In a triumphant display of talent and determination, four Black women from Spelman College have clinched the top spot in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness Competition through the HBCU Possibilities Program.
The winning team, comprised of Victoria Cain, Makhi Frempong, Olivia Rivera-Spann, and Symone Thompson, secured the coveted $1 million prize in April 2024, marking Spelman’s third victory in four years.
“For us, winning the Goldman Sachs Market Madness competition signifies not just our own perseverance, but also the grace of God,” remarked Frempong, an economics major. “This platform allowed us to sharpen our skills and envision our future roles as industry analysts. It’s a tremendous honor to contribute to Spelman’s legacy through our hard work. This journey has been truly transformative, showcasing our professional growth in remarkable ways.”
Competing against 26 teams from 10 HBCUs, Frempong, Cain, Rivera-Spann, and Thompson tackled the challenge of devising effective business solutions for Nike.
Their thorough research and strategic approach impressed both Nike and Goldman Sachs leaders, ultimately securing them the top prize.
Spelman College President Helene D. Gayle commended the students, stating:
“I couldn’t be prouder of the Spelman students who excelled in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness competition. Their dedication and hard work throughout the semester paid off, bringing home the top prize for the third time.”
While Spelman claimed the first-place title, the other HBCUs in the final four—Howard University, Florida A&M University, and Delaware State University—received grants totaling $1 million.
Goldman Sachs’ Market Madness Competition: HBCU Possibilities Program is part of the firm’s five-year commitment to HBCUs, aiming to double campus-analyst recruits by 2025.
To date, Goldman Sachs has awarded $20 million in grants and scholarships and has onboarded 40 students from the program as interns or full-time hires.
