Blank Leadership Scholars Profiles

Propelled by a wide range of experiences and accomplishments, he gains inspiration from his family.

“My parents are small business owners and I saw them go through the process of creating a business and sustaining one, and to see them do that, and take care of me and my brother, that’s pretty amazing to me,” he said.

Born in Chicago (ask him about his Chicago sports loyalty), Agard currently lives just outside of Atlanta. His high school experience was defined by leadership and experiences that set him on the path to the No. 1 school for entrepreneurship.

What drew you to Babson?
I did an internship at Mercedes Benz Stadium, which is owned by Arthur Blank. I got to see the kind of business that he ran, and how people admired him, and I wanted to learn more. Once I realized he’s a Babson graduate, I started thinking that this might be the school for me.

And, when I took part in Access Babson—an overnight experience on campus with other students—I was able to see firsthand what the experience was like, and from there, I could definitely see myself going to this school.

What does being a Blank School Scholar mean to you?
As a metro Atlanta resident and former Atlanta United intern, I am honored to be one of the first Blank School Scholars. Mr. Blank is an icon in the worlds of business and sports, and he is larger than life in Atlanta. It means a great deal to me to have this connection with a hometown hero. As an intern at Atlanta United Soccer, I experienced the organization’s passion for excellence that is a reflection of Mr. Blank’s leadership principles and are the foundation of this scholarship. I am excited to collaborate with the other Blank Scholars on initiatives for the school that will benefit the entire Babson community.

Why does the world need entrepreneurial leadership?
Every great idea stems from some sort of entrepreneurial leadership. The ability to solve a problem in a way that includes a team. And, not only the ability to solve something, but the ability to lead a team to accomplish that idea—I think that’s what drives the world forward.

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with?
Include everyone. I’ve been in sports my entire life, so working with a team is definitely something that I love doing. I think that it’s better to create solutions together than to try to do something alone.

What are your hopes for your Babson career?
Be as successful as I can be here, and make the most of it. There’s some great people and great professors here, so I hope to do my best to reach out to people, to understand the world more, and get as much knowledge as I can to better myself. I’m really interested in experiencing how to actually create a business and sustain one and lead a team.

Who inspires you?
My parents. They are small business owners, and I saw them go through the process of creating a business and sustaining one. It was really inspirational to me that they could do something like that. And, to see them run a business and take care of me and my brother, that’s pretty amazing to me.

Layla Al-rashed, the daughter of Moroccan and Jordanian immigrants, is a young activist in Las Vegas. “I love to help those in need and speak up for those who may not feel like they have a voice in this world,” Al-rashed said. 

She cofounded and led the Nevada chapter of Youth Against Sexual Violence (YASV), putting on school events, charity drives for women’s shelters, and workshops that teach healthy relationships and help survivors escape unhealthy situations. On top of that, she offers free tutoring, hosts clean-ups as part of her school’s environment club, and volunteers with National Honor Society. 

With her rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule, two main things keep her grounded: her creative pursuits in music (she plays piano and percussion) and her parents. “I truly think the ability to stay creative throughout my schoolwork and activities centered me more than anything and allowed me to express myself wholly.”

Al-rashed will find numerous creative outlets on campus, and while she will be across the country from home while at Babson, the lessons her parents have taught her are along for the ride, too. “My parents have shown me that nothing is really impossible if you are determined to succeed no matter how many times you may fail or how many times your plans may change.” 

Plus, Al-rashed will be following in her father’s entrepreneurial footsteps and her mother’s background in technology as she begins her business journey at Babson.

What drew you to Babson?
After being introduced by a business-savvy friend of mine, I was immediately drawn to Babson by the unique curriculum more than anything else. After looking into the courses offered at Babson in comparison to those at other colleges, I was impressed by the real-world knowledge and experience that each course offered. It seemed like Babson prepared you to strive in any field of business rather than be confined to a certain path. Also, during my interview I was really pleased to hear about the amazing community on campus and how students aren’t just bound to studies and are able to pursue their interests freely.

What are your career goals? How have your past experiences affected those goals?
I studied computer science for four years in high school in hopes of working in IT like my mom. I earned multiple certifications and spent a lot of time trying to find passion in code, but I eventually realized that it just wasn’t the path for me. I never felt content just sitting behind a computer for hours; I always like to be hands-on and leading and collaborating with others on larger projects. However, what that time did provide me was a solid background in technology— something that I hope to utilize in my career and future projects to bring innovation and efficiency wherever I go.

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
I hope to go through the entrepreneurial experience at Babson and come out of it knowing what it takes to run a successful business, having made plenty of mistakes along the way so I can learn from them later on. I also hope to network plenty and make a lot of lasting connections with fellow students and staff.

How do you view challenges?
Though it may sound a bit cliche, I see many challenges as a puzzle that can usually be figured out with time, effort, and consideration. Instead of taking on everything all at once, I typically break down the issue into smaller, more manageable tasks and take things step-by-step, protecting both my sanity and blood pressure from the onslaught of negativity that derives from our natural fear of failure. This method allows me to understand my challenges in greater depth and approach the situation from a perspective I may not have had before. Even if I fail the challenge, I can feel confident that I approached the task with a level head and put forth sincere effort—something I believe is essential to both personal development and professional development.

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be?
Lately, I’ve taken quite an interest in greater widespread financial literacy regarding effective saving for retirement, seeing as how diminishing Social Security Income will eat into the future benefits many will rely on in later life. I see a clear need for some sort of a solution so those who rely on those benefits will not go without.

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
Being a Blank Scholar means validation, support, and community. Being welcomed into this group alongside the other incredibly talented scholars is a very special opportunity to create lasting connections and support one another as we each begin our careers.

What does entrepreneurial leadership mean to you?
Entrepreneurial leadership means connecting a group or organization together under secure, considerate, and progressive leadership. It means listening and accommodating others while incorporating innovative approaches to challenges, continuously learning throughout the process. Entrepreneurial leaders engage others to approach life’s challenges effectively and with great rationality, uniting those in their path to work collectively towards a certain goal. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
Of Arthur Blank’s core values, I identify most strongly with Innovate Continuously. The world is constantly developing, and businesses can only keep up if they innovate at the same rate the world changes. My technical background, paired with a business education and experience at Babson will hopefully allow me to help bring that innovation and efficiency to future industries.

Not a lot of people would say they’re grateful for knee surgery. Especially not a star high-school athlete. But for Lilly Bedard, who has played lacrosse since she was eight, a surgery that sidelined her sophomore-year season turned into an opportunity.

This setback allowed her a chance to reflect on the role she wanted the sport to play in her life going forward and where her priorities lie. And it ultimately led her to Babson.

“I took it as an opportunity to figure out what I really want out of my life and where it’s taking me,” Bedard said. “I’m actually really grateful for the experience, turning that challenge into gratitude because it brought me to Babson. There are things that are more important to me than lacrosse. My education is more important, my extracurriculars, my future goals.”

Bedard’s ability to see a different, brighter future for herself also foretells her future goals, where she hopes to expand educational access across the world and share one of her other passions, music, with younger generations.

What drew you to Babson?
I am coming in as a lacrosse athlete, so that’s initially what drew me to Babson. I was looking for a high-academic Division III program, so I was in conversation with coaches. I also really liked the area [and Wellesley]. What finalized my decision was I wanted a fit school before lacrosse program [fit], and I’ve always been interested in business. I couldn’t think of a better place for me to be. It’s just so perfect: the size and the support for entrepreneurship. 

What activities are you involved in?
Lacrosse is a huge part of my life. I coached my own team in high school, too. I was a referee for the youth league, and I also did private lessons. Another big focus of my high school career has been music—I started my own music lesson business. I gave piano, guitar, and vocal lessons from kids ranging from five to 12. I also create my own music. I have an album and a couple singles out on Spotify and Apple Music. I’ve played at coffee shops and local places. I was also president of Key Club so lots of community service and leadership. 

What is the proudest moment of your life so far? 
We didn’t have a lacrosse coach my junior year, so I had to step up into the role of captain and coach. I was running practices and making lineups in a pseudo-player-coach role that was really difficult for me to adjust to, especially having 'authority' over my peers. I think of my last year in my senior season, and I didn’t realize how much of an impact I had had on people until I saw people crying. They told me how much of an impact I had had on them and how grateful they were to be introduced to the sport of lacrosse. I know lacrosse had such a huge impact on my life, so the fact that I was able to give that to someone else and mentor them and make them feel happy and included, was probably the proudest moment of my life. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you? 
It’s validating, especially with the years we’ve had with COVID in high school. It’s easy to compare yourself to other people and what everyone else is doing. You ask 'did I not do enough in high school?' It’s validating for someone to say what you do matters and you have the potential to do something even greater. It encourages me to keep going and doing what I love because people will notice that and gives me the strength in the future to cut back on my fear of failure and try my best. I know I have people and a support system at school that believes in me and knows I can do this. 

What does entrepreneurial leadership mean to you?
Entrepreneurial leadership to me means having the courage to do something that hasn’t been done before and to take others with you on the way. An entrepreneurial leader inspires others to innovate and succeed in their own ways, not being afraid to deviate from the norm on their way to achieving whatever goal they have set. Entrepreneurial leadership extends far beyond just the professional world and, in my opinion, is a value that can be translated into my personal life and relationships. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
I identify with the leadership quality Put People First because I think that is the most important quality to leading not only a successful business but a successful life. I also believe this quality can be the easiest to forget on your mission to build your life and business. It can be so easy to forget your mission and start being selfish as you build your life, but it is much more rewarding to put the people around you first and to have them in mind as you decide how to spend your time. 

In lacrosse, when I’m having a bad game, my strategy is always to think, 'instead of focusing on my game right now, what can I do in this moment to put my teammates first and make them look better?' When I focus on other people in the game, it becomes easier to work hard for them and to create opportunities for them, which as a result makes me a better player too. 

Developing answers to climate change is a taunting task for the world’s most accomplished scientists and thinkers. Tia Bhalla, despite being just a new college student, is ready to jump right in. She calls climate change the “single most important threat facing the world today,” and has already started creating her own potential solutions to the impending global crisis.

“When faced with challenges, I always believe that it’s important to adopt a positive mindset,” Bhalla says. “Instead of viewing them as obstacles, see them as chances to learn, innovate, and overcome.”

As a teenager, Tia co-founded Project Dhara in May 2019, a social initiative that seeks to mitigate the water crisis in Delhi through rainwater harvesting programs and providing educational community resources. She also has worked on a research project that studies the feasibility of developing air purifiers that use chemical adsorption to absorb CO₂.

“(I want to) develop environmental policy as well as sustainable products that take into consideration the needs of conventionally excluded populations as well as speak to efficiency, optimization, and fairness,” Bhalla says.

Bhalla knows there’s not one answer to the impending global crisis and being able to pivot and reassess is just as important as having the right solution. She is excited to keep going.

What drew you to Babson?
Babson stands for the kind of progressive community of change-makers that’s committed to inclusion and representation at every level of academic scholarship and praxis. This is the kind of Babson ethic I saw during my campus visit and stay in 2022. Of course, the academic aspect took prominence, but I also looked at opportunities to engage in service learning and a student community that can encourage me to grow and expand my horizons. This multifaceted aspect really drew me to the school. I am passionate about diving into the Babson ethos—one of ethical thought and action, innovation, and growth. 

What activities were you involved with in high school?
I had the opportunity to work as a research intern at the World Bank, assisting in the development of India’s Forest and Natural Capital Engagement Strategy. My other interests included playing sports (basketball, swimming, and field athletics), carrying out environmental leadership initiatives at school, visual art, guitar, and establishing and leading the first entrepreneurship society at school.

