“I used to think failure should be avoided at all costs, but it often teaches us more than success. Nobody's perfect. Failure doesn't define you—it's how you respond that matters. Keep going. It’s an opportunity to improve and grow. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don’t, but we always learn if we’re intentional about it.”
Heidi Chen
Lead Digital Strategist
Free Logic Inc.
Julia Landauer
Champion Racecar Driver
Motivational Speaker
Entrepreneur & STEM Enthusiast
Julia Landauer Racing, LLC
“If you’re second-guessing doing something scary, ask yourself, “why not?” …if you can’t give yourself a good answer, besides that it makes you uncomfortable, you owe it to yourself to try.”
“Don’t wait for someone else to create opportunities for you. Make your own reality.”
Kayla Nicholas
President & Founder, The Lawyer Connection Club
SEO Finance, Corporate, Technology (FCT) Participant
SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity)
“Time comes once. Make the most out of every moment!”
Rachel Wang
Founder & Executive Director
Girls For Business
Milka Duno
Race Car Driver
NASCAR
“It doesn’t matter if you are a woman or a man. The important thing is your ability, your intelligence and your determination – how strong you are.”
“Own you mind, focus your faith, set your pace, and run your race! You can do anything you set your mind to!”
Cheyanne Harris
Civil Engineer
Brown and Caldwell
“Your identity can be a tumultuous complexity that looks more simple than it is, embrace all of it, because together it will allow you to go farther then expected. Your creative desire to do something may seem challenging or unrealistic, remember the art of it all is bringing together what may not have been known or remembered before creatively.”
Naomi Nunis
Product Manager
Future Founder & CEO
SWE President
University of the Pacific
“Perfection is overrated – just show up.”
Su Wern Khor
Community & Communications
500 Global / Women in VSEA
Julia Ling
Actress
Film Producer
Veteran Powered Films
"Don’t ever let anyone tell you what your worth is. You set your own self-worth, and if people are not going to treat you right, you walk away and it’s their loss. You can be anything you want to be. Envision it. Believe in it. Go after it. And get back up every time you fall, because disappointments are just learning opportunities so that you can become a stronger better person."
“Instead of waiting for others to open the doors to opportunities for you, open the doors yourself. Also, make sure you hold them open for others to pass through the doors as well.”
Elizabeth Qiu
Computer Science
Student & Researcher
UMD
“The only thing to fear is fear itself, and the only time you fail is when you don’t try! Start now; there are fun lessons to be learned on your journey.”
Chynna Morgan
Founder & CEO
GIF Out Loud
“Never forget the power of your imagination when it comes to technology.”
Amber Schroader
Founder & CEO
Paraben Corporation
“Many people tell me that individuals can’t do much in the climate crisis and the main problems come from the corporations, but I take myself very seriously.
I believe if you don’t even think that your actions matter, then no one will.
To aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make an impact, never underestimate the power of individuals and always have strong conviction in yourself. One day you will look back and be amazed by how far you have gone!”
Iris Guo
Product Manager
Arteria AI / Google X / Microsoft
Founder & Owner
Neutrify
“Remember that you are special and unique, and you have your strengths and achievements. Focus on improving yourself instead of comparing yourself to others. You are your own boss. No one can define who you are.”
Vivian Tan
Public Speaker
Founder, Student SEAS
Founder, Vivian XYZ Tan
“The biggest determinant of your future success is not your past. It’s your work ethic, passion, and willingness to grow.”
Stephanie Su
Lead Director
Superposition
“Find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who support you and who will challenge you. Reach out if you need help. If you don’t ask, you won’t get. But you may. Go out and experiment, learn, and keep moving forward.”
Tina Amper
Community Advisor
Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation