| Tell us about your company: |
| As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and we experience an era of unprecedented world challenges, it is imperative for our youth to be aware of how they are interrelated with people in other parts of the world. At Getaway Growth, we believe enriching opportunities such as transformative travel and experiential learning prepare students to develop the nuance and understanding needed for real-world interactions and become global leaders of tomorrow. Too often underrepresented communities face insurmountable obstacles in participating in these enriching experiences. It is our mission to remove barriers and facilitate access to international travel for underserved youth in the United States by developing and providing fully funded programs for our student cohort, helping expand their mindset of possibilities and see the many opportunities and paths available to them. |
| What inspired you to start your business? |
| I was born and raised in Kenya as a third-culture kid, and my journey has taken me across three continents and 30 countries. Growing up, I experienced poverty firsthand, lived in both homogenous and diverse societies, and navigated places where I didn’t speak the language. I’ve taken 24-hour bus and train rides between countries, been forced to trust strangers, and constantly found myself outside of my comfort zone. These experiences have shaped me in profound ways, helping me unlearn stereotypes and cultural biases, and allowing me to see the world as it truly is—complex, interconnected, deeply human, and where kindness is around us. Through these experiences, I’ve not only gained choices and opportunities, but each phase of my life has been shaped by them in ways I could have never imagined. Every challenge I faced, every new culture I embraced, and every journey I embarked on opened doors that led to personal and professional growth. These experiences didn’t just offer me a path forward—they expanded my perspective, pushed my boundaries, and unlocked possibilities I never thought were within my reach. They have given me the courage to take risks, the resilience to navigate uncertainty, and the confidence to seize opportunities that align with my purpose. Each step of my journey has been a testament to how transformative experiences, especially through travel, can redefine our understanding of what is possible. I also developed a deep appreciation for life and a positive outlook on facing challenges. I’ve learned to embrace the best of different cultures, values, and perspectives, enriching my own worldview. Because travel has played such a transformative role in my life, I wanted to share that same opportunity with others. While I was fortunate to have a good education and a stable home, travel was a luxury my family couldn’t always afford. I know firsthand how expensive studying abroad, volunteering, or even budget travel can be. And that’s exactly why I started Getaway Growth—to make these opportunities more accessible. |
| What are your proudest achievements so far? |
| Since our founding in 2021, Getaway Growth has partnered with non-profit organizations and community leaders to organize diverse, equitable, and transformative travel experiences for our student cohort. We are currently on our third summer, taking cohorts to participate in a two-week educational program exploring intercultural competence, ethical service learning, and environmental stewardship in Kenya. |
| What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs: |
| If there’s one piece of advice I would offer to aspiring entrepreneurs, it would be this: take the time to truly find and understand your “why”—the deep, intrinsic motivation that fuels your passion and drives you forward. Entrepreneurship is not just about launching a business or developing an idea; it’s about resilience, adaptability, and commitment to a purpose greater than yourself. Your “why” is what will sustain you when challenges arise, when the path ahead is uncertain, and when setbacks make you question whether to keep going. It’s the foundation that will keep you grounded in moments of doubt and push you to persevere when things don’t go as planned. More importantly, a strong “why” gives you clarity, helping you make decisions that align with your values and long-term vision. It’s easy to get caught up in external measures of success—funding, recognition, or rapid growth—but without a clear sense of purpose, these accomplishments can feel hollow. When your entrepreneurial journey is rooted in something deeply meaningful to you, every challenge becomes a lesson, every milestone a step toward impact, and every failure an opportunity to refine your vision. So take the time to reflect, ask yourself hard questions, and be honest about what truly inspires you. Whether it’s a personal experience, a desire to create change, or a problem you feel compelled to solve—knowing your “why” will not only set you apart but will also give you the endurance and passion to keep going, no matter what comes your way. |
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