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
Aside from my academic experience, I look forward to joining in social-oriented volunteering organizations and a business fraternity. Further, I hope to engage with my peers from across the world and develop revolutionary, interdisciplinary solutions to problems in our communities. In other words, becoming a part of a vibrant and diverse community at Babson. 

How do you view challenges?
I like to think of challenges as opportunities for growth and development. They are the steppingstones to success and self-improvement. Embracing challenges allows individuals to push their boundaries, learn new skills, and discover their strengths and weaknesses. When faced with challenges, I always believe that it’s important to adopt a positive mindset. Instead of viewing them as obstacles, see them as chances to learn, innovate, and overcome.  

What is the proudest moment of your life so far?
In 2022, I submitted my research paper to a global competition where it was recognized at an international level. This was an extremely heartfelt and proud moment for me as this honor was a testament that academic curiosity about a small idea could lead to a research paper considered of significant relevance on the global landscape.  

How will you bring part of home with you to Babson?
As an incoming student from India, bringing a part of home with me to Babson is incredibly important to me. While I’ll be embarking on a new and exciting journey, I believe staying connected to my cultural roots will be instrumental in shaping my experience and contributing to the vibrant diversity of the Babson community.  

I see academia as a platform to bring part of home to Babson. I will seek opportunities to study topics related to India, its history, economy, or entrepreneurship. By contributing my unique perspective and insights in class discussions and projects, I can help foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Outside the classroom, I hope to share my personal enthusiasm for Indian sports like Shatranj, Indian fusion dishes, and Bollywood music.  

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
It’s an incredible opportunity for me to learn more about entrepreneurship and leadership-based values, as well as to work toward my goals and incorporate what I’ve learned into my future practices. I am honored to have been chosen as a Blank Scholar, but I am also aware that new obstacles await me. I will endeavor to exceed expectations and will always go above and beyond to accurately express what I stand for.  

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
I identify the most with ‘Listen and Respond.’ It’s not just a communication skill; it’s a fundamental aspect of successful entrepreneurship. I believe it empowers one to understand the market, meet customer needs, transform products, and adapt to a constantly changing business landscape. Embracing this mindset, I feel I can contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of a venture.

Through the years, Bustos has started all sorts of businesses. He has repaired cell phones, rented bouncy houses, and sold a slew of products, from sunglasses and charging stations, to phone cases, kiddie pools, and even cars. “I am always looking for an opportunity,” says the resident of Fort Worth, Texas.

Bustos is the first member of his family to not only attend college, but also to graduate from high school. He feels a great responsibility. “At times, it feels a bit stressful,” he says, “but I know I can do it, and I can serve as a role model. I teach my siblings the importance of school. I like to set that example.”

What drew you to Babson?
My friend, Stephano, recommended Babson to me. I would talk to him about my dreams and passions. He showed me Babson on the web. He was like, look at this, one of the best business schools in the country. I ended up applying.

The thing that really sold me was just being around that community, and seeing how diverse it was. I want to learn from others. Different cultures have different perspectives.

One of the biggest things I saw in Babson is the connections. People from Babson are from all over. That’s important to me. I want to travel all over the world. I heard a Babson student saying he had a couch all over the world to sleep on, and I thought, I want to be that guy.

Your latest venture, before starting at Babson, was selling cars. How did that start?
My whole quarantine I spent fixing and selling cars. It started because my sister was looking for a car. She said, “Can you help me find a car?” After that, I thought, I can do this myself. I can buy a car, fix it up, and sell it.

When I buy a car, I go for things I know I can fix. I look for parts at the junkyard or order them online. I get the cars in by Wednesday and try to have them out by Friday or Saturday. I put them on Facebook Marketplace. I have grown a little clientele.

During the summer, I also started selling kiddie pools. I ended up buying 150 pools. They came from Shanghai. I had to find a way to get them here cheap. I used UPS ocean freight to California. From California, they were driven to a UPS facility nearby.

My porch was packed that day they arrived. No one believed I would be able to sell that many. Now, I only have two left.

Why does the world need entrepreneurial leadership?
There was one conversation that changed everything for me. I had wanted to start a loan company in the future, and I was talking with my friend, Stephano. He said, “Why are you going to have a loan company? You’ll benefit from the need of others.”

Ever since then, I’ve seen the ethical side of business. There is no reason for me to choose a business that harms others. As an entrepreneur, you have to take that into consideration. It shouldn’t just be about yourself and making money. It’s about adding value to others.

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with?
Innovate Continuously. As an entrepreneur, I have had to constantly find new ways of innovating to make not only my products more appealing, but also to stay in business. Whether that means cutting down repair times for cell phone screens, or making regular bouncy houses into water bouncy houses, as an entrepreneur, innovation has been key to my success in my business ventures.

Who inspires you?
My mom. She was a single parent, and she came to America when she was 15. She really shaped me to be the person I am today. I grew up not on the best side of town, and her constant involvement stuck out for me.

Also my grandmom. She has a little shop where she sells nails, screws, anything you need for construction. She always has that business mindset. I picked up a few things from her. She is so personal with her clients. No matter what kind of person she comes across, she always knows what to say. I wanted to learn how to talk like that.

What concerns you about the world today?
Education is key. My biggest concern is making sure everyone has an equal opportunity to a quality education.

My mom tells me how the girls in Mexico wouldn’t finish high school when she was growing up. Boys would keep going to school, but girls would stay home and learn how to cook and clean up the house. I want to change that. If everyone was given a better opportunity, the world would be a better place.

Annie Chan is a self-starter. She’s also an artist. That combination has led to a nexus of creativity and entrepreneurial thought that guided her throughout high school and will continue at Babson. Her drive comes from seeing how much hard work and ingenuity goes into running a business from her grandparents, who ran their own electronic businesses. 

“From late-night business meetings to constant research on new products, I saw how dedicated and driven they were to growing their company,” Chan says. “I knew I wanted to grow up doing something that was fast-paced and interactive. I saw I could take my passion and strengths and turn them into something that could be shared.” 

In 2018, she combined her passions for art and fashion design and founded an apparel company called A.C. Designs, even taking online courses to learn from digital marketing to promote her business. During the summer of her junior and senior years of high school, she started an art camp at her house, inducing young students to various art forms such as watercolors, pen and ink, colored pencils, markers, and crayons. 

“I wanted to provide a place where young children could learn and share their passion with each other, especially after the pandemic,” she says. “This art camp provided me with the opportunity to help children who may not have had the advantage of regular art classes. I learned how my artistic skills could provide so much meaning and benefit to someone else’s life.” 

Finding new ways to bring people together through creativity will guide Annie throughout her Babson career.

What drew you to Babson?
When I was looking at colleges, I knew I wanted to be close to Boston. Also, my high school was fairly small, which I was looking for in a college since it creates a tight-knit community. 

Throughout my junior to senior year of high school, I attended several of Babson’s on-campus events, such as the EMPOWER program, the B.E.T.A. Challenge, and Launch Babson. Through these events, I had the special opportunity to attend classes that were hands-on and interactive. At the B.E.T.A. Challenge, I watched undergraduate and graduate students pitch their ventures. Their pitches really showed how much effort Babson’s professors put forth into helping students succeed and how passionate and committed students are to building their businesses. I knew Babson checked all of my boxes since it’s a small community where everyone can support each other while pursuing a similar career path. 

What activities were you involved with in high school?
I focused a lot on organizing the debate club and Asian student union, participating in the student council, playing on the field hockey team, and volunteering in the knitting club. Through these various activities, I developed my leadership skills and saw the value of giving back to others. As a leader, I’ve learned how to share my skills with others and even how to strengthen my weaknesses by learning from others. When working with groups of people, teamwork and communication are essential. 

What are your career goals? How have your past experiences affected your future goals?
I hope to grow my entrepreneurial knowledge and use the marketing and financial skills I’ve learned to innovate sustainable products and run a successful and impactful business one day. 

I wanted to get hands-on experience that involved interaction with others. I reached out to a local business, Studio by Zep, a health and fitness company, and got an intern position. I worked to help the founder market her company by designing and distributing fliers on social media and online. 

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
I hope to continue building my skills and knowledge as a fledgling entrepreneur. I’m excited to immerse myself in Babson’s strategic vision. The experiential nature of Babson’s education particularly appeals to me and aligns with much of what I’ve learned about entrepreneurship thus far. I can’t wait to learn more about the fundamentals of demand, supply chain, technology, and sustainability. 

I envision my next four years at Babson as being grounded in not only academics but also within the greater Babson community. 

How do you view challenges?
I see challenges like untangling a knot. To tackle this obstacle, it takes patience, time, and perseverance. Before taking on a challenge, I need to have trust and confidence in myself. Also, I need to be prepared to face any potential setbacks. Taking thoughtful risks can open many opportunities, and if I don’t even give it a try, I won’t even get a chance to see the outcome. 

Whether the outcome is a failure or success, at least I know I gave my best effort. Although it might feel uncomfortable and frustrating at times when I fail, I remind myself the learning process is more important. I gain more knowledge and resilience every time I fail and retry. 

Who inspires you?
My grandparents are my inspiration. This hard work was driven by their passion for communicating with customers and setting the goal of improving their products. When my grandparents came to visit me in the summer, they would teach me the different parts of running a business. I learned how to invest in stocks and market products through business analysis.  

All of these skills later inspired me to run my own art and apparel design company, A.C. Designs. I learned how to fulfill customers’ needs through messages and emails, create websites and flyers, and manage my expenses and revenues. I also sought Udemy online courses on social media and web analysis to track consumer behavior.   

How will you bring part of home with you to Babson?*
As a trilingual and bicultural student with experiences in various cultural and business settings, I’ll continue to be a change agent at Babson in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. I hope to become a member of the Babson Women in Business and the Babson Asian Pacific Student Association, as well as an integral part of Babson’s mission to create and maintain an inclusive community of people from all religions, races, and ethnicities.  

This diverse community will challenge me to communicate and establish relationships with people from all kinds of backgrounds. Learning from different people will keep me open-minded and enhance my ability to be bold and try something new. As a Babson student, I aim to continue helping people find their voice and become more authentically themselves. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
It means I’m joining a group of supportive leaders and entrepreneurs with whom I can share new ideas and exchange feedback. Joining such a driven and encouraging group gives me the confidence and motivation to keep working toward my dream of making a positive impact on the world. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
I would most identify with ‘Giving Back to Others.’ I think a good entrepreneur is looking to positively contribute to society. I believe keeping general questions like “How can we make our world a better place? What can be improved?” top of mind naturally makes us look for ways to help those who are in need. If I have the ability to help and change someone’s life for the better, I should try my best to do it. 

“I love the startup grind—brainstorming ideas, coming together, finding solutions, and being part of that problem-solving process,” says the Rockville, Maryland, resident.

In high school, the budding entrepreneurial leader started her own Model UN chapter, an organization that allows students to cultivate their leadership and diplomacy. In her sophomore year, Cheng started a chapter of DECA, an organization that prepares emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs to be college and career ready.

As she entered her final summer in high school, COVID-19 swept the country. Yearning for normalcy, Cheng co-founded Klimate Kombucha, a specialty beverage distribution company, along with a friend. By creating and distributing a product from scratch, Cheng found solace during a difficult time. The company also donated 20% of their proceeds to organizations that fight climate change.

Cheng plans to concentrate in environmental sustainability at Babson, where she can combine her passion for problem solving with her experience in entrepreneurship to solve the world’s biggest challenges. “Whatever my entrepreneurial endeavor is in the future,” she says, “it will be focused on climate change.

Tell us about your background and how that has influenced your goals.
I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. My dad owns two businesses in the technology sector. He has that unique entrepreneurial mindset, and I've always shared that bond with him.

