YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Nabayt Kibread, a Youngstown State University junior and the designer of an AI-driven software app specializing in stock market predictions and education for future traders, received the John Burgan Entrepreneurship Award.
The award was established for students in the Williamson College of Business Administration in 2020 and is given to students who believe they have a great idea for a new business.
The honor also comes with $2,400, which Kibread, a dual economics and science major, plans to use to expand her business, Velora.
Presented by Patrick Burgan of Burgan Real Estate, the official brokerage of YSU athletics, the award is in honor of his father, John Burgan.
“This award was designed to bring forth ideas and creativity from students to live out a dream they have of starting their own business, just like my father helped me when I was 10 years old,” said Patrick Burgan, broker and second-generation owner of Burgan Real Estate. “While we were impressed by all the entries, Nabayt clearly separated herself with her creativity, research and plan for an AI-powered stock market predictor. We’re excited to recognize Nabayt for her hard work and for continuing the high standard for recipients of this award.”
Originally from Ethiopia and coming to the U.S. to attend YSU three years ago, Kibreab began researching the stock market in 2024. While looking at social media channels and viewing various profiles to gain knowledge, she came up with the idea for the app to teach herself and others how to predict trends by analyzing what is happening in real time.
The idea went from a senior capstone project to a viable business idea. She not only received the John Burgan Entrepreneurship Award but also earned first place in YSU’s annual Penguin Shark Tank competition.
“Winning this opportunity reminds me to always believe in better – better ideas, better hard work and better partnerships makes anything possible,” said Kibreab, who hopes to remain in the U.S. after her May 2026 graduation and earn her graduate degree. “I’m grateful to Burgan for believing in the better we can build together. Every challenge is a chance to build something better. This win shows that with focus, creativity and persistence, better results are always possible, and I’m just getting started.”
Pictured at top: Patrick Burgan and Nabayt Kibread.