The Vidal sisters, of Dominican heritage, created Citiskopes, a things-to-do platform enhanced by augmented reality for audiences that want to travel like a local with experiences that provide a unique perspective only found in a destination of choice. “Citiskopes is a brilliant concept that marries augmented reality, technology, and travel,” said Veronica Cool, CEO, Cool & Associates LLC.
Cool & Associates LLC presented the winning team a $5,000 check on September 4 during the 16th annual Maryland Hispanic Business Conference, the premier annual gathering for Hispanic business owners, entrepreneurs, executive and job seekers. The innovative and entrepreneurial sister team competed against five finalists for the prize.
“We were ecstatic to be named winners of such a prestigious award,” said Karina Vidal, co-founder, Citiskopes, based in Silver Springs, Maryland. “This award underscores that Latinos are innovators, creators and leaders – not only for the Hispanic community – but for all audiences.”
Citiskopes’ founders envisioned not an experiential platform for locals and tourists but also a forum to provide exposure to entrepreneurs’ events, activities and experiences to help thrive local economies. “As a result of the award, we will now have the ability to expand our company through mentorship, networking and through the seed-funding,” said Katherine Vidal, co-founder, Citiskopes.
“It was an honor and a privilege to be a judge for this year’s wildly successful Latino Innovator’s Pitch competition, said Theresa Daytner, CEO, Daytner Construction Group. “All of the Latino entrepreneurs had three things in common: strong storytelling, passion and measurable impact. I was thoroughly wowed by caliber of applicants this year.” Additional judges included Tracey Edwards, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; Sean Dunphy, Wells Fargo; Karina Mendoza, Latino Economic Development Center; and Joe Morales, Morales Law Firm.
Maryland is home to more than 57,000 Hispanic businesses. With Hispanics establishing businesses at 15 times the national average, Veronica Cool, CEO, Cool & Associates LLC, established the Pitch competition in 2015 to highlight the impact, talent and diversity of Hispanic businesses in both industry and scope.
Cool & Associates LLC helps corporations, nonprofits and government agencies effectively tap our nation’s robust Hispanic market. The firm provides essential tools and services for clients such as marketing and communications, outreach campaigns, training and staffing support, diversity & inclusion workshops, and other customized solutions to engage Hispanic businesses, customers, donors and students. C&A is a certified MBE firm, woman and Hispanic owned, proudly working to help clients penetrate the fastest growing segment of the population: Hispanics!
###
