Katherine Olives
Demo Day is less than a two weeks away, and we cant wait to introduce you to all of the startups working towards the grand prizes of $150,000! While some of our startups are trying to solve problems across the world, some are focusing on issues right here in New York.
I sat down with Enrich, a competitor in the Standard Chartered Women+Tech4NYC track, to discuss how their app that helps parents find, rate, and book after school programs for their children, and why entrepreneurship is so exciting to them. The Enrich team is made up of Khadeeja Din, who graduated this past December from CCNY with a degree in computer science; Leila Hessam, a senior studying Applied Psychology & Economics; and Nafisa Nasher, a junior Psychology and Business Management major. On top of that, theyre a group of strong women ready to make their mark on the world–and ready to be a model for future generations of girls.
Zahn Innovation Center: Im so happy to get to sit down with you all, especially during this hectic time right before Demo Day. Can you believe its less than two weeks away?
Leila Hessam: Its really surreal. It wasnt that long ago that we were applying for the Zahn Center!
ZC: I know, right? This semester has flown by. Speaking of your application…what made you apply to the Zahn Center in the first place?
Khadeeja Din: Professor Grossberg led me to Zahn. I took his class in my final semester, where we were told to create a meaningful app that could solve a problem for someone. For the first time, I felt like I wasnt just creating something to get a grade, but I was creating something to solve an issue. When I thought of how difficult it is for parents to find enrichment programs for their children, I came up with Enrich.
LH: I also discovered Zahn through a professor, Karen Langsam. At first I didnt have an idea to share, but I wanted to join a team to build my leadership skills. I made it my goal to do the Zahn Competition to better myself. I met Khadeeja and got so excited about the idea.
Nafisa Nasher: For me, entrepreneurship runs in the family. My dads an entrepreneur, and I always pictured myself becoming my own boss, just like him. When Khadeeja told me about Enrich, I related to it and just wanted to get involved.
ZC: Do you have a personal experience with this problem?
NN: Definitely. I work at Kumon, and I see how afterschool programs can change a childs life. It truly upsets me to know that many kids dont get to experience these programs that will help them later on in life. I just want to make these more accessible.
LH: I think its the same for me. I used to tutor, and Im passionate about educating youth.
KD: Same. I used to work with the NYC Urban Debate League, where middle school students travel to take place in debates. These kids were SO GOOD at public speaking–a skill that most of us lack–and I just started to think, all kids need something like this. But for the three years I was there, it was always just the same kids participating. I started to wonder why other kids werent joining. Did they just not know about it?
ZC: Is that what you found out from talking to customers?
LH: Weve been talking to parents here in the city, and a lot of them tell us that if they knew about these programs, theyd enroll their kids. The current resources out there–pamphlets, lengthy internet searches–arent convenient for parents. They have to spend so much time searching for these programs, time they dont have.
NN: Weve especially found that immigrant families are missing out at a higher rate. Its a combination things, like being new to the area and having a language barrier. They may need a resource that could translate information about these programs to them.
LH: Psychologically, enrichment programs benefit children tremendously. But research shows that these programs are even more beneficial to children in lower income families. Typically, parents of lower income families work longer hours, and their children miss out on some of the extra learning that happens at home. They need afterschool or weekend programs.
ZC: Are you looking to specifically bring these programs to lower income families?
LH: We definitely want to reach everyone, but right now the African American and Hispanic families in our immediate area are our target market because were finding that these parents especially dont have the support they need to find these programs.
ZC: And where do you see Enrich in the long term?
KD: If its needed, we hope to expand across the globe. But right now its scary to picture ourselves on our own, outside of the Zahn Center.
LH: Hahaha yeah, its really easy to get comfortable here because everyone around us is so supportive.
NN: Being in a cohort with other startups is great. Were a big family that supports each other and gives each other feedback. The idea of entrepreneurship can be intimidating, youre starting something from scratch. But once you step out of your comfort zone–for us it was going to talk to potential customers–you start to grow and see the potential.
KD: Entrepreneurship is work that doesnt feel like work. It feels like more, because were pursuing our passions. Everything, even the little things like putting together a pitch deck, feels more rewarding because theres some true purpose.
LH: Were building a business incorporating so many different subjects and skills weve developed our entire lives. I feel like Im a psych student, but I still have a place in entrepreneurship. As a woman in business, I feel like theres especially so much to prove.
ZC: Do you feel more pressure?
LH: I feel like its bigger than us. I look at all the women Ive looked up to, all the role models out there, and I think that someday well be role models for others. Theres a little pressure that comes with that, but it makes you work extra hard.
KD: It was hard for me pursuing computer science, because there werent many females in my field. I definitely want to change that. I want to be a role model for other girls. I never want a young girl to think that she doesnt belong, that she cant reach her full potential.
ZC: I just realized that youre the only team at the Zahn Center made up solely of women. Wow! What you do you think about that?
KD: Hahaha yeah we realized that recently too. Weve been thinking about growing our team, but weve been working so well together for now.
LH: We always said wed look for a guy because diversity is important–it creates different thoughts–but well see!
NN: Its definitely important to have a well-rounded team…but its pretty cool that were an all-women team. I kind of want to keep it that way, at least for now!
ZC: Do you think it gives you a competitive edge for Demo Day?
LH: I think the fact that were students–or recent grads–gives us all the competitive edge we need. Were fresh. Were excited. And we have nothing to lose.
Check out Enrichs prototype at Demo Day, May 1st outside of the NAC from 12-2pm. You can vote for them as your favorite for an Audience Choice award worth $1,000!