How has Girls With Impact helped you, whether personally or professionally?
The process of developing a prototype and venture has exposed me to the intricacies of entrepreneurship which have proved to be very useful in many fields that I have come across throughout my high school career. When I entered the Girls With Impact program, I had a clear and exact vision for my venture; I didn’t regard the development of my prototype as a malleable endeavor, rather a fixed path of creation. As I progressed in my GWI course, I encountered various setbacks. With the help of my GWI mentor, I was able to adapt and respond to these obstacles. I would say that my experience with making “real time” decisions while not being able to predict the impact of these choices has been and will continue to be applicable to many of my studies .
Can you pinpoint specific skills or knowledge gained from the GWI program that you found most valuable, even if you didn't continue with the venture?
When developing procedures for my prion contamination research or examining a witness in a mock trial, I am constantly having to quickly respond to new information or unexpected obstacles. I think the tools associated with the field of entrepreneurship are fundamental for any field, and in order to revolutionize other fields, one must understand entrepreneurship. All of us that are part of the GWI community are so fortunate to have had exposure to the GWI curriculum, GWI’s team, and GWI’s impact firsthand
What did you end up focusing on after graduation?
Although I have now pivoted from my prototype and venture, I am still an active participant in the Girls With Impact community. As an ambassador and the Vice President of the Student Board, I aim to expand the geographical reach of available scholarships. By advocating for Girls With Impact and voicing the benefits of the program to various audiences, including government officials and representatives, I hope to grow further interest and commitment to the worthwhile cause of female entrepreneurship. I am grateful for my own experience at Girls With Impact, and I hope the program’s impact continues to be available to more girls who are ready to make their own impact.
While I am currently engaged in professional violin ensembles and All-State competitive swimming and mock trial, I primarily focus on my research in the fields of genetics, specifically gene therapy and prion contamination, and mathematics, specifically about elliptic curves and number theory. The tools I learned in my course at Girls With Impact have undoubtedly proved to be useful as I attempt to address problems and develop novel solutions to current and relevant biological setbacks. As a result, I am currently establishing a free program for elementary and middle school students that highlights the relevant intersections between STEM and entrepreneurship. I hope that my program will create a bridge between STEM and entrepreneurship, which is core to developing new solutions and technologies for the benefit of the entire world
Name: Karin Lund
Age: 17
Hometown: Greenwich, CT
School: Blake School