Author Description

Gen Z Teens Take Action: Stories of Circumstance, Passion and Opportunity tells the stories of fourteen real teens and tweens who found themselves in every day growing-up moments observing life around them, questioning the status quo, and sometimes facing significant personal obstacles. At every junction in their young lives, they pondered, reflected and searched for answers. Each of their journeys became the foundation of a new product idea or service and many of their efforts are now having an impact on teens in the U.S, and as far away as India. This book shares their stories of entrepreneurship, and how they went from simple observation to creating the building blocks of a solution. Their stories start from their moment of AHA, to the first small experimental steps, to the mentorship and support they received along the way, to how they approached product development and marketing strategy. Their first-hand stories reveal occasions of self-doubt, courage, persistence, and ultimately a newfound confidence gained from the experience of pursuing a passion. Their entrepreneurial stories are told based on a set of interviews the author conducted with each of the young innovators. Their efforts have yielded extraordinary outcomes including starting a podcast on teen mental health, placing a brand on the store shelves of Target, supporting a national referendum on teen financial literacy, and partnering with USASA to prevent teen suicide. Their initiative and drive have given them opportunities to participate in - and win - business pitch contests; give a TEDx talk; and go to the White House to advise the President and Vice President... all in the name of getting their trailblazing ideas out in the world. This collection of stories showcases the diverse passions and innovative thinking driving youth everywhere to take action and make a difference in their communities. This book is for anyone - young or old - who ever dared to dream they could create change. Each of the