Howard University Team Wins $1M in Goldman Sachs’ Market Madness Competition

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Published by Stephen Oluwadara at May 12, 2025

About Goldman Sachs’ Market Madness Competition

The Howard University team competed against 11 other students of HBCUs such as Alcorn State University, Delaware State University, Fisk University, Florida A&M University, etc.

Most of the team had not yet completed their first semester of college and didn’t really know each other when the program began. Nevertheless, they advanced through two virtual rounds and ultimately delivered their final pitch live at Goldman Sachs’ New York headquarters. “I honestly don’t think it was even a question for us,” Rabun said. “We knew coming in that we wanted to win.”

Students participated in coursework focused on corporate finance, gaining valuable knowledge and skills. The program offered unique professional development and networking opportunities within the investment banking realm.

Howard University students who participated in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness 2025 competition

Participants also learned about Goldman Sachs’s corporate operations, gaining insight into the company’s inner workings. The program was part of Goldman Sachs’ long-term commitment to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), recognizing their excellence in producing talented professionals and promoting social mobility.

The program’s capstone was a case competition where teams proposed business solutions to grow revenue for Amer Sports. Amer Sports is a global company operating in 42 countries with $5.2 billion in revenue. Teams were tasked with proposing a solution based on a merger, acquisition, or product launch to drive revenue growth.

The Howard team wasn’t intimidated at all. They proposed selling adaptive wear for people with disabilities through Amer’s Arc’teryx line and have it launch in Dick’s Sporting Goods store in time for the 2026 Paralympics games. Howard’s team was the only team that recommended a product launch.

“We were all very flexible and adaptable when it came to working with each other and just taking feedback,” Rabun said. “On a team, everyone’s thinking different things, but we can only choose one idea. We were open to each other.”

According to the announcement, their business plan included SWOT analysis, market research, financial forecasting, and ROI modeling, reflecting the analytical rigor some of them developed through the Howard University School of Business.

About The Winning Team From Howard University

Howard University’s representatives represent geographically diverse hometowns. Arrechea was born in the Oakland, California area but grew up in Colombia. Rabun comes from Los Angeles, California. Meanwhile, Atkins and Harrison grew up in New Jersey—South Orange and Englewood, respectively. Khadijah Mansaray is from Alexandria, Virginia.

Three of the students were finance majors, one was a computer information systems major, and another was a computer engineering major. Their work ethic, determination, and motivation enabled them to create the synergy that led them to victory.

“The trait that we all brought was our ambition,” said Harrison. “I think it was our drive that really carried us, because there wasn’t an answer we didn’t have. We went out and found it instead of just giving up or pivoting.”

Most of the team is enrolled in the school’s 21st Century Advantage Program, which highlights mentorship, collaboration, and real-world case studies. All five students also bring leadership and service into their broader campus roles. According to the announcement, Mansaray operates a nonprofit for marginalized youth. Rabun is involved in Collegiate 100. Atkins is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Arrechea mentors fellow students in business strategy, while Harrison has focused on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.

Main Image: Howard University students who participated in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness 2025 competition.