The Intersection of Empathy and Entrepreneurship

In Gary Kayye?? CTS's class today, I took a personality test, in which I discovered I am an Enneagram 2. Twos are driven by a deep desire to love and help the people around them. They intuitively recognize when others need their support and offer it unconditionally.?

My number one priority has always been to champion others. Growing up, I was taught to “fill up each other’s buckets.” Instead of receiving gifts for my birthday, I asked friends to bring toys for the Levine’s Children’s Hospital. In middle school, I started a nonprofit organization, the Caring Causes Campaign, which ranged from mentoring autistic children to fundraising for college applicants to supplying essentials for domestic violence victims.

It wasn’t until the end of my first year in college that I fully realized my passion for using business as a force for good. Through the launch of my own company, a volunteer marketing internship, and serving as a camp counselor, I learned how fulfilling it is to combine an entrepreneurial spirit with positive impact. These experiences solidified my commitment to pursuing a path where I can use my skills and degree in business to support meaningful causes.?

At the start of 2022, I leaped into entrepreneurship by founding Faithful Trading LLC, a wholesale medical supplies business. The idea for the company stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it quickly became much more than a way to earn additional income.?

Faithful Trading presented obstacles as Amazon and eBay have strict requirements regarding medical devices. Through persistent communication and research on the Wiselion Medical Technology Company, I sold over 10,000 KN95 masks and 300 IR thermometers. As restrictions were lifted, I donated the remaining 4,000 masks and 96 thermometers to local fire departments. From a ‘behind-the-scenes’ viewpoint, I gained first-hand experience navigating e-commerce- between setting up an EIN and opening a business bank account to creating invoices. This instilled resilience and a willingness to learn from failure, both of which are key to successful entrepreneurship.??

My passion for blending business with impact strengthened during my first internship with PLSC (Pink Lemonade Stand Campaign). As a marketing intern, I was responsible for generating awareness for breast cancer research. I worked to create compelling content, manage social media accounts, and liaise with media outlets to spread the word about our cause. The real value of this experience came from learning how to promote a cause-driven campaign and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, from national organizations to local schools, businesses, and sororities.

Beyond digital marketing, I played a key role in developing ambassador programs, mobilizing students nationwide to support the cause. This internship taught me how strategic marketing can create a ripple effect—engaging diverse stakeholders, from national organizations to local schools, businesses, and sororities.

As a counselor for Kesem , a camp that supports children whose parents have cancer, my perspective on the world has drastically changed. Although these children come from various backgrounds, they all share one thing in common: loss. Tragedy does not discriminate; it infiltrates the lives of those you would least expect. During the last week of summer in 2022, I had the privilege of mentoring 13 and 14-year-old girls, who radiate optimism and what we like to call the “magic” of Kesem. One camper in particular, nicknamed Kitty-Cat, encapsulated true leadership as she convinced our entire unit to participate in the talent show, taught younger campers how to knot friendship bracelets, and comforted others during Empowerment, a vulnerable time for campers to share their story. You would never know that both of her parents are suffering from cancer.?

Through Kesem, I learned to be grateful for the simplest blessings we often take for granted and to display humility in face of adversity. Selfless, servant leadership, and soft skills like empathy support innovative solutions, deepen connections, and create a mosaic community of life-changing stories.?

Whether it was launching my first business, learning the ropes of marketing, or serving as a counselor, I’ve discovered that success in business goes beyond financial growth — it means creating lasting value that positively impacts communities. I’m excited to continue exploring this intersection of business and philanthropy, knowing that the true measure of success lies in the positive change we can create for others.