Ayah Rashid, founder of Fortis Academy, saw a real-world problem in her community and stepped up to fix it. Her business introduces Atlanta high school students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship early on, preparing them for startup success.
What’s the origin story of your startup?
After graduating from NYU Abu Dhabi, I became a Venture For America Fellow (VFA). That was my formal introduction to the startup space and being around young people interested in entrepreneurship like I was.
Then, I joined the VFA team as a recruiter and noticed some red flags over time. Applicants of color weren’t always talking about themselves like their white peers were — whether it was confidence in what they were doing or clarity on what they wanted to do. Many applicants wouldn’t start relevant internships until junior or senior year. When they became Fellows, they needed lots of resume support and were often nervous about negotiating salary. Meanwhile, their peers had a leg up.
That got me thinking. There has to be career readiness and professional development earlier on to prepare young people to start businesses and be impactful in the startup space. And that’s what I’m trying to fix for my demographic — to let them hit the ground running.
How did you get your business started?
Building the curriculum took several months. It was fun but intense, informed by my desire to introduce entrepreneurship to high school students at a predominantly Black school who are not typically exposed to it.
The curriculum becomes more complex each year, tackling new business language and design thinking concepts. The goal is to set students up for success when they graduate so they can earn scholarship dollars and attend the school of their choice.
Getting into the school was also a process. I pitched my plan to the principal and got the pilot approved. They then asked me back for another year, which is the ultimate gold star. I’m excited to build on what the students have learned and take the program to the next level.
What skills did you develop at NYUAD that are most important today?
The creative writing program gave me confidence in my writing and voice. I learned to translate complex ideas into digestible content, a skill that proved invaluable in professional settings. Everybody needs a writer these days! NYUAD was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’d do university five times over if I could.
How did your time in Abu Dhabi shape your approach to entrepreneurship?
The common thread in everything I’ve done — whether in high school, at NYUAD, or now — is seeing a problem or unmet need and figuring out how to solve it. In Abu Dhabi, I created a fashion line of modest yet stylish clothing that are bright and vibrant, for women who wanted options that reflected their personalities. It was a massive undertaking and I learned so much from the experience. Every endeavor is about solving a real need.
What makes your entrepreneurial experience unique?
There’s a pervasive stereotype of an entrepreneur as somebody who creates a product and makes a million dollars. That’s what you see on Shark Tank, right?
I’ve taught my students you don’t have to create some next-level app to be an entrepreneur. You don’t even have to be in the C-suite. You can make a difference even if you’re not running the show. I’m an entrepreneur, and I’m also in a classroom teaching kids new skills. I didn’t go to business school, yet I started my own business and earned money doing it. I’m also making an impact.
Entrepreneurs solve all kinds of problems. It can be anything. As long as you’re fulfilling a need for somebody, that’s entrepreneurship.
Home Region: USA
Current: Founder, Fortis Academy
Location: USA
Major: NYU Abu Dhabi Class of 2019