Olivia Stefka

Class of 2025-2026

John Carroll University, 2025
Physics

Capstone Project Abstract:

This capstone project aims to develop additional programming and recommend a comprehensive Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy for The Institute for Entrepreneurial Communities (IEC), an initiative managed by enFocus.

The IEC is dedicated to identifying and studying communities that are long-standing hotbeds of entrepreneurship, aiming to understand and perpetuate the civic and economic impact of sustained entrepreneurial activity beyond traditional startup metrics. The community of focus for this capstone will be Elkhart, Indiana.

Through intensive hypothesis validation, including over 50 stakeholder interviews, and a refined Business Model Canvas, the task will be to define IEC's optimal market positioning, identify key customer segments, and strategize effective channels for its unique offerings. This work will deliver actionable insights to help the IEC secure sustainable funding, expand its network of academic and community partners, and share its pioneering research and multimedia case studies to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Why did you choose ESTEEM?

I chose to come to ESTEEM to learn how to intertwine the fundamentals of business and my entrepreneurial interests with my STEM heavy background. By the end of the program, I hope to have takeaways that will allow me to innovate and create impactful solutions for real-world challenges.

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

Following ESTEEM, I aim to leverage my interdisciplinary background in science and technology to pursue a career as a Product Manager. I am particularly drawn to end-to-end product development and hands-on problem-solving, with a strong desire to create impactful solutions that enhance users’ lives.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy immersing myself in music and listening to conspiracy theory podcasts.