Behind the Panel: Sharing My Story at Harris-Stowe and Mizzou

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been the chance to share what I’ve learned with others walking a similar path. In Fall 2024, I was honored to serve as a student panelist at two events that celebrated the power of young entrepreneurs: The Winner’s Circle at Harris-Stowe State University and the Mizzou Mizzen Meets Virtual Panel.

The Winner’s Circle at Harris-Stowe

On November 11th, I was invited by the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Harris-Stowe State University to join a panel for The Winner’s Circle, an event hosted during St. Louis Startup Week to highlight student entrepreneurs who have excelled in pitch competitions, secured grant funding, and built real businesses.

I joined other student entrepreneurs to reflect on our journeys, from our first pitches to the challenges we faced in building something from the ground up. I shared lessons learned from growing a mission-driven business, the value of staying consistent, and the mindset needed to succeed in competitions and real-world ventures.

The audience was filled with future entrepreneurs, and the conversations felt personal and impactful. Everyone in the room was focused on progress—whether they were just getting started or looking for the next step forward.

Mizzou Mizzen Meets: Youth Voices in Entrepreneurship

Earlier that fall, I participated in the Mizzou Mizzen Meets Virtual Panel, where I connected with students and educators across Missouri. The focus of the panel was youth entrepreneurship and the role Gen Z plays in reimagining business with a purpose-driven lens.

During the discussion, I spoke about my experiences building Junior Java, the importance of maintaining clarity in your mission, and how national competitions shaped my confidence and leadership style. The conversation gave me new insights and reminded me that entrepreneurship is not one-size-fits-all.

Why This Matters

These opportunities reminded me of how powerful storytelling can be. Sharing personal experiences can help someone else overcome self-doubt, avoid mistakes, or take the leap they’ve been considering.

I'm grateful to both Harris-Stowe and Mizzou for the chance to share my journey, learn from others, and be a part of something bigger. Every conversation moves us forward, and I’m excited for what’s next.