Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My mother—a microbiologist who worked tirelessly, helped the less fortunate, and was honored for her philanthropy. She taught me to achieve all we can and lift others. My own journey with undiagnosed dyslexia showed me how hard that can be. Unsquirrel is my way of carrying her legacy forward: building a tool so no one struggles alone.

How do you stay motivated?

Seeing others struggle the way I did keeps me going. My mother taught me we achieve so we can lift others. Every message from someone who needs Unsquirrel reminds me why this matters. I stay motivated because I know what it’s like to feel alone—and I refuse to let anyone else stay there.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d complete the website, finalize the app prototype, file the trademark, and launch the MVP. This funding would also cover key development costs and a portion of my living expenses so I can focus full‑time on Unsquirrel—moving us closer to helping the millions of adults who need this tool.