Growing up, I was shaped by doing student government, where I could lend a voice to people who otherwise might not have a platform. In high school, I also did a lot of advocacy work with the Montgomery County Board of Education.

All these influences are factors in my desire to make the world a better place.

What drew you to Babson?
During my college search, I was looking for a gym while businesses were starting to open back up. I found Zumba Fitness. The founder, Alberto Perlman, is a Babson alum (Class of 1998), and a person of color, which I could relate to as a budding entrepreneur. I realized that my ultimate life goal is to be a Babson alumni who breaks that mold of the corporate executive stereotype, with a mission to leave a positive footprint on the world. Babson was the perfect fit for my aspirations.

What does entrepreneurial leadership mean to you?
As the climate clock rapidly nears the end of its countdown, we're still drawn to professions that further perpetuate the problems that we want to see changed. However, entrepreneurship provides a tinge of optimism by giving us that ability to be proactive instead of reactive and to create long-term solutions before long-term damage becomes irreparable. Entrepreneurial leadership has the power to enable people to pursue positive solutions and to achieve those goals through a different lens.

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with?
Giving back to others. Part of that is to always be kind, to have empathy, and respond to conflict gracefully. These are also essential traits to being a good entrepreneur. I also think the value “listen and respond” is quite relevant to what I've been doing with my student government and advocacy work.

Besides starting ventures, what are some of your interests outside the classroom?
I’m a theater kid, and I love musical theater. I have performed both onstage and in the pit orchestra for the past four summers with Wildwood Summer Theater, an all-youth performing arts group in Maryland. The group is made up of people ages 18 to 24 who create the whole production—from the actors, to the crew, to the set designers. Performing arts is a logical fit for the entrepreneurial mindset, as it relies on thinking on your feet, and being able to pivot on a dime. When I get to Babson this fall, I plan to join improv group, and Babson Players.

During third grade, Chilukuri rallied her recess classmates to set up a working mall—complete with goods, services, retailers, and consumers. “I don't know why I was so intrigued with retail and business at age 9,” says Chilukuri, “but it stuck with me through the years.”

Continuing the trend, in fifth grade Chilukuri launched Tween Magazine with two friends. Popular with classmates, the monthly publication featured fashion trends, class news, and pop culture insights.

Just a few days into ninth grade, Chilukuri started a club to raise money for kids with cleft palate. After completing the paperwork, drawing up the constitution, and setting up and running regular meetings, Chilukuri morphed the club into her school’s first chapter of Operation Smile, an organization that delivers safe cleft palate surgery to those who need it most.

A former high school vice president of student government and avid tennis player, Chilukuri still has an edition of Tween Magazine tucked away at home in Massachusetts, where she lives with her parents.

During your last summer of high school, you started a podcast. What was the focus?
I started That Coconut Life with two friends. The name refers to the juxtaposition of having a physically brown skin tone while also being told to adopt the cultural norms of a predominantly white society. The podcast delves into topics and social-justice issues pertinent to the Indian-American community. The research and logistics were extensive, but the experience was super rewarding. We were able to help others gain a voice in a meaningful conversation, covering important topics facing their lives.

What drew you to Babson?
I took part in an entrepreneurial incubator, run by Babson professors, during a virtual event where we talked in groups, came up with an idea, and then pitched our idea to a panel of students and professors. During the event, I met people from Peru, India, and other places. It was appealing to see so clearly that Babson was focused on entrepreneurial thinking, group work, and diversity.

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
This is going to be a defining experience in my overall Babson journey. We are only the second cohort, so we have a lot of space to direct the program. And, being able to work with last year’s scholars is really amazing because we get to pivot and take the program wherever we want it to go.

What does leadership mean to you?
Everyone is listened to—even the people who might not want to speak up for themselves or who may not have a platform. For instance, I’ve been approached through student government by students who needed to spread the word about an idea they had. Together, we were able to find the right approach to solving their problem. I was able to help amplify their voice and evolve their ideas just by collaborating.

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with?
Put people first. In business, social entrepreneurship, or at a nonprofit, you need to be able to put people first. That’s what gets your business going in the first place, and it is what helps it grow, become successful, and continue. Putting people first is even what makes a product sell, by putting the focus on your consumers and their needs.

Business has always been a family affair for Kathy Do. Her mom has been a small-business owner since before Do was born, running her own nail salon in their local area. “My mom is the first figure I looked up to in terms of going into the business realm. The fact that she did this and I’ve seen her grow with her business, it’s motivating to me,” Do says. 

That motivation grew as Do did. Throughout high school, she has helped her cousin with her business selling resin keychains and other goods via social media. “Without my cousin, I would have to learn everything at Babson,” says Do. “But [because of this experience], I know a little of it.” 

What she plans on learning at Babson is a lot. Her interests are vast—in high school, you could find her participating in academic decathlon, Germanic club, and knitting club, and she even started her own SAT prep club. She plans on taking that general curiosity into the business world, hopefully finding ways to address environmental challenges along the way.

What drew you to Babson?
I always knew I wanted to do something in business. When I learned about Babson from my teacher and my research, I saw Babson’s emphasis on leadership and teamwork. If you asked me prior to high school, I did not like teamwork. When I went to high school and I met people with the same mindset as me, I realized that group work was really effective because not only was I learning from them but I was able to get perspectives I wouldn’t have gotten if I just did it myself.

Babson takes pride in the Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship class. I was reading about it and thinking ‘wow not only do we get to start our own venture, but we get to start one with other people who have the same goals in mind.’ I am looking forward to being around other people who are excited and who want to learn about the business world. 

I am excited about the diversity at Babson. I am excited because I had a lot of struggles with a lot of my own cultural background, and it wasn’t until these last few years that I realized, while being at home with my family and immersed in the culture around me, that it’s something I’m not only interested in but also want to spread my knowledge of. When I get to Babson, I’m excited to meet all the different types of people there and be more confident and proud of my own culture. I’m so excited to meet everyone and join all the culture clubs. I had my first step with German culture. I don’t think I ever would’ve learned about German culture as much as I did if I didn’t take that step. 

What is the proudest moment in your life so far?
Besides the little things, one thing that comes to mind, in the academic decathlon my senior year, I ranked number five in my district. While that wasn’t crazy big, for me, it was a proud moment. In my freshman year—actually every year—I had so many struggles with the program. It was such a different pace, and I didn’t know how to learn like that. As I was improving my senior year, I did the best I could. I am really proud that I made it that far because freshman-year me wouldn’t believe I could make the top 20 or 30. I was insecure in my abilities in that program. The fact that I felt proud of what I did at the end of my four years was amazing for me. 

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be? 
Last year, the topic for the academic decathlon was water. That was the first time I was exposed to the water shortage and the water scarcity we are facing. Since I don’t know as much as I wish I did, I would really like to learn how we can overcome this challenge so we aren’t dying in the future because we have no water.

Who inspires you?
This is a common answer but common for a reason—it’s my mom. My mom is a small business owner [she owns a nail salon] and the first figure I looked up to her in terms of going into the business realm. The fact that she did this and I’ve seen her grow with her business, it’s motivating to me. Also, my mom’s work ethic is the most admirable. She’s taught me you should do everything with full dedication because what’s the point of just giving half your effort? Whatever I wanted to do, whether it be at Babson or even further, I wanted to put as much effort into it as I could so I would be proud of what came of it. Even if it’s a failure or doesn’t reach as high as I wish it did, I can be proud of that achievement. My mom has inspired me to do the best I can. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in life. 

While I don’t want to step into the same space, seeing her start that endeavor and run with it since I was born is inspiring. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you? 
As a scholar, it means I am being supported by the program. It’s one of the first times I’ve been given the support to take part in my own endeavors and learn from past scholars and mentors in the program. I think it will be an enriching experience that I’ve never had before. This is different because I’ll be in an environment I’ve never experienced before and just knowing I have this group of people to support me, by my side, means a lot. I can strive for the best because these people want me to do that. Not only do I want to make them proud and I am proud to be a Blank Scholar, but I also want to show them I am someone they are proud to have supported.

What does entrepreneurial leadership mean to you?
Entrepreneurial leadership means having the mindset to persist no matter how long and bumpy a journey may be. Our lives are full of unexpected roadblocks and striving to overcome and learn from such journeys will allow us to make a difference. Additionally, it should mean that even without obstacles, we still find opportunities to improve upon and continuously search for paths to modify for the better. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
Lead by Example. I noticed that I always learned more from a lesson when the mentor demonstrated they stood by their words. The people who have inspired me don’t take their words for granted and validate their advice by applying it themselves. After making this realization, I always make an effort to support my advice through my actions. As I learned from the examples of my mentors, I find it essential to be an example others would want to follow as well.

For over half a decade, entrepreneurship has been a cornerstone of Aarav Dogra’s life. It started when he was 12, when he discovered he could utilize social media marketing and branding to make a commission on his graphic design creations. 

From there, innovation continued to captivate him. “Over time, I cultivated quite an entrepreneurial spirit, an ability to recognize problems and instantaneously ideate lucrative solutions,” Dogra says. 

As he progressed in school, he learned about investing, affiliate marketing, app building, e-commerce, and the resell market. He also discovered the community-minded aspects of entrepreneurship. 

“Entrepreneurship can be used for more than just generating personal profits,” Dogra says. “It can be a powerful tool to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.” 

In high school, he started a personal investing club, where he established a philanthropic investment fund. He and his fellow students turned $5,000 of their own money into over $20,000. They then donated half of the investments to various student-led initiatives that tackle a range of social issues. Now, he’s at Babson, ready to find his next project. 

What drew you to Babson?  

What drew me to Babson is its strong focus on entrepreneurship. Starting my journey as an entrepreneur at 12 has been a significant part of my life, and I’m eager to maintain and nurture this spirit. Babson’s supportive community seems like the perfect place to continue growing, learning, and connecting with others who share similar passions. 

What are your career goals?  

I enjoy working for myself, and I want to turn my passion for innovating and problem solving into a career. My experiences have taught me that with hard work, anything is possible, no matter the challenges. While I’m aware of the inherent risks and uncertainties of entrepreneurship, I’m confident in my ability to scale my ventures to new heights. 

How do you view challenges?  

Encountering challenges is an indication that I’m on the right path. Challenges occur when you’re doing something unfamiliar. Overcoming them means pushing boundaries and stepping out of your comfort zone, both of which are essential for self-improvement.  

What is the proudest moment of your life so far?  

The proudest moment of my life was seeing my entrepreneurial efforts make a real, meaningful impact on those in my community. As part of the personal investment club I created at my high school, we had a live investment account that generated funds for altruistic causes. Our most notable initiative was showing appreciation to our school’s caretakers by giving all 45 custodians a gift card with a personalized thank-you note. We were able to show gratitude to those who often go unnoticed, those who tirelessly work to maintain our community’s cleanliness and are often treated with disregard. Seeing their surprised and appreciative reactions was incredibly heartwarming and reinforced my belief in the power of giving back.  

Entrepreneurship can be used for more than just generating personal profits; it can be a powerful tool to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be?   

Wealth inequality. Life is inherently unpredictable and uncontrollable—we are all born into different financial situations, facing diverse concerns and varying qualities of life. This randomness means millions are born into conditions of extreme poverty, leaving them with limited access to basic needs such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education. I believe everyone deserves a fair chance at a livable quality of life regardless of birth circumstances. By redistributing wealth in a way that ensures broader access to essential resources and opportunities, we can create a more equitable society where life’s inherent randomness doesn’t result in such severe outcomes. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?  

This opportunity means joining a community of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs who are committed to making a difference. It’s truly an honor to be selected as a Blank Scholar, and I’m eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals to create meaningful impact. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why? 

