Voorhees University Freshman’s Team Wins First Place in HBCU Smart Cities Challenge Showcase
Three historically Black college and university (HBCU) students received first place in the national HBCU Smart Cities Challenge Showcase, including Josephine Mulenga, a freshman at UNCF-member institution Voorhees University. Mulenga and her team received a $5,000 award for their project, which addressed localized flooding challenges in Henry County, GA.
HBCU students are leading innovation in smart city development. The HBCU Smart Cities Challenge Showcase—organized by Pathway Community Foundation, in partnership with organizations like Mastercard—is a 10-week fellowship that brings together students from HBCUs across the country to address urgent challenges facing urban areas with innovative, scalable, technology-driven solutions. Participants engage with coaches, industry mentors and local government stakeholders.
Mulenga was selected as one of only eight fellows from more than 150 applicants nationwide.
Josephine Mulenga, a freshman at Voorhees University, earned 1st place in the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge Showcase. Photo from Voorhees University.
The winning cross-institutional team included: Mulenga, who served as a software developer on the team, playing a critical role in integrating data systems and supporting the platform’s functionality; Lamika Walker from South Carolina State University, who served as the project manager; and Sunpairre Tamene from Coppin State University, another software developer.
The team designed an advanced stormwater management system to improve flood detection and emergency response in communities. Their project featured a sensor-based data collection and alert system that can notify city officials and residents, an AI-driven tool that can determine optimal sensor placement using historical flood data and a real-time geographic information system (GIS) dashboard built using Esri ArcGIS technology, to monitor water levels and environmental conditions. The project was recognized for its innovation, feasibility and real-world impact.
“This outstanding accomplishment reflects the innovation and academic excellence we foster at Voorhees University,” said Dr. Edward Hill, provost and vice president, Voorhees University. “Josephine’s success demonstrates the power of experiential learning and the impact our students can have in addressing real-world challenges through technology and collaboration.”
Mulenga attributes her success to her faith and the support of mentors, faculty and peers.
Read more in Voorhees’ press release and on WIS10 TV.
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