Venture for America

From NYC
My immigrant family stuck close to New York after arriving in 1998. From the moment I set foot in the United States as an immigrant, I felt a deep desire to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of American culture, customs, and community. As much as I loved the nook of the world my family raised me in, I wanted to better understand the rest of the United States. What makes you an American? Is it a creed, a culture or community? Venture for America became the basis of my exploration of my American identity.

To KC
I fell in love with Kansas City, Missouri over the almost 3 years that I lived there. I started my first startup, Normaliz AI, my first “big-girl” job at Fenaroli & Associates, and began my exploration of the American heartland. I became invested in my community’s safety and joined the KC Defender to investigate Black women’s safety in the hands of negligent police system.

other places i explored in Missouri :

Saint Louis (also a VFA city!)
Saint Joseph
Springfield

To Philadelphia
I discovered the power of art as a medium for activism and resistance. In Philadelphia, I witnessed artists using their creativity to shed light on social issues, challenge established norms, and push for change. The fusion of art and activism showed me that culture can be a catalyst for societal transformation, allowing individuals to voice their concerns and advocate for a better future.

Along the way, I found myself collaborating with talented fellows and entrepreneurs who shared my passion for startups. The startup culture in the U.S. is vibrant, with a spirit of innovation and a willingness to take risks. Even the failures in this realm became invaluable learning opportunities. I learned that setbacks pave the way for growth, and each entrepreneurial endeavor, regardless of its outcome, contributed to my investment in American culture.

To Raleigh
Joining Gradient Health, Inc, a medical repository startup, not only provided me with the opportunity to advance my skills in medical software engineering but also opened doors to learning other crucial aspects of the healthcare industry. During my time at Gradient Health, I immersed myself in the world of grant writing, acquiring the knowledge and expertise to secure funding for innovative projects and research initiatives. Working in a medical-focused environment enabled me to deeply understand and adhere to HIPAA compliance regulations, ensuring the privacy and security of patient data.

And home again
My home is where my heart is. Now, my heart expands the corners of the United States – Kansas City, Philadelphia, Raleigh, New York – and many, MANY other cities will join in my heart over time. Through my experiences in various cities, I witnessed the incredible diversity that characterizes American communities. Each city had its unique vibe, people, and customs, all contributing to the broader mosaic of American culture. This exposure fostered a profound connection within me, as I realized that the United States is not a monolithic entity but rather a collection of vibrant communities.