In the 90s, there were very few resources for startups, and I didn't have any connections in the industry, which made it challenging to get involved.

I didn't look like the typical biotech or healthcare founder; I'm a woman of color without advanced degrees like an MBA or MD, which made me feel inadequate at times.

I never saw myself becoming a founder or CEO; I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, far from Silicon Valley, and was more focused on social justice during my youth.

I was 23 when I became a founder, transitioning from studying sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki to the tech industry, which felt unconventional for someone with my background.

After quitting my job at Amazon, I moved to San Francisco where I found a co-founder and began working on various startup ideas without being picky about the market.

I started my first company in New York City while I was broke, didn't speak good English, and had no idea how to start a startup.

After college, I worked at a biotech firm but felt the slow career progression pushed me to pursue entrepreneurship, especially after a roommate suggested we start a company together.

I still feel like I know very little about startups, and having a community of motivated people around me is incredibly valuable.

If you don't know any technical co-founders, consider working at a startup first to build connections and gain experience before launching your own company.