Memory Frame

At Cody High School in Detroit, a business idea started with something deeply personal. Alyiana and Carlos had both lost a parent at a young age. For Alyiana, the hardest part was not having any photos or recordings to remember her mom by. That absence inspired the team’s idea, Memory Frame, a digital photo frame that displays images, plays videos, and includes voice recordings.

Together with teammate Jordyn, they turned grief into something powerful. At first, they were hesitant to share such a personal idea. But with support from their Impact Manager Justin and several City Year AmeriCorps members, they practiced week after week and learned to tell their story with strength and clarity.

Leading With Heart

By the time they presented at the Detroit finals, their pitch was heartfelt and compelling. One judge, who had recently lost her husband, was visibly moved. The team’s honesty and purpose made a strong impression, and they won the Detroit competition.

A Journey Beyond the Finals

The team later traveled to New York City for the national finals. While they didn’t win there, they represented Detroit with pride. Their story was featured on two local news stations, and their idea resonated far beyond the classroom.

The Enterprise Challenge gave them more than a business plan. It gave them a chance to heal, grow, and prove that even painful stories can lead to meaningful change.

“I don’t really have any memories of my mom. No pictures, no videos, not even the sound of her voice. We came up with Memory Frame so other people wouldn’t have to grow up like me,” said Alyiana.