September 23, 2024- Meet Sophie Saied, a shining example of JABC’s impact on its alumni. Sophie has seamlessly transitioned from her high school entrepreneurial journey to pursuing higher education at the prestigious UBC Sauder School of Business. As one of our standout JABC Alumni, Sophie’s journey exemplifies how JA provides invaluable real-world business experience to young students, propelling them towards success.
During her time in the JA Company Program, Sophie’s student company, Landsnap, specialized in producing high-quality picture frames. Serving as the VP of Finance, Sophie played a pivotal role in managing the financial aspects of the venture, learning skills in budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
Reflecting on her JA experience, Sophie remarked, “JA provided me with firsthand business experience while I was still in high school, which is such a valuable opportunity. The program also allowed me to expand my network and familiarize myself with the difficulties of starting a business without requiring an excessive time or financial commitment.”
Sophie’s dedication and leadership were further recognized when she received the Oratory & Presentation Skills award and had the privilege to speak at the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremonies in May 2023, showcasing her exceptional communication abilities and business acumen. Sophie was also a co-host at our Discovery Foundation’s Discover Your Pitch program in May. Discover Your Pitch is an exclusive investor pitch competition where high school students in grades 9-12 present their business ideas to a panel of top B.C. business leaders, after participating in workshops and coaching sessions to develop their skills.
A graduate of Handsworth Secondary in North Vancouver and now having finished her first year at UBC Sauder, Sophie continues to leverage the skills and knowledge gained through JA. Her journey as a JABC Alumni is a testament to the transformative impact of experiential learning and how it prepares students for future success in their academic and professional endeavors.
In sharing her advice to fellow young individuals, Sophie emphasizes the importance of seizing every opportunity for exploration and growth.
“My advice to young people is to seize every opportunity they have to explore their interests, including the ones they might not find as exciting and captivating. Whether it’s starting a business or taking an arts course, sometimes new experiences can broaden your horizon and lead you to discover new unexpected areas of passion. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and make more fulfilling life choices.”
– Sophie Saied
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