Graduating as a first-generation college student with a B.S. in Psychology in 2011, Genesis Bencivenga Sr. returned home to help her father, Lorenzo, generate income for their family by selling their unique banana pudding recipe. Lorenzo always said, “You’ve heard of banana pudding, but you’ve never had mine.” They started by making banana pudding in their home and selling it on the streets of Chicago’s South Side. The business quickly gained popularity, leading them to begin marketing the product in local stores by 2015.
As the business expanded, Genesis took on greater responsibilities. Her father retired, but he continued to advise her, providing support through the challenges of scaling up. After two attempts to expand, Genesis faced obstacles with demand and distribution, eventually deciding to close operations to refine her business strategy. In 2020, she joined Walgreens’ Top Shelf program, which helped her develop the skills and network to successfully relaunch. With guidance from the program and support from the Women’s Business Development Center, Genesis secured distribution in Walgreens, an emotional milestone that she shared on social media, celebrating her product’s journey from the South Side to national shelves .
Through her persistence, Genesis not only established Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding as a beloved brand but also aimed to build generational wealth, providing inspiration for other entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. Her journey highlights her unwavering resilience and commitment to growth, values that continue to fuel the success of Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding today.
Read about all of this years awardees
Genesis Bencivenga Sr. | Innovative Women-Owned Business of the Year
Turquoise Greene | Mentorship Excellence Award
Audrey Lee Saunders | Trailblazer Award for Women in Leadership
Nakisha Hobbs | Empowerment Through Education Award
Mayor Jada D. Curry, Village of Lynwood | Community Impact Award