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5 Queens residents win entrepreneur awards


Abeles, a theology major who lives in Jackson Heights, beat out 21 other competitors for his company, Abeles…

By Daniel Arimborgo

Queens resident Murray Abeles, a senior at New York University, is the grand-prize winner of the annual Fleet Youth Entrepreneur competition.

Abeles, a theology major who lives in Jackson Heights, beat out 21 other competitors for his company, Abeles Consulting Inc., which specializes in multimedia development, electronic commerce solutions and network consultation. He now has a staff of seven who also do Web publishing, and graphic design. His company also provides business training to high school students.

Student entrepreneurs’ businesses are evaluated for originality, innovation and excellence in the prestigious annual competition, for which they compete for about $6,000 in college scholarships. The contest is open to people 13 to 23 years old. All of this year’s winners had high-tech elements in their businesses.

In addition to Abeles, four other students from Queens were runners-up and won $150 in college money.

Akash Bhatia, a Saint Francis Preparatory High School senior from Flushing, was awarded for her business, also in information technology, called Student Technology Services. The service provides repair solutions and remote access technology for classroom instruction.

Another St. Francis Prep winner was Michelle Tang, also a senior. Tang, who lives in Jamaica, was awarded. for her business in website and graphic design services.

Afifah Ruqiyyah Dupass, a senior from Jamaica who goes to the Clara Muhammad School, won for her art, hair-braiding, and jewelry business, which also produces hand-painted cards for parties and events.

Rosedale resident Lydia Smith, a senior at Campus Magnet, started a stationery business which makes flyers and labels, for which she also produces a customer catalog.

The young entrepreneurs will receive their awards at Baruch College in a breakfast ceremony Thursday, March 29, at 8 a.m.

Reach reporter Daniel Arimborgo by e-mail at timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300 Ext. 141.