MENTOR SPOTLIGHT: VIVIAN CHE
When did you know you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path?
I knew I wanted to take an entrepreneurial path from an early age as I’ve always had a natural inclination for it. Being a tinkerer and problem solver, I found joy in devising solutions and addressing challenges. At the age of 16, I founded my first impact-based venture, a non-profit supporting women and children, which solidified my passion for creating positive change. This early experience fueled my desire to continue down the entrepreneurial path, driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Tell us about your venture/work.
I am the founder and CEO of Rise (joinrise.co) which is a next-gen career platform and community for overlooked individuals. I started Rise out of my own experience of trying to change careers from consumer goods to tech and getting rejected hundreds of times. We built Rise to make the job search process less overwhelming, intimidating, and lonely. Since founding, Rise has supported tens of thousands of professionals and hundreds of top-tier companies!
How did you decide to tackle this particular issue?
When founding Rise, I faced personal challenges while trying to break into a new industry due to my diverse background. This struggle exposed a prevailing issue: individuals like me, who don’t conform to traditional success narratives, often get overlooked in the job market. Determined to address this problem, I decided to create Rise as a platform that champions diversity and provides opportunities for talented individuals from all walks of life to showcase their potential and thrive in their chosen fields. Through Rise, we aim to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce.
What do you enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur? What’s hardest about it?
As an impact entrepreneur, I find great joy in making a positive difference in the world and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, being an Asian woman and self-taught coder in an industry dominated by the “dudes in hoodies” stereotype presents its challenges, especially with investors. Overcoming biases and preconceptions becomes a constant struggle to gain recognition and support. Nevertheless, this obstacle fuels my determination to break stereotypes, push boundaries, and prove that talent and innovation transcend societal norms. Ultimately, I aspire to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape that values ideas and potential over outdated patterns.
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