I identify most with the value of Innovate Continuously. Running businesses across various markets has taught me that maintaining a competitive edge is crucial for profitability. This often requires developing new strategies or technology. For example, in the highly competitive algorithmic trading market, where trades are executed automatically by computer programs, I must constantly optimize my algorithms to enhance speed and efficiency. Without ongoing innovation, I would quickly lose my edge and fall behind the competition, especially against large institutions. 

During high school, Jerry Du was a bit of a chameleon. You could probably find him practicing with the band and local orchestras, as he played clarinet for eight years. His role in the band means he can say he performed at the National Gallery of Art and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and even at various cathedrals in Europe.  

Or maybe you found him practicing with the indoor and outdoor track teams. Or tutoring clarinet locally or teaching English to grade-schoolers in China. Or maybe as a web development intern for the nonprofit Seaside Sustainability. But, if you ask Du what he was most proud of during his high school years, it’s probably his T-shirt company. 

“It’s called Du the Right Thing, it’s a pun on my last name,” Du says. “Over the past few years, I’ve mainly been making custom shirts for my friends and classmates, but I’m hoping that once I get to Babson, I’ll pivot toward larger collections.” 

Du speaks fondly of designing shirts for his classmates, including for his multivariable calculus class to commemorate the end of the school year. He had a week to get the order done, which included surveying students on designs, printing shirts, and enlisting help. Seeing the gratitude made it worth it. 

“I just remember walking around with my friend and joking with my classmates, hearing them say the shirts were cool and thanking me for getting it done in time,” he says. 

What drew you to Babson? 

At first, I didn’t know if Babson’s business-oriented curriculum would be the right fit for me. I knew I wanted to do business, but I didn’t know if I wanted to solely do business. But then one day, Victor Fan (an assistant director of undergraduate admission at Babson) happened to stop by my school, and I wanted to know more.  

From that conversation, I saw how much Babson values its community and especially its students. It struck a chord with me. 

What are your career goals? 

All throughout high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do until the last year. But, what really made me think about business was the fact that I like to design a lot. I like to create things, whether it’s as a web developer, making clothes, or 3-D printing. I want to flex my own creativity, and I think business allows me to do that in unconventional ways. That’s something I admire about Babson’s curriculum. 

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?  

I want to meet a lot of new people. I know the professors and students at Babson are all amazing, and I’m excited to talk with them and see what their goals are. Maybe our goals align, and maybe we can work together. 

 How do you view challenges?   

They’re like quests in a video game. I either don’t have the knowledge or I don’t have the skills. But, that just means that if I were able to tackle these challenges, then I would gain those things. I think life would be a lot harder if I didn’t tackle any of these challenges and become the person I am today. 

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be?   

We’ve seen in the past few years how COVID-19 has really affected the supply chain. Even though we have the internet where we can just instantly connect with anybody across the world, if we wanted to get things around, we still rely on cars, trains, planes, and ships.  

We should focus on ensuring transportation is efficient, safe, reliable, and sustainable for the future.  

Can you kind of talk about a time someone in your life was a good leader?   

When I was interning for Seaside Sustainability, one of the things I really struggled with was the fact that we all work remotely from different time zones. My supervisor helped the team come together and make sure all our projects were done on time. He taught me that success is not just about your skills as a person; it also depends on how well you coordinate and communicate with others.    

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?  

It means being a part of a tight-knit group of ambitious and accomplished individuals. And, it’s a privilege to be around these amazing people. I’m grateful to the Blank School for creating this program and helping students succeed. I think I’m also very excited to see what we can accomplish together as a group and especially in the future.  

 Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?  

Put People First because I feel like that’s the entire point of business. That’s why I do business and what I think the best businesses do. One of my biggest fears is designing new clothes and nobody wears them. I can’t imagine selling someone a shirt I’ve worked on for days or weeks, and they just throw it in the back of the closet. 

“I keep a running list of my ideas that l plan to eventually sell as products or offer as services,” says the AP Scholar.

During the summer going into her senior year, Garvey started a venture called Kendall’s Sweet Serenity that combined her passions for games and baking. Her idea was to sell innovative baking games—picture a choose-your-own-adventure meets delicious baking recipes—and treats on the side.

She promoted her venture on Etsy and Instagram, and the orders started flowing in.

Garvey experienced that moment when every entrepreneur faces a crossroads. “We were having more success selling custom-baked goods,” she says, “than actual baking games.” Looking at the numbers, Garvey pivoted to ensure the business’ success and growth.

The venture was so successful, she elicited help from her mom to keep up with demand. “Now it’s a partnership for sure.”

Garvey donates a portion of the profits to Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks. She aims to nurture her natural ability to turn ideas into action during her four years at Babson.

What will you be studying at Babson?
Entrepreneurship. My grandpa and dad started their own business and invest in other businesses, and they have influenced me a lot. I’ve also taken an entrepreneurship course at my school, and developed an interest in starting my own business.

What drew you to Babson?
I was really drawn to Babson for its entrepreneurship. I’m looking forward to the (FME) course, the entrepreneurial curriculum, and the many resources for entrepreneurs on campus.

I’m also excited about the small school feel, and the global community. I feel like I can learn a lot from all the people from different backgrounds.

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
It’s a huge opportunity for me to learn more about entrepreneurship and values-based leadership, and to work toward my dreams and apply what I’ve learned into my future business practices.

If you could change one thing in the world through entrepreneurship, what would it be?
I’d change how people are so obsessed with technology and screens and social media, especially in my age group. The obsession with Instagram and Snapchat in society has made things a lot more complicated socially, and it's caused a lot of mental illness. Social media definitely has benefits to it, but I would try to address some of the negative aspects.

“My mom is an immigrant from Korea, and my dad’s parents were immigrants from Ireland,” he says. “While neither of them have any connection to business, they both gave me a sense of creativity, and the desire to explore business through entrepreneurship, by taking calculated risks.”

For the last four years, Glynn has done just that. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Glynn attended Regis High School, an all-boys Jesuit Catholic school. There, he pushed the envelope in everything he did, and notched up leadership accolades along the way.

“What I’ve enjoyed the most in terms of leadership is carving out this artistic space for future students,” he says. “I created the fashion club. I created our school’s first mixed-media, visual arts publication. I was also able to find students who have an artistic inclination, and collaborate with them. I lead Glee. I lead the Asian Cultural Society. I'm also leading the yearbook.”

These are the elements that form the backdrop for Glynn’s calling to combine art with entrepreneurship, with a focus on fashion and business.

You started your own fashion brand, what was the inspiration for that?
My interest in fashion started by going to The Met and seeing The Costume Institute Exhibition. I had never really looked at fashion as a form of art. After exploring the programs at The Met, I realized I wanted to start my own venture, and I started a small brand that I began by making couture pieces that are specifically made for the runway. As I started to gain an interest in entrepreneurship, I pivoted, and adapted my vision for fashion as a form of commerce.

What drew you to Babson?
I was interested in business, specifically entrepreneurship, because entrepreneurship is the most creative form of business, as it relies almost entirely on innovation.

As I started to look more into it, I realized that Babson differs a lot from other business schools in how personalized and individualized it is. The professors obviously put so much care toward their students, and really develop their business ambitions and their personal goals. Having a liberal arts environment in a business school, I thought was also incredibly unique. It perfectly encompassed how I viewed my education.

What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is embracing and understanding the different skills and the diversity of your team. And, then taking these different viewpoints and synthesizing them to arrive at a successful endpoint. Thinking creatively, and critically, and trying to see the connections that even maybe your own team members aren't able to—that is what really results in work that is not only truly inclusive, but also is truly collaborative, and the most compelling.

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
Being a Blank Scholar shows the school's belief that I can have a platform, and I can use that platform wisely to lead in business and the arts. That recognition is such a crucial part of how I plan to create value in the world.

For Cristina Gonzalez, everything she does comes back to the community. Whether that’s her school, her family and friends, or her culture, she thrives off camaraderie with those around her. “To me, ‘home’ is not a place but rather a feeling of comfort that I find when I am near the people and things I love.”

The instinct to reach out to the people around her for both support and to offer help guides Gonzalez as she builds a new community at Babson. She sees education—her own as well as that of others—as a crucial part of that community, too. Along with being an active member of the National Honor Society and Spanish club, Gonzalez was a math tutor in high school. She believes expanding access to education will open a portal to more positive societal change.

“If I had the resources to tackle one global problem, I would most certainly attempt to find a way to redesign education,” says Gonzalez. “I believe if we can redesign education and ensure everyone has access to it, it will have a domino effect and other global conflicts, like poverty and hunger, will consequently be tackled.” 

Her community-based mindset will serve her well at Babson, as she begins to become a campus leader and entrepreneurial thinker.

What drew you to Babson?
Aside from its strong entrepreneurial education, one of the main factors that drew me to Babson is the strong sense of community that is found within the institution. The small, yet diverse and driven, community that is found at Babson will empower me to focus on my passions and explore areas of endeavor while forming a family with people that have similar interests to me. 

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson? 
At Babson, I hope to find a home and create a family that inspires me to always be the best version of myself. I want to surround myself with people that share similar interests to me and help me further develop leadership and management skills while discovering my passions. Most importantly, I hope to find my role and purpose at Babson which will allow me to accomplish many goals while serving those around me. 

How do you view challenges? 
Most of the time, a challenge is perceived as a negative occurrence. However, I think a challenge should be perceived from a different perspective. To me, a challenge is an obstacle that should always be welcomed to achieve a purpose. Challenges allow me to stay away from mediocrity, to further develop my skills, and to ignite positive changes. 

What is the proudest moment of your life so far? 
I consider the results of all my high school accomplishments and experiences, in several aspects, to be a clear recollection and representation of my proudest moment. After years of hard work and sleepless nights, the results of my experiences allowed me to see that all my hard work paid off in the best manner. It is even more special considering the people I love the most have been by my side through all the peaks and valleys that I overcame in the past four years. 

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be? 
If I had the resources to tackle one global problem, I would most certainly attempt to find a way to redesign education. I believe if we can redesign education and ensure everyone has access to it, it will have a domino effect, and other global conflicts, like poverty and hunger, will consequently be tackled. To do this, I think we need to search for a way to understand the role we all play in society and teach this to children, teens, and young adults so they can become positive assets to society. I understand this would be a huge effort that can take decades and multiple generations, but I consider redesigning education a key global conflict that needs to be tackled to solve other issues. 

How will you bring part of home with you to Babson? 
To me, 'home' is not a place but rather a feeling of comfort that I find when I am near the people and things I love. For this reason, I will bring part of home with me to Babson through some of the qualities found in my Hispanic culture and heritage, hoping Babson can convert it into a home for me. I will strive to spread the loving and heartwarming sense that I find at home to the people around me which will hopefully allow me to create a community in which I find comfort, allowing me to call it 'home.'

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you? 
I feel extremely honored to have been selected as a Blank Scholar, yet I simultaneously understand that new challenges are coming my way. This opportunity demonstrated that all the hard work and determination that have been a part of my educational career definitely paid off. Additionally, being a Blank Scholar introduces new challenges and goals for my future. I will strive to live up to the highest expectations and always go the extra mile to accurately represent my values.

What does entrepreneurial leadership mean to you?
Entrepreneurial leadership is a concept that is seen amongst eager leaders who can identify challenges and are willing to work on overcoming them along with a team that adds to the vision. This is very important in today’s world, considering we are continuously facing obstacles that need to be solved through flexibility, persistence, and implementation—characteristics I consider to be a part of entrepreneurial leadership.  

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why? 
Lead by Example. I consider that by holding myself to high standards, I will demonstrate to others what lies ahead and allow them to set similar goals for themselves. It is also important to lead by example so that, as a leader, the people around me feel I’m working with them, along their side, instead of being looked down upon.

