78% of girls want to be entrepreneurs.
But less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to female-only founded companies.
Shocked by those statistics, Danya Herman — an aspiring business founder herself — vowed to do something about it.
She created Future Girl Entrepreneurs, a platform for connecting aspiring young creators with experienced female mentors.
Danya Herman
The centerpiece is a contest for females ages 14-20. They submit business ideas. Ten finalists gain access to training focused on accessing capital, including help creating a pitch deck.
Five winners are chosen from that round. They receive mentorship from female VCs and/or entrepreneurs — and earn the chance to pitch to a panel of female VCs via Zoom.
Future Girl Entrepreneurs is an important concept. It’s executed brilliantly.
What’s even more impressive is that Danya Herman is just 16 years old.
Next week, the Westport resident begins her junior year at Greens Farms Academy. She founded the school’s Entrepreneurs Club. As a member of Westport’s Youth Commission, her current project is a student hackathon at GFA on October 5.
But it is through FGE that she is making her mark globally.
At 12, Danya developed a prototype for her own business: an app for teens interested i decorating their rooms.
But she learned how much it would cost to build. So — like any good entrepreneur — she pivoted.
The budding company founder became someone who would teach other potential business owners how to overcome the barriers so many females face.
Her first challenge was finding mentors willing to help. She researched female entrepreneurs, then contacted them via email and LinkedIn. Many were willing to help — and to introduce her to others
Some of the mentors on the Future Girl Entrepreneurs site.
Mentors include Myra Hart, retired Harvard Business School professor and co-founder of Staples, the office supply store; Maura Connor, founder and CEO of Catalytic Solutions, and Maria Gotsch of the Partnership Fund for NYC.
As for Danya’s global impact: That’s not hyperbole.
This summer, she interned with Fen Ventures. The Santiago, Chile-based firm fosters early-stage startups in Latin America.
Danya attended a VC conference in Patagonia.
Actually, she did more than “attend.” She gave a presentation about the US venture capital ecosystem.
In Spanish.
Danya Herman, giving her Patagonia presentation.
It’s daunting enough for a 16-year-old to present to adults. To do so in a second language is even more impressive.
“I’m so interested in this, I didn’t want to shy away,” Danya says.
Spoken like a true entrepreneur.
Of any age. Or gender.
For a story (in Spanish) on Danya’s presentation, click here.
(“06880” often highlights the remarkable achievements of young Westporters. If you enjoy these stories — or any others on your hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
How fabulous!!!
As a member of the Youth Commission I get to see Danya in action. She is the “real deal” and a future leader. I am thankful that 06880 continues to highlight our communities treasures…our Youth!