PHRESH idea: Young entrepreneurs event at Penn Hills High School all about creativity, community

The Penn Hills community is invited to spend Friday evening at the very first Penn Hills Regifting and Entrepreneurial Spirit of Hope (PHRESH).

According to Dion Dupree, the district’s school and community liaison and outreach coordinator, the event will celebrate the high school’s young entrepreneurs and network a mentorship program with local business owners in attendance.

“PHRESH is an initiative that embodies the fusion of creativity, philanthropy and community engagement,” Dupree said. “By uniting teen entrepreneurs, local vendors and supporters, this event has the power to create a significant and positive impact while simultaneously celebrating talent and innovation.”

Dupree said that during the event, organizers hope to pair students with vendors in similar specialties.

“We’re hoping the vendors take (students) under their wings to show them the do’s and don’ts of business,” Dupree said. “We’re hoping to make those connections at the event.”

Dupree said that each vendor is showing up with the intent to mentor a young entrepreneur. To assist with those connections, Penn Hills High School student Arshad Bryant will be acting as an internal liaison between students and vendors. Bryant owns a clothing company, and attends local vendor events. He already has made some of the connections that his classmates hope to on Friday, Dupree said.

He added that the event will “embody the spirit of giving back” with a clothing drive of gently used clothing, shoes and accessories.

“We want this event to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and business skills,” Dupree said. “We’re hoping it will foster some empowerment and inspiration within the community.”

The event, presented by Becoming a Man and Safe Spaces, will feature a live DJ performance and an art exhibit by Paradise Gray, chief curator and advisory board member of the Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx. Dupree said Gray will bring about 12 pieces from the museum to display at the high school.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Penn Hills High School. Admission is $5 for adults and free for people 18 and younger.

“Our goal is to really display and showcase the hidden talents of students at the high school,” Dupree said. “When we realized how much talent and interest there is, we utilized our networks to connect students with mentors.”