As a high school student in Orange County, California, Grogan compiled a list of accomplishments and activities marked by leadership.

“I always try to help people and uplift them and inspire them every day,” she said.

She aims to put that people-first approach to good use during her four years at Babson.

Is there a moment or accomplishment in your life that you’re particularly proud of?
I designed a float for the 2020 Rose Parade and got to ride on it. That was such a proud moment for me. Entering an art design competition was something that I never could have seen myself doing. But, then, it actually happened. It just wasn’t something that I would do; it was something I did do.

What drew you to Babson?
I like Babson’s community—unique and diverse. I also like that Babson is a small school with a business mindset. I knew I would get the hands on instruction I need while also being able to connect with professors and other students. I knew at Babson I would be more than just a number.

What does being a Blank School Scholar mean to you?
It’s great seeing your work recognized by other people. And, I think that Arthur Blank is a very good role model. He represents somebody who persevered and got it done.

Why does the world need entrepreneurial leadership?
Being an entrepreneurial leader means being someone who sees the world not as it is, but how it could be, and, then, trying to transform the world for the better.

If you don’t have entrepreneurial leaders looking ahead, looking at how they can benefit the world, the world could stay stagnant. You need progress, and you need to be able to come at it in a way that is beneficial to solving problems.

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with?
Put People First. I care a lot about other people and I try to make connections wherever I am. I’ve served in a lot of leadership positions. They’ve given me opportunities to meet people that I would not have met, which is why I always try to be so involved—because it’s important to try to connect with other people in any way you can.

What’s something that concerns you about the world today? What can be done about it?
Education. It is the key to developing a country and progressing a society. If we work to expand education of youth throughout the world, the world could be a lot better place.

One of the biggest challenges of William Holland’s life came recently during his gap year between high school and Babson. After his high-school hockey career ended, he hoped to continue it on a junior team. He was unfortunately cut from the first team he tried for, leaving him only weeks from the season without a placement. He had to make some calls.

After ringing about half a dozen teams, a coach from Edmonton reached out. Will had a tryout—and made the team in the first two days of practice. “I didn’t even have my own gear because it got lost in the airport,” Holland said. “A few days later when the season started, they wanted to sign me. I was pretty excited, having gone through [getting cut] weeks earlier.” 

Holland didn’t wallow in the stress of being cut but channeled it into something productive. It’s how he approaches most challenges, including more global ones. During the last few years of high school, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped start an initiative called Healthy Deerfield, which aimed to give younger students at the school a sense of normalcy during remote learning and isolation. 

Holland begins this new journey, which includes, of course, playing for the Babson hockey team as well as being a productive problem solver inside the classroom.

“I am excited to go back to school after taking a year off,” said Holland. “I’m also excited about the Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FME) class. Starting a company, running it, and understanding what goes into that will be a new experience for me. I am excited for that and what that offers.”

What drew you to Babson?
Opportunity and the campus. Not necessarily the physical aspects—though it’s beautiful in its own right—but the tight-knit community feel and the support system that is there allows students to reach their full potential and get them where they want to go. That’s the biggest thing that drew me to Babson: the idea of being in that support system. It’s there and there’s proof of it.

What activities are you involved in?
I was the varsity hockey captain and played varsity lacrosse as well. Outside of athletics, I was a peer counselor on campus for over two years and was also part of a few clubs, including the Special Olympics program and Healthy Deerfield, which I helped start. It was during COVID and was to help younger students have a sense of normalcy during the lockdown. At the moment, it was a thing we needed to be doing.

How do you view challenges?
The first thing I usually do when facing a challenge is to take a step back and not run straight into it, instead try to analyze what I can do and not be afraid to attack it once I understand what I’m up against. I think it’s important for me to be confident in what I’m doing. That’s a huge key to getting where I want to be. 

What are your career goals? How do you plan on pursuing them at Babson?
I’m interested in finance and environmental sustainability. I’m good with numbers and I enjoy the math side of finance, but I also took a few classes on sustainability and had influential teachers in high school who opened me up to the world of climate change and how businesses can affect the way we are going. I want to help and do it in a way that I know I will be successful in having an impact. I think there are a lot of problems that come from that one problem, so that’s where I want to help and where I want to start.

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
It does carry weight. It’s an honor to be a Blank Scholar. It also brings a lot of opportunities to develop and grow as a leader on campus and in the world as well as develop my entrepreneurial and business skills. For me, the opportunity to be a Blank Scholar means more opportunity in general.

What does entrepreneurial leadership mean to you?
Entrepreneurial leadership means understanding difficult world problems and identifying how to approach them to create attainable solutions that are socially and economically advantageous. Taking action towards eliminating these issues requires diligent learning, planning, and cooperation, making it necessary to employ a broad focus with the ability to solve individual tasks. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why? 
Of Blank's six leadership qualities, I identify most with Listen and Respond because it encompasses other qualities while recognizing the most pressing issues. In listening and responding, I believe you listen to people and their problems, thus putting people first while working to include everyone. Producing solutions requires continuous innovation that will allow for progress and further undiscovered potential. Through listening and responding, we can connect with others and take interest in new horizons.

Inspired by her upbringing, Jain creates communities everywhere she goes. They all stem from the idea of shared, lived experiences and supporting others.

Take, for example, her high school experience. Recognizing that many fellow students received financial aid, Jain created a space for the group to connect and share resources. “I found a voice in myself to become a leader and to support others,” she said. “That’s what being an entrepreneurial leader is—finding solutions, being unique and creative, and being someone who is supportive, inclusive, and understanding.”

Tell us about where you grew up.
My parents emigrated from India to the United States in the ’90s. I grew up in California and lived in a low-income community of color. I went to high school at a predominantly white private school, and I commuted about an hour to get there.

I think a lot about the bus ride I took to get to school. I started in my town, where I’d see people walking to work, people with their children. When I got to my school, the community was quiet—it didn’t feel as connected. I learned a lot from the experience, including that I’m from a supportive community who understands each other’s journeys.

What communities were you a part of, or did you create?
In middle school, I was a Next Generation Scholar. They are a nonprofit dedicated to leveling the playing field for underserved students, taught me about navigating the world as a low-income student. My Next Generation Scholar friends and I understood one another.

I received financial aid to attend high school. At first, I felt like I didn’t earn my place because of that financial aid, but I started to notice that a lot of my friends received some sort of financial aid. I created FASES, a group that speaks to the experience of being a low-income student at an elite school and provides a safe space for students.

What drew you to Babson?
I learned about Babson my junior year. I’ve always had an interest in entrepreneurial thought and business. I learned that Babson reflects this idea of helping one another and finding new solutions that better the world. Being an entrepreneurial leader and finding solutions connects to bettering the community, which reflects the values and experiences I’ve had.

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with?
Giving Back to Others and Including Everyone. The Blank Family Foundation really emphasizes the idea of finding solutions to better a community. Inclusion and support is so important.

The communities I have been part of have given so much to me, like my parents and the Next Generation Scholars. It’s my responsibility to give back to them, and to students who weren’t given the opportunities I was given.

What does being a Blank School Scholar mean to you?
When COVID-19 hit, my mother lost her job. I was stressed about affording school. I was about to take my AP calculus test when I got the call that I’d been given the scholarship. I freaked out. I was enthusiastic, excited. I could go to a school I was passionate about, and afford it. A weight had been lifted off my shoulders. The test went well, too.

I’m excited to work with the other Blank Leadership Scholars. It’s unknown what we will accomplish, but I know we will accomplish great things.

What’s something that concerns you about the world today?
I live in California, where there are a lot of wildfires. I woke up this morning thinking it was 5:30 a.m., but it was 9:30 a.m. It was completely dark. The sky was orange. So climate change is on my mind. It’s something that needs to be given more focus and thought.

When Kimberly Joachim thinks about her career, she thinks about creating opportunities. It partially stems from her upbringing as the daughter of Haitian immigrants in Florida. With a passion for fashion and community service, she hopes to use her degree to provide a spotlight for others.  

“I want to have a national chain of outlets that feature businesses with owners of people of color. I feel like it’s hard for us to get representation and get the proper resources,” Joachim says. 

She also sees another gap in the market: the dwindling options for third spaces in our digital world, especially for young people. 

“I'm big on the arts, so maybe I can create a cultural hub. There are just some places I used to go to in my childhood that when I go to now, they look like a ghost town,” she says. “After seeing teenagers and Gen Z share their experiences on loneliness, it’s time we think about how we can connect with people in person.” 

Right now, Joachim’s third place is the Babson campus, where she’s excited to explore resources from the Weissman Foundry and other iconic Babson spots.  

What drew you to Babson? 
I wanted to go to fashion school, but I also really love helping people. I didn’t want that to start after my degree. I wanted an institution that would give me the resources to do that and the knowledge. Babson was the only school that understood that. 

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
I want to take advantage of the resources so I can get more into my creativity and find some like-minded people like me so we can work on some projects. I am excited about the resources at the Weissman Foundry. I want to explore my creative identity.   

How do you view challenges?
I think the hardest part of a challenge is overcoming the mental block. You have some intimidation toward it, but I understand that this is an opportunity for me to grow and I can’t be the person I need to be if I’m scared to come out of my comfort zone.  

You’re just understanding that even if I don’t have the skills now, I will learn them. 

What is the proudest moment of your life so far?
Getting my IB diploma meant a lot to me. My senior year was tumultuous, as we moved during it. I also didn’t get diagnosed with autism until I was 18. During my senior year, I started to realize there’s probably a gap in how I approach my education. But, I realized it was too late to get the support I needed.  

I did not have the proper accommodations, and the whole year I overcompensated for that. I ended up going through autistic burnout. My diploma showed me all my hard work really paid off. 

In terms of activities I was a part of, when I was in choir in my senior year, we got the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall. I attended a predominantly Black school, and I think we were the only predominantly Black choir there. That’s something I am proud of. 

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be?
Because of my experience with mental health, I just wish I could change the stigma on people that exist differently, whether that’s because of an impairment, a mental health disorder, or just their gender or sexual expression.   

I think everyone should learn how other people interact with the world. Me being on the spectrum, sometimes I find that I’m trying to accommodate other people from my existence, rather than just presenting myself as I exist naturally. I know I’m not alone in this.  

Who inspires you?
In terms of who inspires me, it would be my mom. I’m a first-generation American, and my family immigrated to the States from Haiti, and just hearing her story and hearing how rough being here initially was for them, and still my mom telling me when God blesses you, bless others, it shows her compassion. I hope I can be as compassionate as her. 

How will you bring part of home with you to Babson?
I hope I don’t lose my native language. We speak Haitian creole; I understand it, but I can’t really speak it. While I’m at college, I hope to keep developing my specific language. I think language is so important, and I want to preserve that so I’m not losing that piece of my culture. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
It means that my eagerness to change the world is visible and that just gives me the confidence to act boldly as I start my journey of just trying to create a legacy of being a social innovator. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
Mostly because of my mom, it’s Give Back to Others. I know wherever I am, I will always have something that somebody else could probably benefit from because they don’t have it or they just might need it more. I’m so grateful to be in the position that I’m in because I feel like so many resources have been poured into me, and I'd like to do the same for others.  

“Working on new projects, maintaining current projects, and consuming business-related content,” says the Miami, Florida, resident.

With a friend, Johnson co-founded a venture called Quarantine Cooks, a subscription-based service providing software to members. It started as an app that would alert users when much sought-after items such as above-ground pools, video game consoles, and gym weights became restocked on websites during the pandemic.

They soon monetized the venture at Johnson’s urging, and charged subscribers a fee to use their technology. They quickly turned a hefty profit for their subscribers, which ultimately made their venture attractive to would-be buyers. The pair sold the company after three months.

