Teen Social Entrepreneurs Inspire Action at “Greenwich Shark Tank”

By Shreya Prabhu

Greenwich Shark Tank

True to its commitment to promoting youth voices, the First Selectman’s Youth Commission (FSYC) ended its 2024-2025 term with a social entrepreneurship program, “Greenwich Shark Tank.”

The event took place on Saturday, June 14 at the YWCA Greenwich.

Rising Greenwich High School senior, Mariam Hussain, directed the event. Hussain, an advocate for social justice and a member of the FSYC, developed this opportunity to “encourage youth to build bridges, not ladders — promoting connection, understanding, and equity — rather than solely focusing on individual advancement.”

Modeling the format of the popular business reality television series, Shark Tank, Greenwich Shark Tank invited Greenwich youth in grades 8 through 10 to pitch their vision for a nonprofit organization focused on solving a social problem. Participants presented their proposals to a panel of community leaders and nonprofit professionals who served as advisors and judges.

Panelists, who represented diverse community organizations and broad expertise, provided participants with thoughtful feedback and insight. They also committed to supporting participants with their future endeavors.

Shark Tank panelists included Rebecca Avila, Barbara’s House Program Coordinator; Sonya Keshwani, Neighbor to Neighbor Youth Volunteer Coordinator; Janet Stone McGuigan, Greenwich Selectperson; Rocco Natale, Open Arts Alliance Executive Director; Demetria Nelson, Greenwich Department of Human Services Commissioner; and Lauren Rabin, Greenwich Selectwoman.

Inspiration

Motivated by her commitment to empower youth and her experience with community initiatives, Mariam Hussain created Greenwich Shark Tank to facilitate innovative student-led initiatives. Hussain’s contributions are many. She is a member of the First Selectman’s Youth Commission and president of the Social Justice Club at Greenwich High School. Her work in the Social Justice Club includes organizing fundraisers for Doctors Without Borders and the International Red Cross, and hosting events featuring professionals from various universities. Hussain encourages Greenwich youth to advocate for issues that are important to them and to explore partnerships with local leaders and community representatives.

Projects Focused on Community Well-being

Echoes in the Classroom (Danna Dias & Emma Jakab)
Tackling the teacher shortage by promoting teaching as a rewarding career, advocating for better pay, recognition, and community awareness.

Inspiring Girls Greenwich (Amelia Foell)
Focusing on empowering young women through mentorship, career exploration, and
networking, helping them build confidence and pursue their ambitions. (Not pictured)

The Middle Ground (Benjamin Friedman)
Seeking to unite students from all Greenwich middle schools with inclusive events that break
down social divisions and foster friendships and respect. (Not pictured)

Passion for Petals (Laila Galal)

Bringing joy to senior living homes by engaging youth volunteers to plant and deliver flowers, fostering intergenerational connections. (Not pictured)

Greenwich Roots Bringing Homes for People Who Make Our Town Work (Precious Nasozi)

Raising awareness about mixed-income housing and exclusionary zoning, aiming to ensure teachers and essential workers can afford to live in the town they serve.

Beacon (Maria Sucic)

Supporting teen mental health by providing a platform for students to connect with peers facing similar struggles, monitored by professionals.

The Community Catalyst Award

The Community Catalyst Award recognizes the social entrepreneur whose proposal seeks to enhance current approaches to a community concern. The vision of the Community Catalyst includes effective communication and the engagement of community partners. This award was granted to Laila Galal for her project, Passion for Petals.

Greenwich Changemaker Award

The Greenwich Changemaker Award recognizes the social entrepreneur whose proposal communicates an inspired and novel approach to a community concern. The vision of the Greenwich Changemaker is guided by thoughtful reflection and motivated by empathy.

This award was granted to Precious Nasozi for her project, Greenwich Roots: Bringing Homes for People Who Make Our Town Work.

 

Honorable Mention

The Greenwich Shark Tank Honorable Mention recognizes the participant whose proposal aims to create a more unified Greenwich and who plans to take realistic steps in doing so. Benjamin Friedman was awarded an Honorable Mention for his project, The Middle Ground.

Looking Forward

Greenwich Shark Tank exemplifies the power of youth leadership and the importance of youth perspectives in community problem-solving. Through Greenwich Shark Tank, Mariam Hussain facilitated connections between youth and community leaders. With the FSYC, she commits to supporting Greenwich Sharks as they work to transform their vision into impactful organizations. Hussain is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and civic engagement that will shape the future of Greenwich for years to come.