‘CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award IVMF Honorees – 2023

About 'CUSE50


The ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award is Syracuse University’s new annual award program dedicated to celebrating the success of Orange business leaders across the globe. The program recognizes the 50 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by Syracuse alumni.  The Honorees will be recognized at an on-campus ceremony on November 9, 2023. You can view the four IVMF honorees below and also see the full list of honorees.

IVMF Honorees


Sheena Parker

Sheena Parker '18, '19


Founder and CEO – 4SYT Industries

Fully certified and compliant, 4SYT is a government-contracting company specializing in facilities management. The company is disabled veteran-, woman- and minority-owned and offers range of services, including janitorial, flooring, painting, landscaping and light construction.

“It was after graduating from V-WISE, a premier training program in the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, that I reassessed my business goals and dove headfirst into government contracting. Hearing the stories of fellow service members gave me the reassurance and motivation that I needed to move forward with 4SYT.”

Haotian Bai

Haotian Bai '23


Founder & CEO – Patriot Conceptions

Patriot Conceptions is a veteran-owned business that specializes in providing surrogacy and egg donation services to individuals and couples desiring to build a family. The company prioritizes ethical practices, empathy, and meticulous care in managing the deeply personal and often emotionally charged processes of surrogacy and egg donation, ensuring each party’s needs and concerns are addressed with utmost sensitivity.

“The EBV Accelerate at IVMF profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial journey by providing robust training, resources, and a network that empowered me to navigate through the complexities of establishing and scaling a business. Engaging with fellow veterans and experienced entrepreneurs during the Veterans EDGE program, I gained invaluable insights and mentorship that helped shape my business strategy and leadership skills, fostering a resilient and adaptive entrepreneurial mindset. Lastly, participating in the D’Aniello Family Foundation Acceleration Challenge offered a unique platform to validate, refine, and pitch business ideas, cultivating a dynamic approach towards innovation and strategic development in my entrepreneurial endeavors.”

Kelo Makelele

Kelo Makelele '19


Founder and President – RedTrace Technologies

RedTrace is a cyber intelligence driven, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Management Consulting firm focused on assisting our U.S. Intelligence Community, DoD, Federal Civilian, and commercial clients achieve mission success by proactively identifying and mitigating cyber threats.

“My experience in the IVMF EBV program had the most profound impact on my entrepreneurial journey. It helped me identify areas of improvement while simultaneously increasing my level of confidence in the business arena. My University professors and mentors have been a sounding board and constant source of support throughout my journey. Leadership and entrepreneurship can be lonely at times; knowing that I’m not alone in this journey and that I have the SU family with me has been immensely reassuring.”

Justin Bajema

Justin Bajema '07


Founder – Access Property Management Group

Access Property Management Group is a professional property management company which today manages over 650 rental units in the West Michigan area.