Johnson’s latest venture is reselling art work, which has earned him more than six figures to date.

Why did you choose Babson?
I chose Babson for its prominence in entrepreneurship, while also being such a great overall business school.

But, I also know that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business. Babson is going to help further my leadership skills, and prepare me for a variety of career paths after college. I’m looking forward to getting hands-on experience in a variety of settings.

What was it like growing up in Miami?
I’m half-Cuban—my mom is from Cuba and my dad is from New York. In the early years of my childhood, I was not proud of being Hispanic. I didn’t want to learn Spanish at all. But, my Cuban family is here in Miami, and Miami is such a vibrant city, that eventually things started to change for me.

Between my interactions with my friends, and really enjoying the city of Miami, this experience has shown me the value of culture, and being proud of where you come from.

What does the Blank Scholarship mean to you?
Only six people are chosen to be Blank Scholars each year, and with that, comes a great deal of responsibility. There is an expectation to be great. I want to fulfill that expectation, and lead by example.

Mya Kelleher enjoys studying languages and is mostly self-taught. If you ask her the best way to learn a new language, she will suggest just jumping right into it. 

“I think the best way to learn is through a language-learning technique called comprehensible input,” Kelleher says. “It’s when you immerse yourself in a language-learning environment where you don’t know everything the person is saying but you can pick it up through context.” 

Her passion for learning new languages and immersing herself in other cultures fuels another one of her passions: the culinary arts. Mya creates cooking content for social media, where she cooks and bakes recipes friends and family share with her. Friends from countries such as Russia and Brazil have shared recipes with her to try, and learning about how food is part of culture has inspired her to fight food insecurity. 

“I want to bridge language barriers and make food accessible and affordable for everyone nationally and globally,” she says. 

She aspires to have a career that aids others with language learning and living a healthy lifestyle. 

What drew you to Babson? 

I’ve had a passion for entrepreneurship since I was a little kid. I started a couple of small businesses as a child. I had two bracelet businesses as a child selling Rainbow Loom and “Save the Ocean” bracelets where the profits went to an organization that cleans the oceans. I also ran drives to collect toiletries and candy for the unhoused population as well. 

While in high school, I established a lot of food insecurity-based initiatives, including a pop-up pantry at my school for finals week and a cooking channel on social media. 

Seeing that Babson is comprised of almost one-third international students, I became extremely excited for the opportunity to continue my language-learning journey with so many other language-learning enthusiasts. I’ve studied over seven languages but focus mainly on French, Spanish, and Portuguese. I love immersing myself into languages, meeting others, and sharing culture. I’ve created videos to help people learn English on YouTube and livestream to thousands of learners on a language-learning app. I want to use Babson’s focus on entrepreneurial leadership to add innovation in this space. Babson is the perfect setting to pursue my passion. 

What are your career goals?  

My career goals involve leveraging my passion for languages and cultural exchange within a business environment. I am excited to learn how to analyze what works, what makes people excited, what makes people want to learn, and how to market to those people. Starting a business at Babson, especially through Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FME), will be very useful to answer these questions. 

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?  

Gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to turn my passions into a business. I want to have a solid foundation and meet the right people. One of the greatest things about Babson is that we are like-minded people. We have similar desires and motivations. It will be great to have that community and that environment to motivate me and allow me to have a real impact in business and the world. 

How do you view challenges? 

Challenges are opportunities to grow and learn from. They allow you to think more creatively or abstractly to pivot your plans; leading you into the right direction.  

What would you say is the proudest moment of your life so far?  

I studied dance with the Boston Ballet for eight years, and I was in the Boston Nutcracker. This is one of the earliest, proudest moments I’ve had that shaped me, because it was the first time I performed in front of thousands of audience members and collaborated with others in a major production. 

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be?  

Food insecurity is a global problem I would like to address. Along with efficient global agriculture, I believe that having effective communication and cultural understanding will help us create sustainable solutions to combat food insecurity. 

What do you value in a good leader?  

A good leader is inspirational, patient, empathetic, and hardworking. When I think of a good leader, I think of my dad because he embodies these traits. He was involved with many startups and continues to work on new ventures to this day. He helped me create my own website at an early age called “Mya’s World” that I used as coding practice and was patient through every step of the way. He also introduced me to music, and as a result, I picked up piano, guitar, and ukulele and have written countless songs due to his influence. Most importantly, he recommended Babson to me and continues to show encouragement every step of the way. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?   

Being a Blank Scholar is similar to being a great leader. It all starts off with a good sense of empathy, because every business and idea must come with involving others in some aspect or another. Putting others first, making sure you are acknowledging them, and having good communication skills is critical, and is reflected in the Blank Scholars. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?  

I strongly identify with Giving Back to Others. We have to recognize the impact we have on our community and others. The whole point of giving back is because someone did something for you, and you want to spread goodness in response. You get back what you give. 

“One of the things I’ve developed over the past couple of years is my passion for volunteering,” says the resident of Atlanta, Georgia.

Kruglewicz is adept at finding meaningful ways to make a difference and grow his relationships with those around him.

For example, Kruglewicz logged countless hours during high school volunteering in his local community as a lacrosse coach for physically challenged kids. He also took initiative and joined an organization that brings mothers and sons together to bond through local philanthropic opportunities.

“As president of our local Young Men’s Service League Sandy Springs Chapter, I saw my friends and I grow as people throughout high school, as well as strengthen our relationships with our moms,” he said.

With an interest in global business management, Kruglewicz appreciates results. “We volunteered over 3,000 hours just last year alone, so it's a great impact that we can have. For example, we built a playground in our local community.”

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
Being an Atlanta native, I've always looked up to Mr. [Arthur] Blank, being from Atlanta. From studying his entrepreneurial successes, to seeing examples of his leadership within his sports organizations, he has always been one of my role models.

Being able to custom fit what the Blank Scholarships means, through trial and error, is something that is unique, and I think will be very valuable in creating a fantastic and diverse cohort and experience for future scholars.

What does leadership mean to you?
Identifying issues, discussing issues with others, and acknowledging their thoughts. Then, delegation—acting upon those ideas—is something that I think is the embodiment of leadership.

If you get the idea and solution in place, and then delegate that solution, you’ll have an opportunity for innovation, and be able to act upon the solution as efficiently and effectively as possible.

What drew you to Babson?
I’m really excited for the interdisciplinary classes, on top of the already unique curriculum with (FME). I’m also very excited because I was looking through the professors’ bios and noticed their real-world experience. Having classes—with those professors—that are so tangible to career experience and relating it to real world events is something that really drew me to Babson.

She is passionate about sustainability, and recognizes the responsibilities that come with entrepreneurial leadership. “The world needs people who can think in new and creative ways to solve problems, and they can do that through entrepreneurship,” she said.

In fact, she’s already on a path to ignite change. In high school, she started Twin Skin, selling eco-friendly and all-natural lip products in biodegradable packaging. Twin Skin was recognized as one of the top 29 innovative businesses in Rhode Island.

What are you most proud of?
The proudest moment in my life was when Twin Skin was recognized as an “Inno on Fire” recipient by RI Inno in 2020. This award was given to the top 29 innovative businesses in my home state, Rhode Island, who represent the local innovation community’s cream of the crop—those who are doing extraordinary work to drive change for the better.

It was an honor to be chosen among such well-established businesses and entrepreneurs who were twice my age, especially since it was only about a year after Twin Skin started selling its products. Being recognized made all the late nights my sister and I perfected our recipes or made hundreds of products worth it.

What drew you to Babson?
I chose Babson College because the more I looked into it, I knew it was the perfect school for me. I am able to get an amazing business education from the top entrepreneurship school while pursuing my other passions in liberal arts classes.

What does being a Blank School Scholar mean to you?
The Blank Leadership Scholarship means I am able to use business and entrepreneurship to have an impact on the community around me.

Why does the world need entrepreneurial leadership?
The world needs people who are willing to take risks while being flexible in the ever-changing business environment. In addition, I feel it is also equally important to use your business to positively affect your community.

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which ones do you most identify with?
Lead By Example. When creating my business, Twin Skin, my goal was to encourage others to become more environmentally-conscious and switch to alternatives that were better for the environment.

Give Back to Others. I think it’s important that no matter what you’re doing, whether it’s starting a business or something else—that you do it in a way that comes back to your community and society as a whole.

What do you like to do for fun outside the classroom?
Normally, you can find me just hanging out with friends or family or my two pets. And, during quarantine, I picked up painting and new crafts, which is something I did when I was younger.

If you ask Amy Pan her favorite place, her answer as a child and now as a college student is still the same.  

“When I was little, if I was asked where I wanted to go, I would say the library,” Pan says. “It’s still probably my favorite place to go.” 

Pan says her local library in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is special, specifically because of her experience on the teen advisory board. Of all the activities she partook in during high school, which include the speech and debate team and starting a non-profit, her time volunteering among the stacks comes out on top.  

“We would plan events. One of them was a theater club for community members,” she says. “We would do events just to get people interested in the library. I would shelve books, work with kids, basically do what a librarian did. I got so much out of it.” 

Through this experience and others, Pan learned she loved to talk with people, sharing ideas and learning from each other. Now at Babson, armed with her gift of gab, Pan is ready to start her path toward an accounting and finance career.  

What drew you to Babson? 
I went to a STEM-immersive school, which is the opposite of what Babson is. That immersive experience and the small community was something I truly enjoyed about my high school. Babson has both of those things. I knew I wasn’t going to continue down the path of STEM, and I knew I wanted to go into business. The Babson curriculum is so unique and tailored to the student interests.    

What are your career goals? 
I love numbers, so I want to do something accounting- and financial-based in my future. While I was doing research in high school, I had these amazing mentors, and they let me have my own research class on campus, and I realized I love talking to and working with people and teaching. That solidified that I want to do something not only involved with other people but that lets me talk, collaborate, and take charge. 

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?   
Outside of academics, I really want to be involved in internships. I want to make connections and grow socially. I’m from such a small town and community that I am excited to experience the outside perspective and diversity Babson has. 

What is the proudest moment of your life so far?   
Each year, the Kentucky government picks students to go to Kentucky’s capital and present research to state legislators. So, my senior year, I got picked to go there and present to them, and I was so proud of myself then, because that research was like my baby. I remember I poured blood, sweat, and tears in, and I was so proud of myself, not only because of the hard work I put into it, but because most of the projects they picked were science-based, and mine was not biology- or chemistry-based.  

I was also one of the youngest people there, and just being able to talk to people who were willing to listen to me made me feel proud. 

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be?    
Inequality in education, including learning opportunities and how education is not necessarily provided the same for everyone. I think about where I’m from, Kentucky. We have such smart, amazing people here. Truly some of the best people I’ve ever met come from here, but they’re just not given the same opportunities as people are from other, bigger places. I would love to find a way to provide education equally for everyone.  

How will you bring part of home with you to Babson? 
When I think of Kentucky, I think of Southern manners and Southern hospitality. We welcome everyone with open arms and warmth. That’s something I hope I can bring to Babson and be an open, warm person in the community. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why? 
I identify most with Listen and Respond. To be a leader, you can’t really lead if you don’t know what the issue is. And, you don’t know what the issue is, you don’t listen to what other people are saying. The whole reason why I had the research class in the first place was because I overheard a girl saying, “I wish we had game design for juniors here.” And, I thought, well, that’s disappointing. Why not? Because you’re here because you’re brilliant. Why not give you a space to do that? And, I thought, why don’t I do something about that?

It takes about five hours to drive from Montreal to Toronto. For Price, the ride between the two cities helped solidify his interest in entrepreneurship. 

