About the Team
Josh SCHONLAND. Josh is an Economics student with a strong interest in applied research, behavioral insights, and strategic decision-making. He co-authored a SPARK Symposium project analyzing student dining preferences and campus food-service decision patterns. Josh is actively involved in the Belmont community and has been recognized for his leadership and engagement across multiple campus initiatives. As part of the NIBS case competition team, he brings clear economic reasoning, strong communication skills, and a practical, solutions-oriented mindset to strategy discussions and presentations.
Alyssa JOSEPH. Alyssa is a Marketing and Finance student with strong interests in brand strategy, digital communication, and project-based problem solving. She completed Belmont’s Digital Engine program, developing skills in digital marketing, analytics, and strategic storytelling. On campus, Alyssa serves as Vice President of Finance for Alpha Gamma Delta, managing financial operations and supporting chapter planning. As a member of the NIBS case competition team, she contributes strengths in marketing insight, narrative design, and financial awareness to complex international business challenges.
Vicky GAO. Vicky studies Economics and Environmental Science, where her academic work explores the intersection of sustainability, public policy, and economic analysis. She has presented multiple research projects at Belmont’s SPARK Symposium, including studies on donor behavior related to urban green spaces and methods for valuing environmental assets. Vicky also participates in NSF-funded research focused on environmental resilience and disaster response. On the NIBS team, she provides rigorous sustainability assessments, environmental risk analysis, and long-term economic evaluation in global strategy cases.
Peter GORGEY. Peter is pursuing a triple major in Economics, Business Systems & Analytics, and Entrepreneurship. He combines quantitative analysis with entrepreneurial creativity, demonstrated through his venture Pictures to Pages, which earned the Sullivan Impact Prize and a $1,000 award in Belmont’s 2025 Business Pitch Competition. Peter is especially interested in the ways data, innovation, and entrepreneurship can be used to design impactful customer experiences.
- Marieta VELIKOVA (Coach). Marieta is Director of the Center for Global Citizenship and a Professor of Economics in the Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University. She teaches economics and global studies and leads initiatives that connect students with international learning opportunities and cross-university collaborations. Her work centers on global economic systems, geopolitical risk, and the development of responsible, globally minded leaders.