A New Generation of Changemakers: The impact of Sophie Liu and Sudenaz from the LaunchX summer season

The 2024 LaunchX season has given rise to an inspiring new wave of young entrepreneurs, each driven by a unique vision to make a difference in the world. Among them are Sophie Liu and Sudenaz Irem Ak, two remarkable individuals from the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor program and UC Berkeley program, respectively. Though their journeys began from different places, they share a common goal: to create lasting change through entrepreneurship. Sophie, with her dedication to empowering disabled students, and Sudenaz, with her commitment to transforming education in Turkey, are both harnessing the power of entrepreneurship to address critical issues in their communities. Their stories are a testament to the potential of young innovators to drive positive social change.

Sophie Liu: Empowering Disabled Students with Entrepreneurship

Sophie Liu, an alumna of the 2024 LaunchX program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, has always been passionate about empowering disabled students. Raised in Austin, Texas, Sophie’s commitment to supporting children with disabilities drove her to work with teams in the disability support industry. This mission became the foundation of her entrepreneurial journey.

Entering LaunchX with no prior experience in running a business, Sophie was ready to learn and grow. "I didn't have any expectations because I hadn’t started my own company before," she reflects. Despite this, the program provided her with invaluable skills in product development, fundraising, and public speaking. One highlight was raising $350 by meeting people on the street in Ann Arbor, a tangible success that gave her confidence in her abilities and reinforced her belief in the power of social entrepreneurship.

Although Sophie faced challenges, such as balancing her workload and overcoming social anxiety, LaunchX provided her with the tools to succeed. "I’m a lot more confident now. I can speak to a broader audience," she shares. The experience also taught her resilience, particularly in the face of rejection, which is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship.

Looking to the future, Sophie has a bold vision for disabled students. She dreams of creating programs and products that provide meaningful support and access, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals. Personally, she would also like to become a top-level musician as a viola player. With her newfound confidence and direction, Sophie is determined to make a lasting change on the world.

Sudenaz: From Vision to Reality in Social Entrepreneurship

Sudenaz, a participant in the 2024 LaunchX program at UC Berkeley, is passionate about creating opportunities for disabled students in her home country of Turkey. Her entrepreneurial journey began with a simple but powerful idea: to use education and technology to support marginalized groups.

When Sudenaz first joined LaunchX, she had no specific expectations. "I [realized that I] didn’t need to wait to start a company; I don’t have to be an adult to do this," she reflects. Despite facing significant hurdles, including visa delays, Sudenaz quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment of LaunchX, learning how to navigate challenges and build her startup from the ground up. "The team really helped me learn to communicate and catch up," she says, grateful for the mentorship and camaraderie of her peers.

What stood out most to Sudenaz was the balance of learning and community. "It was like a university," she explains. The flexible schedule, with classes and discussions throughout the day, gave her the space to absorb valuable insights while building meaningful relationships. This hands-on approach to entrepreneurship helped her transform her passion into a tangible business idea that could make a real-world impact.

Sudenaz’s ambitions go far beyond just launching a company. She dreams of creating educational programs for underserved communities in Eastern Turkey, with the goal of establishing the largest company in the country to fund her mission. "I want to travel, work remotely, and buy a house for my mom," she shares, embodying the spirit of perseverance and entrepreneurial vision. With her sights set high, Sudenaz is on track to make a profound impact as an entrepreneur.

Sophie Liu and Sudenaz exemplify the power of entrepreneurship to solve real-world problems and create opportunities for underserved communities. Through their experiences in the LaunchX program, both have gained the skills, confidence, and determination to pursue their bold visions. As these young entrepreneurs continue to develop their ideas, they remind us that with passion, perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible. Their journeys are just beginning, and the world will undoubtedly benefit from the innovations and change they will bring in the years to come.

Read more alumni stories from Dylan, Bailey, and Mohamed and find Sophie and Sudenaz on LinkedIn!

It’s application season! Explore five different programs, including the UC Berkeley program Sudenaz attended, here. Start your application here and make this coming summer count.

Are you a LaunchX alumni? Stay up to date within the LaunchX ecosystem with other alumni throughout the years and across the world by joining our community Discord server. Interested in pitching an idea to LaunchX, sharing your story, providing feedback, or joining the team? Message fellow alum and writer Rachel (rachel@launchx.com) to get connected and chat more.