“One experience that impacted me was when I met a student who just moved to Canada on a ride from Montreal to Toronto. He was telling me about how difficult it is for him to find work,” Price says. “The student takes this five-hour commute every week because it was the only work opportunity he could find” 

Price sees entrepreneurship as an opportunity to help people like this fellow student. People who want to pursue fulfilling work, support themselves and families, and maybe spend less time commuting while doing it.  

“There are so many businesses that need employees and so many people that want to work,” Price says. “Unemployment is an issue that can be fixed and can benefit everyone. It takes people who are willing to address it. I want to be part of the solution.” 

The next five-hour-plus journey for Price will be arriving at the Babson campus, eager to start using entrepreneurship as a gateway to greater pursuits.

What drew you to Babson?
The main thing is the curriculum-focus on entrepreneurship and the way it’s a hands-on teaching method. I know I want to be an entrepreneur. 

The small school size is also appealing. When I visited, it felt like a family. I think Boston and the surrounding areas are a great place to study. There are a lot of other universities and career opportunities.  

What are your career goals? How have your past experiences affected your future goals?
I’m certain I want to be an entrepreneur and run my own business. I started a window-washing company in 2020. I am now up to eight employees, mostly my friends from high school that want to work in the summer. The reason entrepreneurship is my passion is that I love the freedom to create a environment I enjoy, and with people I enjoy being around. I don’t feel like I’m working.  

How did you get into window washing?
I used to work for my municipality, but my position got cut in 2020 when COVID hit. I did some basic math: If I wash a few houses this summer for a couple of hundred dollars each, that would be similar to what I made working for the city. I decided to try it.  

I started knocking on doors. It took off. I had to hire two employees right away. We did over a hundred houses that summer. This summer (2023), I have four people who work in cleaning and a part time sales team of about four. Now, we do about 25 to 30 houses a week. I work with my friends. That’s the part I enjoy the most, being able to employ other people and give them a sense of doing something. My goal isn’t to increase revenue or the bottom line but to employ a lot of people. 

You created something new out of a setback. How do you view challenges?
I’ve learned to embrace challenges and see them as an opportunity. I think with everything challenging, there’s something you can take out of it to grow and improve. Challenges are inevitable; they are something to lean into. 

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
I want to win a national championship with Babson Rugby. 

What is the proudest moment of your life so far?
I don’t have one moment. Some highlights include receiving the Blank Scholarship. Another is a medal I got at Upper Canada College (UCC) that’s given to the student that overall contributes the most to the school, in terms of academics, extracurriculars, and character. I was not expecting it at all. It was a culmination of everything I’ve put my efforts toward while there. 

Who inspires you?
My grandparents, who moved from Czechoslovakia to Canada with basically nothing. They didn’t speak English well, they had no connections, no family nearby. They started from nothing but worked hard. Working during the day and going to school at night to build a better life for themselves. They started a (real estate) business, and because of that, they’ve been able to provide for their children and grandchildren. I look up to them a lot because of their courage and work ethic.  

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
I’m very grateful for this opportunity. It will give me new experiences and perspective to help me grow as a person and entrepreneur. It’s a unique opportunity. I can’t wait to get started and be part of the program.  

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
The two that stick with me the most are ‘Lead by Example’ and ‘Giving Back to Others.’ It’s important to create an environment where I can positively impact others through my words and my actions. The gratification you get from helping others is indescribable. I feel like many people have helped and given to me, so I have an obligation to do that for others.

Kaitlyn has known since the age of seven, when she tried to open a restaurant in her family’s living room, that she wanted to own a business. While her restaurant didn’t have a long shelf-life, Pristawa’s entrepreneurial spirit only continues to grow. She currently works at Planet Fast Pitch, a softball training company (she is also a softball catcher herself), and recently helped lead a donation campaign to collect softball equipment for girls in Ghana.

It was a learning experience not only in building out an awareness campaign but also in how business and personal passions can come together for entrepreneurs.

“I had to get the word out there, so I learned a lot about marketing and advertising,” said Pristawa. “There was a huge room of donations. It was so rewarding to look at and think about how this will be making people happy. That was a great experience because I was able to combine a lot of my passions and I hope to do a lot of that in the future.”

Business and social responsibility remain at the forefront of her career goals, but she’s not sure how they come together quite yet. She’s not worried about it though—she’s in the right place to figure it out.  

“I know my passions are business, helping others, motivational speaking, softball, and working with children,” said Pristawa. “I’m not sure exactly what I want to do but Babson, I am sure, will help me figure it out.”

What interested you in Babson?
When I was in my sophomore year, I had not heard of Babson but then I got a piece of mail from Babson. It said ‘100 percent of students start a business in their first year.’ Then my guidance counselor told me to look Babson up, and I instantly fell in love with everything about Babson. I would go on the website or the Instagram page during school and be like ‘wow, this is a cool school.’ 

When I visited campus, it had the friendliest vibe of all the campuses I visited. I also really liked the values Babson has, including the entrepreneurial mindset through all of their classes. I do want to start my own business, so that stood out to me. I also like how Babson emphasizes business for social impact and a better world because with my business, I want to, hopefully, make a difference in the lives of others, specifically donating to developing countries that need it the most. I want to make an impact in the lives of others for the better. 

I also really like how Babson is globally minded and there are so many opportunities to get involved with study abroad and service trips. There are so many international students at Babson, so you can meet people from all different backgrounds and experiences. 

What activities were you involved in during high school?
So much—I am someone who will join anything. I really love to play softball (she is a catcher); I am going to be on the softball team next year at Babson. Softball has affected me so much. I have been playing since second grade, from rec to school teams to travel teams. The most impactful time I had was when I started going to Planet Fastpitch, a training facility in Uxbridge, Mass. The aura and motivation there are just amazing, and it helped me want to achieve my goals.

I’m also involved in DECA, where we do projects and business role play and compete at states. It’s more than just competing. There’s so much leadership development you can get from DECA. I walked into DECA as a first-year member pretty shy and didn't talk to anyone. But I went to so many conferences, and now my favorite thing to do was to go up to other people at these workshops and events from all over the world and introduce myself and meet such amazing people.

How have your past experiences affected your future goals?
In seventh grade, my direction changed. I watched this video in class about a few men who went to a community in Guatemala and had to live on less than a dollar a day. It was impactful to see how different the lives of people who live in poverty are from us.

I realized if I am so passionate about helping out people who need it the most, why don’t I revolve my career around it? That is when I switched my goals from owning a business for myself to owning a business that will positively impact others. 

Is there a specific global problem you want to tackle?
I just took AP Environmental, and there was a population unit that talked about the development of countries and how countries in development go through four stages and the steps that bring them through the stages. I would love to help, even in the smallest way possible.

Solving poverty would be number one, but it’s not that easy. Something related to that is sustainability. If we can connect trying to solve poverty issues and trying to make business more sustainable, it can make it easier for those countries to have access to resources and fewer natural disasters and pollution. I’m not sure how to do this yet, but I am determined to find a way. That’s why I’m going to Babson—there’s no better place to learn than Babson.

How do you view challenges? 
I view them as opportunities and something that will help me grow in the future. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my life is that you should always strive for improvement. I have a book where I write down quotes and thoughts I come up with after life experiences. One I wrote recently that I love is ‘Everything in life is a learning process, especially our failures. We have the choice to let our failures reflect who we are or let how we act upon those failures improve us as individuals.’ If there’s a challenge, I am going to step up to that challenge.

I know being confident is the most important thing because if you’re confident, you’re more likely to succeed at that challenge. If you don’t succeed, it’s not really a failure if you reflect on it. If you learn from it, you’re going to be able to tackle the next challenge a lot easier. Every night I write down some reflections from the day, including what I want to improve on and what did well that day as a confidence boost. It helps me keep improving every day, and for challenges in the future, I will be well-equipped because I know my past experiences will help me. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
It means a lot, I am so honored to be a Blank Scholar. I was so surprised. I’ll be able to grow my leadership skills and be someone others can learn from. I will try my best to help others be their best. It will also help me grow my entrepreneurial skills, which is a main component of the scholarship.

What does entrepreneurial leadership mean to you?
To me, entrepreneurial leadership means using entrepreneurial skills in everyday life to take opportunities and chances that will best utilize your passions while also helping others. 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why? 
The one I most identify with is Put People First. I have realized that the best leaders are the ones who gain the respect of others through respect for them. Something about treating others with such high regard is compelling and makes one into a leader who others want to follow and be like in the future. 

To get to know Nuchaba “Nuch” Scholte, you need to learn a few numbers. She holds four passports (Thai, Dutch, British, and American). She was two years old when she moved from London to New Jersey. She once ran 13 Instagram accounts for her high school. And, she has backpacked to the 46 highest peaks in the Adirondacks. 

All those numbers only add up to a fraction of her experiences so far. And, the most influential experience thus far for Scholte can’t be quantified. During the pandemic, she was the director of BuddEConnect, a non-profit organization for children with special needs. 

“We created a virtual summer camp during the pandemic and had campers logging on every day across the country,” Scholte says. “It was so special to give kids the opportunity to chat, play games, and make friends during such a challenging time.” 

In between games and dancing with the campers, Scholte learned she loved leading a team, which included managing the supply chain, marketing, finance, and tech department all at the same time. Having her hands in a lot of pots—such as interviewing counselors, networking with investors and donors, brainstorming graphic designs and doing Google keyword research—gave Scholte a sense of what her career could look like.  

“My experiences have encouraged me to think outside the box, challenge conventional norms and approach tasks from different angles, and I hope to broaden those new perspectives,” she says. 

Whether it’s at Babson, in her career, or even during her downtime, she hopes to continue and expand this duet of service and leadership.

What drew you to Babson?
It honestly wasn’t until after attending the admitted students’ day and meeting such welcoming, passionate students that I seriously considered Babson. I was drawn to Babson’s distinctive approach to education that emphasizes collaborative and hands-on learning. The opportunity to immerse myself in a community of entrepreneurial-minded peers, creating a robust environment to exchange ideas and solve real-world challenges together is really unique to Babson. 

What activities were you involved with in high school?
I was the secretary for the student government, involved in the diversity and inclusion committee, and was the president of the GirlUp chapter, an initiative to advance gender justice worldwide. I was also the marketing lead for the fashion club. Throughout high school, I actually ran a total of 13 Instagram accounts!  

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
At Babson, I aspire to connect with other innovative minds, collaborating on projects that tackle real-world issues we share a passion for. Through this, I aim to enhance my skills of teamwork, creativity, and the art of turning challenges into opportunities. I hope these experiences, coupled with inspiring professors and strong internships will propel my career forward. 

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be?
Growing up half-Asian in a predominantly white town has ignited a profound awareness of racial injustice within me. If given the opportunity to address one global problem, I would tackle the urgent need for progress with equality, understanding, and unity among diverse communities. Through open-minded and empathetic conversation and education, I envision a more just and inclusive society. 

Who inspires you?
Each and every camper from BuddEConnect, the virtual summer camp, has inspired me in a different way. From Courtney, I’ve learned resilience: to pair determination with cheerful disposition. Courtney has Down syndrome and was diagnosed with leukemia, but regardless, she described everything as ‘awesome’: the nurses that administered her chemo, the labyrinth-like hospital hallways, and each round of Freeze dance. And, each week, she reminded me that she’d surely be going home soon.  

With Courtney as my incentive, I’ve successfully fundraised tens of thousands of dollars, backpacked the 46 highest peaks in the Adirondacks, and persevered through late-night studying, even when a math problem nearly convinced me of defeat.  

How will you bring part of home with you to Babson?*
My mom always made it a priority to eat family dinner together at the table each night, despite soccer practices, meetings, or work. At Babson, I hope to gather in the dining hall to share a meal with my friends every day no matter what. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
I feel so lucky to have been selected as a Blank Scholar. I’m just so grateful for all the generosity. It’s super rewarding to see how proud my teachers and family were after all the support they have given me. So far, it’s already been super special to have such valuable guidance from upperclassmen about internships, professors, and career paths, as well as making friends with the other scholars in my cohort! 

