Building the Economy by Feeding the Pipeline of Future Leaders

“Entrepreneurs follow their dreams no matter what the economy reveals, and the current economic situation isn’t going to stop them,” says UW sophomore and business major Sohroosh Hashemi. Hashemi is one of nearly 40 undergraduates taking part in the Lavin Entrepreneurial Action Program, an opportunity that has given him the tools and practical experience needed to start his own apparel company after graduation.

Administered through the Foster School of Business Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Lavin Program admits freshmen who continue as a group throughout the undergraduate experience. Students in the program visit regional startup companies, attend an engaging speaker series, intern with early-stage companies and ultimately gain the know-how and insight to jump-start their own ideas and innovations.

The program’s supportive environment allows Hashemi and other Lavin Scholars to blend their personal aspirations and business minds. Case-in-point: Hashemi’s dream of building an apparel company found traction when he recently tackled a project involving imbedded electronics in fabrics. “Entrepreneurship is a buzz word now, but really it’s about creativity and doing things in an innovative and different way,” adds Hashemi. “It’s why I love the idea of blending both art and business: it’s creative.”

Inspired by their deep belief in equipping tomorrow’s leaders to successfully compete in the business world, Leonard and Bernice Lavin created the Lavin Entrepreneurial Action Program in 2007. “I think it’s essential for the future competitiveness of America for individuals with dreams and ideas to be able to turn those into successful businesses,” said Lavin. Using his own innovative advertising and marketing strategies, Lavin took Alberto VO5 to the consumer marketplace in the 1950s.

“There are certain traits all entrepreneurs have, but that’s not an automatic formula for success,” says fellow Lavin Scholar and sophomore Vance Roush. “There’s so much to learn about funding, marketing plans, investors’ needs, calculated risks and everything in between.” As a result, he’s taking advantage of all the Lavin Program offers to flesh out his ideas: collaborating with peers, networking with business leaders, receiving mentoring and encouragement from faculty and staff and interning with a range of business sectors.

As the program influences the next generation of business leaders, Foster School Dean Jim Jiambalvo echoes the need for opportunities like these, “A program like this helps attract top students with entrepreneurial aspirations and produces graduates with the drive and finely-honed skills to succeed.”

Beyond gaining an edge for their business ventures, Roush and Hashemi believe that both the program and pursuing entrepreneurship offer something far more valuable. “Entrepreneurship matters because it creates opportunities for other people too, and that ultimately will make the economy stronger,” Roush said. Hashemi provides yet another view, “Students gaining a great experience like this will return the favor as they go into the world.”

For more information on supporting students in the Foster School of Business, visit www.foster.washington.edu/invest.