congratulations to our Spelman scholars! This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, and the support they receive from our faculty and staff. Academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and a strong sisterhood, against the backdrop of a well-rounded liberal arts education continues to provide Spelman students with the fortitude and resources they need to succeed and, in this case, score a big win!” she said.
The competition marked the culmination of the Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities Program. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum for students that spans an entire semester, featuring a crash course on fundamental concepts and career paths in finance, exclusive access to senior executives at the firm, numerous opportunities for networking and mentorship, a $10,000 financial stipend, and the exciting chance to compete in the prestigious Market Madness competition.
“The Goldman Sachs Market Madness HBCU Possibilities Program has contributed to my future career endeavors in more ways than one. This program has allowed me into an extremely polarizing space for Black women and I can’t wait to hold the door open for others,” said team member Victoria Woodward, C’2025.
The Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities Program is a core component of Goldman Sachs’ $25 million, five-year commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In 2023, Goldman Sachs expanded the program to include 150 students from 12 HBCUs, selected from more than 400 eligible applications. Students were split into 31 teams and, throughout the semester, conducted company research and proposed a strategic business solution for featured client, L’Oreal.