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
“Include Everyone” is an important one for me. I see so much benefit in having diverse perspectives on a team. Being half-Thai and half-Dutch, I’ve been lucky to connect with people across the world, and I’ve always tried to make friends with all different kinds of people. I truly believe that when individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences come together, there is so much potential for fostering innovation, creativity, and education. I’ve made an effort when recruiting and developing a team to embrace diversity and will continue to do so.

For Eagle Scout Everett Steven, a passion for nature is found in all he does. Whether it’s watching documentaries about athletic nature pursuits, earning scout badges, family lake trips, or playing Ultimate Frisbee, being out the world is important to him.  

It’s no surprise that protecting said planet also is high on his list.  

“Here in Minnesota, it’s been upward of mid-90-degree days. I saw in the newspaper that if you go fishing, you can’t release them because they will overheat and die. The water in Florida is reaching 100 degrees,” Steven says. “It’s a clock that’s ticking down, happening to all of us. We need to work with global connections to come up with solutions to this pressing issue.”  

Steven understands the role creativity and ingenuity will play in addressing the climate crisis, and he already sees potential for solutions in things like wood-based biomimicry. His time at Babson will only expand these ideas, as he takes classes such as Foundations of Critical Inquiry: Nature and Environment and Oceanography.

What drew you to Babson?
I started my search with the lens of business. I wanted to stay in the North where the climate is like where I live (in Minnesota). What stood out about Babson is the entrepreneurial lens. I really enjoy the concept of ideas and how those can build off each other through innovation and collaboration. That aspect stood out from the traditional business model and other schools. 

What interests you in entrepreneurship? What innovative endeavors have you been a part of?
Growing up, I had classic lemonade stands, even focusing on location and pricing. Then, in middle school, I wanted to do something more scalable. My dad is a software developer and entrepreneur himself. We were at a wedding one summer, and we saw these logs where they had cut some cross sections and burned them that way. That piqued my interest.  

With his help, we worked through a few iterations of Swedish torches. We gathered wood, and my mom helped with the website. Led through my passion for this idea, we worked to create a business that I ran throughout middle school and the start of high school. Our final design used Douglas fir instead of regular circular logs. It’s more consistent, and one hole in the bottom and one hole in the top can burn for about an hour. 

Did you find the activities you’re involved in (scouting, Ultimate Frisbee, band) require a similar skill set to entrepreneurship?
Yes, I agree. A lot of leadership and ingenuity. My career goals aren’t concrete. That’s one of the things I’m most excited about coming to Babson. I want to get some clarity on what the future can look like through internships and some other networking opportunities. I’m excited to meet the international student body and be at this hub where all these ideas culminate. I enjoy working with others. I like the idea of bringing the more creative side into business. 

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
Branching out from my current self and taking this unique opportunity to build new connections and friendships from all over the world. It’s a high-quality education on topics I haven’t really learned in school. Super excited for that.  

What is the proudest moment of your life so far?
Rebounding from the pandemic in the summer 2022 and figuring out my last year in high school. I took rigorous courses and was involved in all my activities. I also realized I had a few Eagle badges to complete. I needed to lean on others for support to help prioritize. People want to see you succeed, so it was learning how to reach out for help.  

I also found internal motivation to keep going and push through, especially when working on self-directed activities. I had a lot of long mornings and nights. It also included managing the college application process.  

I ended up with an academic year I am proud of. It goes to show that things are possible and excites me to keep setting more challenging goals. I am also proud of being the captain of my ultimate frisbee team and placing tenth in the state. 

Who inspires you?
There are different levels of inspiration. I am interested in stories of people working hard to achieve their goals. I recently watched documentaries about the Iceman Triathlon and Free Solo about Alex Honnold. On a personal level, I’m quite inspired by my family. My brother is older than me, and I look to him for advice. He has gone through all these steps but a few years before me. My parents are hardworking and empathetic and invested in their communities. 

How will you bring part of home with you to Babson?
I identify with where I’m from, so I am inherently bringing it through my interactions with other people. It’ll be cool to see all the different demographics at Babson. I’m not sure how many people will be from the Midwest or Minnesota. It will be cool to find connections. I will be bringing a hammock as part of my passion for nature and encouraging others to spend time outdoors.  

As they say, ‘Minnesota nice.’ I like to emphasize my relationship with others and work toward being understanding and empathetic. Those are my main values.  

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
It’s a high honor to have this opportunity and flexibility. This scholarship allows me to go to Babson and pursue larger ideas and goals. It’s an honor to be with like-minded peers who are equally passionate about creativity and business and how it all connects. I can’t wait to learn from them.  

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
I would say ‘Put People First.’ For me, there are a lot of universal challenges we are all going through despite our own individual lives. From a business perspective, it’s people-based and important to build connections, whether through a team or on the client side, making sure you understand why you’re doing what you do. I value empathy, honesty, and trust and working to help others. I feel good when others feel good. 

Of all the positions on the soccer field, it takes a specific type of person to be the goalie. Stoltz, who has played soccer as a goalkeeper since she was little, says you have to be fearless to take on the job. 

“That’s a good leadership position on the field, too. You see everything and nobody else has that vantage point,” Stoltz says. “So, you’re really like a second coach on the field. You take in what’s happening quickly and you react and make decisions. You kind of have to be fearless.” 

Being able to take in what’s happening and react thoughtfully (and quickly) are some of the hallmarks of entrepreneurial leadership. Those skills will set Stoltz up well as she embarks on her Babson journey, where she’s eager to join the track and field team and start her Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FME) venture. 

As she pursues entrepreneurship and hands-on opportunities, Stoltz hopes to embark on making change in the sports community she’s spent so much of her life in, expanding access to equipment, resources, and sports in general across genders.

What drew you to Babson?
Like many students interested in entrepreneurship, you do your first Google search and Babson comes up number one. That’s initially how I found the school. After that, I did a tour and saw a mock-up of a FME class. After seeing that, I realized this is what I want to do. Not only am I getting knowledge and learning how to do something, but I’m actually doing it hands-on with other students. By the time I graduate, I will be ready for the real world.  

What are your career goals?
My main goal is to do something sports driven. One of my goals is to run a woman’s sports line and give back to women in the sports community. Often, there’s such a gender disparity. I see it as a goalkeeper; you go to buy a uniform or gloves, and it’s all men’s products. Even the unisex stuff they have, it’s mainly based on men. There’s not a lot of options. I also want to use it as a platform to get more women involved in sports.

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
My biggest goal is to get experience, networking, and to learn from others while I’m here. With entrepreneurship and business in general, you need to have connections to succeed and do well. You have to seek out partnerships and ask for help. Networking is huge, and when I graduate, I don’t want to be lost. I’ll have people I can turn to and have a support system.

How do you view challenges?
If you use them the right way, you can use them to build yourself as a person and push yourself for the better. I switched from my public school to a private school with the sole intent of challenging myself to push myself to the next level. They are an opportunity to pursue your future self. Opportunities more than roadblocks. I also realized I wasn’t losing my support system from my old school and at home. I could make my support system even stronger.

What is the proudest moment of your life so far?
One of them is getting MVP for goalkeeper. You see that your team has your back and that they view you as someone they can turn to and trust. That they know you have their back in return. You’re not just going through the motions; you’re making an impact and people can see that and believe in you.  

Is there a soccer match you played in that stands out in your mind?
The most recent one, we were playing the championship team. They transferred to our league but the last league they were in, they won. They had a nationally acclaimed coach. We were expected to get destroyed by them. As a team, we decided we weren’t going to let this happen. We scored early on in the game. Once we scored, the game plan was ‘it ends here, you are not getting past us.’  

We beat them, 1-0. As a goalkeeper, it was great to see the defensive line step up and protect the goal. We weren’t expected to do well, let alone win. It was a home game, so even better. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?
For me, it’s just such an honor. I was absolutely floored. I want to make the most of it when I’m at school and get to know everyone in the program really well. I want to work with them and challenge myself and make the most of it while I’m there.  

Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?
‘Put People First’—entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money, it’s about making impact in other people’s lives. You’re a problem solver. You can either let something keep being a problem or step up and find a way to solve it and make things better. You want other people to succeed because of what you’re doing.

Edwin Wang’s interests sit right in the center of technology and entrepreneurship. It was those two passions that led him to start two companies in high school. 

“One company focuses on helping visually impaired people develop independence by helping them navigate and find objects through the iPhone,” Wang says. “I worked on integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence to the phone with audio-visual cues.” 

The other company focuses on helping restaurants raise their bottom line and increasing transparency in the food-delivery industry. The app provides price transparency for customers and eliminates commission fees for the restaurant and drivers. 

Wang’s ventures have him thinking about something currently on the top of a lot of people’s minds: ethical usages of artificial intelligence. It’s one of his main goals as he starts his Babson journey. 

“My goal is to make sure technology and AI are being used in the right way to benefit rather than harm society,” he says.  

What drew you to Babson?  

Babson was the only business school I applied to. Every other university I applied to was for engineering, but what drew me to Babson is the focus Babson has on entrepreneurship. The more I thought about it, Babson provides the environment I need to thrive. Babson’s hands-on approach, drive for change, collaborative environment, and supportive professors are all necessary components for me to have an impact with technology. 

What are your career goals?  

My experience in robotics and programming has led me to be passionate about using technology to influence society. I hope to develop my companies into products that can be commonly used in society and the visually impaired community. My experience interviewing restaurant owners, delivery drivers, and people with low vision to improve my products has led me to understand their needs. I hope to use my experiences in technology and business to continue improving society. 

What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?  

I hope to continue scaling the businesses I have created and build a long-lasting community. Babson’s entrepreneurial ecosystem will provide me with the tools, resources, and networks to take my ventures to the next level. I also want to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are passionate about technology and entrepreneurship, and together, we can create solutions that address real-world problems. 

How do you view challenges?  

I view challenges as opportunities to improve. Every challenge presents a chance to learn, grow, and innovate. Instead of shying away from difficulties, I embrace them as they push me to think creatively and develop resilience. Challenges fuel my motivation and drive, leading to breakthroughs and success. 

What is the proudest moment of your life so far?  

The proudest moment in my life happened when I saw Myra, a visually impaired person, use my app for the first time. I wouldn’t say it made me proud; rather, I was motivated by the impact I could potentially have on others. It’s led me to continue with science fairs and prototypes and eventually share the impact technology can have on others. 

If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be? 

I want to tackle the lack of transparency within the food delivery industry. I love using food delivery apps, but they harm everyone involved by high prices for consumers, a lack of fair wages for delivery drivers, and lower profit margins for restaurant owners. In the past three years, I’ve been developing MyBite, an ethical and social food delivery app. 

What does being a Blank Scholar mean to you?   

Being a Blank Scholar means having confidence in my ability to be an entrepreneur. It also means being part of a community of driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference through entrepreneurship. As a Blank Scholar, I will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with like-minded peers, receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and gain access to resources that will help me take my ventures to new heights. It signifies a commitment to innovation, leadership, and making a positive impact on the world.  
 
Of Blank’s six leadership qualities, which one do you most identify with and why?  
I most identify with the leadership quality Innovate Continuously. For me, innovation is at the core of everything I do. Whatever I’m doing, I am constantly seeking ways to improve and create solutions that address real-world problems. Innovation isn’t just about creating something new; it’s about continuously refining, adapting, and finding better ways to meet the needs of those around us. This mindset drives me to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and never settle for the status quo. By focusing on continuous innovation, I strive to make a lasting impact and contribute to meaningful change.