One of my core beliefs is that innovation is key to making a lasting IMPACT. Following tradition limits potential growth, creativity, and meaningful change. And to break tradition and make an IMPACT, we must dream. This is true for everyone, but it is even more true for our younger generations!
The future is in the hands of the younger generations. Our next problem solvers, strategists, inventors, leaders are all growing and learning now. And they make up a generation full of promise! But they cannot unlock their full PURPOSE, IMPACT, and POTENTIAL without MENTORSHIP.
As a creative strategist, entrepreneur, and dreamer myself, I understand the importance of showing support for our next generation as a mentor. Someone to guide them in the right direction. Someone to remind them that despite the curveballs that life throws, our purpose is there to guide us back on our path and discover new avenues. To encourage this growth, dreaming, and entrepreneurial spirit, I eagerly stepped into the role of an executive judge for Loyola Marymount University’s New Idea Pitch Competition, a competition from the Entrepreneurship Program.
With the help of two fellow judges, I spent time in Spring 2023 listening to aspiring student entrepreneurs from LMU pitch their creativity and inspiration for a new business idea. After an inspirational process of hearing the passions, curiosities, and inspirations of these students come to life in their pitches, I deliberated with my fellow judges to award winners a $7,000 cash prize to empower these young entrepreneurs to pursue their purpose and make an impact!
Serving as a judge has been enriching for me, as I’ve been able to guide young entrepreneurs on a path of growth and discovery by pushing them to dream bigger. Innovative ideas hold promise for change in the community, and young students, professionals, and entrepreneurs owe it to the world to embrace their curiosities and pursue the unknown! This path can be scary, and it takes immense courage to pursue the path less taken. I know this path very well, as it has been one I’ve followed as I’ve broken cultural and societal norms to pursue my passion; making a lasting impact by breaking barriers in my community and the larger world. I hope to use my own experiences and path to purpose to inspire and guide other dreamers and entrepreneurs to discover their IMPACT and change the world. I love what I do, and as a judge and mentor, I’ll help other dreamers love what they do too!