Health and Human Development

Supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs

Credit: Getty Images: Kevin Smart, Hiraman, FG Trade, FocusArea. Composite by Dennis ManeyAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For many parents, figuring out how to best support themselves and their children can be daunting. Lavelle Smith Hall developed the idea for her business, MOMLogics, after she became known as the “resource mom” in her community — the one whom others frequently turned to for advice on schools, tutoring services, or extracurricular activities. MOMLogics is an online platform that supports and advocates for the emotional and mental wellness of Black mothers through courses, coaching, membership, events, and ambassadorship.

When she was starting up her company, Hall had plans for an app, but she lacked the capital to create a prototype that would enable her to seek funding for her business. Support from Penn State interns enabled her to develop the first version of the app.

Meg Small, director of social innovation at Penn State’s Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, helped facilitate the Penn State’s connection with MOMLogics. Small studies how to support women and entrepreneurs of color in order to promote the health and well-being of individuals, local communities, and the entire economy.

Learn how the College of Health and Human Development cultivates entrepreneurship in its students, faculty, staff and alumni in the latest edition of Discovery magazine.

Last Updated February 16, 2023