Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from the young people I see navigating systems that often underestimate them. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the barriers marginalized and racialized youth face in education and society, I am driven to create something that reminds them of their worth. I’m also inspired by entrepreneurs who build businesses rooted in purpose and community impact.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering why I started. Every time a young person is reminded that they are more than the labels placed on them, it reinforces the purpose behind my work. Building EmpowerED & Elevated is about more than apparel—it’s about representation, confidence, and belonging. Knowing that something as simple as a message on a shirt can spark pride, conversation, or self-belief keeps me moving forward, even when the journey is challenging.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would invest in scaling EmpowerED & Elevated so our message can reach more youth. Funding would support production of high-quality apparel, website and e-commerce development, branding and marketing, and inventory. I would also allocate resources toward community outreach and partnerships with schools and youth organizations so affirmation apparel can reach the young people who need it most. This investment would help transform EmpowerED & Elevated from a startup i