On Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, Wilmington University (WilmU^®) hosted the fall 2024 graduation ceremony for the West End Neighborhood House (WENH) Launcher Entrepreneurship Program, which marked an exciting milestone: celebrating the program’s 1,000th graduate, Kiandra Parks. 

Parks, one of 81 graduates in the cohort, was selected as the embodiment of the program’s spirit and success. She leads Heritage Urban Farm and Garden, an initiative inspired by her experience as an AmeriCorps apprentice at Bright Spot Urban Farm, a social enterprise of WENH. Her vision is to tackle food insecurity and empower senior citizens to grow their own food. 

“The Launcher program gave me the tools and confidence to create a solid business plan and pursue my dream. It’s a full-circle moment,” Parks shares. 

Parks’ initiative showcases the transformative power of the Launcher Entrepreneurship Program, which has helped create or expand nearly 500 businesses and 900 jobs in Delaware since its inception in 2017. 

“Kiandra’s story exemplifies what the Launcher Program is all about — turning passion into purpose and creating opportunities for economic empowerment and sustainability,” says Paul Calistro, executive director of West End Neighborhood House. 

The program’s success is driven by strong partnerships, including Wilmington University, which hosts the Launcher curriculum and graduation ceremonies while offering graduates mentorship, resources and opportunities to bring their dreams to life. 

“Wilmington University is honored to partner with West End Neighborhood House to support aspiring entrepreneurs through the Launcher Program,” says the University’s President, Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “Programs like this create lasting change, empowering individuals to achieve their dreams while fostering economic growth and sustainability in our communities. Kiandra Parks epitomizes the program’s spirit, and we are so proud of her achievements.” 

Parks seeks funding and a permanent location to bring her urban farm and community garden vision to life. 

Wilmington University congratulates all the graduates of the Launcher Entrepreneurship Program and celebrates the positive impact they continue to make in Delaware communities.