Addison Wood, a first-year engineering student at Purdue University, has been honored with the 2024 First Coast Home Pros Young Entrepreneur Scholarship for her innovative business idea, Alchemy Bakery. This $2,500 scholarship acknowledges Wood's creative solution to a pressing health issue: food allergies. Her bakery concept is designed to offer products free from the nine most common allergens, inspired by her own struggles with a severe peanut allergy.
Wood's academic path in Civil Engineering, with a focus on Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, showcases her diverse interests and ambitions. Her entrepreneurial vision is complemented by her active participation in campus organizations and community service, including her involvement with Make-A-Wish through Chi Omega and fundraising with the Higher Ground Dance Company. This blend of academic rigor and community engagement highlights her well-rounded character and dedication to making a difference.
The scholarship from First Coast Home Pros not only provides financial assistance but also serves as a catalyst for Wood's future aspirations. She plans to intern during her college years, pursue a career in engineering post-graduation, and eventually obtain an MBA to launch her own business. Wood's story is a testament to how personal challenges can inspire innovative solutions, demonstrating the potential of young entrepreneurs to address real-world problems with creativity and strategic thinking.
Beyond her academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, Wood's commitment to community service and her passion for dance and working with children further illustrate her multifaceted personality and her drive to contribute positively to society. Her achievement with the Alchemy Bakery concept underscores the importance of addressing dietary restrictions and allergies, offering a glimpse into the potential for businesses to cater to underserved markets while making a meaningful impact on individuals' lives.
