Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business comes from a simple but powerful belief: what we eat shapes how we live. When people have access to food that is tailored to their needs—whether it’s for health, energy, or personal preference—it doesn’t just improve nutrition. It enhances focus, reduces stress around daily decisions, and creates a sense of balance in their lives.I am also inspired by the broader opportunity to apply innovation to real-world problems.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by imagining the change in the world that my app will bring—enabling personalized meals that can help people live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. That vision gives me a strong sense of purpose, but I also stay grounded by focusing on consistent progress in the present. I break the larger goal into small, tangible milestones so that each step forward builds momentum. I actively engage with users and the broader ecosystem, which keeps my perspective fresh.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it to support the launch of MealGenie in Philadelphia by strengthening three critical areas: sales, marketing, and customer experience. This would include onboarding local restaurant partners, driving targeted marketing campaigns to acquire early users, and ensuring a high-quality customer support experience during the initial rollout. The goal is to build a strong foundation in one city—validating demand, refining operations, and creating a repeatable playbook.