Author: Kristine Castillo, Former Student Associate, Ivory Innovations Kristine Castillo Introduction My name is Kristine Castillo, and I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Information Systems in May 2025. This past summer, I had the privilege of interning with Matrix Rental Solutions (Ivory Prize 2025 Top 25), a fintech company dedicated to improving housing access by making rental applications more equitable and efficient. Under

Author: Chris Eggert, Former Student Associate, Ivory Innovations Chris Eggert My Summer at Reframe Systems My name is Chris Eggert, and I recently graduated from the University of Utah (May 25’) with a bachelor's in Entrepreneurship & Strategy and minors in Information Systems and Multidisciplinary Design. This past summer, I had the great opportunity to intern with Reframe Systems (Ivory Prize 2025 Winner) on their Strategy & Impact team. Reframe is a vertically integrated

By: Jeremiah Munn , Innovative Ecosystem Research Intern Jeremiah’s Education and Background My name is Jeremiah Munn, and I am a senior at the University of Utah , studying Entrepreneurship  and Architecture . This summer, I had the privilege of interning at Canvas , a construction robotics startup addressing the skilled labor shortage by equipping interior contractors with advanced heavy machinery, AI, and automation. Discovering Canvas Through Ivory Innovations Canvas, a t

By: Erika Jensen, Ivory Innovation Student Associate Erika’s Background and Interests My name is Erika Jensen and I am a junior at the University of Utah . I have lived in Utah ever since I was little, and I love the surrounding nature and the outdoor opportunities it provides. In my free time, I enjoy running and hiking. Capsule’s Prefabricated Offsite Construction Approach This summer, Ivory Innovations  gave me the opportunity to work with Capsule , an off-site constructio

By: Katelyn Johnston , Ivory Innovations Senior Associate Katelyn’s Background and Education The University of Utah & Ivory Innovations My name is Katelyn Johnston. I am currently a senior undergraduate at the University of Utah  studying Marketing  and Real Estate . During the previous 2023-34 academic year, I worked as a student associate  at Ivory Innovations . I had such an excellent experience participating that I am returning this year as a Senior Associate . I am thril

By: Kian Crawford , Villa Development Intern Education and Background at the University of Utah My name is Kian Crawford and I am a student at the University of Utah  pursuing a degree in Finance. During the 2023-2024 academic year, I had the privilege of interning at Ivory Innovations  where I gained valuable insights into the housing industry and became passionate about finding solutions to affordability and accessibility in this space. It has been quite the experience, and

By: Andrés Esparza , Onx Homes Precurement Intern Andrés’ Background and Education My name is Andrés Esparza, and I graduated from the University of Utah with a double major in Business Administration and Operations and Supply Chain . I was born in Southern California but moved to Utah at a young age. I bounced around city-to-city in Arizona and Utah, finally ending up in Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah. Internship Experience in Miami This summer I moved to

By: Greyson Rynders , Economics Research Assistant at Marriner S Eccles Institute for Economics and Quantitative Analysis Introduction My name is Greyson Rynders and I am starting my senior year and final semester as a Quantitative Analysis of Markets & Organizations major with minors in Information Systems and Mathematics at the University of Utah . I am a Utah native and have lived in the state for over 18 years. As a long-term resident of Utah, I have taken the pleasure of

September 14, 2023 By: Jack O'Lear y , Student Associate Alumni A Student Leader's Journey into Affordable Housing and Financial Empowerment I'm a senior undergraduate student at the University of Utah, pursuing an honors degree in economics and political science with a pre-law focus. Currently, I hold the position of Student Body President for the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU). Throughout my four years on campus, I've been actively engaged in various

September 7, 2023 By: Emmanuel Garcia Flores , Student Associate Alumni A Journey from Finance to Zoning Reform and Housing Policy My name is Emanuel Flores, and I am a current student at Utah State University, pursuing a degree in economics and finance. Over the past year, I've been fully immersed in the realm of property technology, often referred to as prop tech. My journey in this field began at Ivory Innovations, where I gained my first professional experience. Recent

August 31, 2023 By: Nolan Martin , Student Associate Alumni A Journey of Learning and Growth at ARX As my internship at ARX comes to a close, I'm excited to reflect on the valuable experiences and insights I've gained over the summer. Allow me to share a glimpse of my journey and how it has shaped my path. About Nolan: A Passion for Operations and Real Estate I'm Nolan Martin, a senior at the University of Utah, pursuing a degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management. Th

August 24, 2023 By: Jeremiah Munn , Student Associate Alumni Jeremiah’s Journey Into Housing Development and Affordable Housing This summer, I participated in an extraordinary internship journey made possible through my role at Ivory Innovations as a student research associate. Join me as I recount my growth-filled experience as a part of the Ivory Innovations Operation Foundation (IIOF), shedding light on the pivotal aspects of this immersive internship. About Jeremiah: A S

August 17, 2023 By: Sydney Williams , Student Associate Alumni Sydney’s Internship with the Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth: Supporting Housing Affordability for First-Time Homebuyers My name is Sydney Williams - I am a junior majoring in Finance with a minor in Real Estate Development. I come from a military family and moved out West during high school. Since being out here, I have fallen in love with skiing, hiking, backpacking, and everything outdoors!  A Journey into Rea