HARRISBURG, PA — The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC have announced the winners of the 2025 Catalyst Awards. Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is thrilled to congratulate Christina Milano-Damaskos on being named Entrepreneur of the Year.
Christina Milano-Damaskos is the co-founder and CEO of Athlon, a youth wellness technology company redefining how kids build strong bodies and healthy minds. Athlon is one of the earliest success stories for Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE). CIE provides business incubation, mentoring experiences for students and business owners, and a variety of educational and competitive programs for aspiring inventors and innovators.
After more than a decade in sports, media, and entertainment, Christina and her husband and co-founder, Matt, set out to address the growing youth physical- and mental-health crisis through technology, education, and play. Today, Athlon collaborates with schools, professional sports organizations, and community partners to make wellness engaging, measurable, and accessible for all children and families.
Through Athlon’s flagship augmented-reality app, Rallee, Athlon is pioneering a new era in youth wellness: transforming brief, five-minute “micro-workouts” into science-backed bursts of movement that turn sedentary screen time into active, joyful play.
“To say I’m humbled is an understatement,” said Milano-Damaskos. “Being recognized as an entrepreneur is an incredible honor for me and my co-founder – and husband – Matt. This moment reflects not only our partnership, but also the welcoming support this region has shown us. The CIE and Harrisburg University immediately made our move to Harrisburg feel like home and opened doors that truly made all the difference. We’re proud to be part of this community and to bring the future of healthier tech experiences from Central PA to the world.”
The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship delivers entrepreneurial education and startup support services to the previously underserved communities of women, the disadvantaged, and other minority groups, as well as entrepreneurs and companies looking to innovate in Central Pennsylvania. Athlon and the CIE partnered over a year ago, and the momentum is still going strong. Jay Jayamohan, Executive Director of the CIE, noted:
“Some people talk about changing the world, but Christina just went ahead and did it with her co-founder, Matt. We are glad that CIE was part of the startup magic that inspires her and others to dream bigger.”
Visit HarrisburgU.edu to learn more about CIE’s upcoming programs – including powerful experiences for families and students like Side Hustle School and launchU – or how to support CIE’s mission of economic and community empowerment in Central Pennsylvania.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges for 2025. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
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