We are CU Boulder students from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds who bring our voices to the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative, act as role models, and lead innovative efforts for the student body.
We are student innovators with diverse perspectives from different disciplines who embrace an entrepreneurial spirit on campus and in the Boulder community. We believe each of us has unique strengths and innovative ideas, and together we can be more effective in taking action. Importantly, we seek to understand the larger picture of how innovation cuts across campus instead of being siloed.
We are driven by curiosity and the idea that innovation can be found everywhere. We aren't afraid to try new things and fail early and often. We see the world not how it is, but how it could be, taking steps towards tangible results that make the campus a more innovative place now, and into the future.
Have questions about entrepreneurship on campus? Reach out to us at iat@colorado.edu.
Our Values
Demystify Entrepreneurship
Connect the Dots
Just Send It
Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Push the Envelope
Take Chances
Recognize the Value of the Journey
2022-2023 Innovation Action Team
Lauren Daniels
BS Aerospace Engineering
Hi, I'm Lauren! As part of the Innovation Action Team, my goal is to help students of all backgrounds to achieve their entrepreneurial goals. I am passionate about the importance of creative problem solving, and I believe that innovation is the only way to achieve a brighter future.
Kashyap Challapalli
BS Computer Science and BS Applied Mathematics
Hey everyone! My name is Kash and I'm really excited to be part of the Innovation Action Team. I'm very passionate about entrepreneurship and want to be able to innovate within the technology space in order to bring a sound impact to the world.
Harris Cunningham
BS Business Administration
Hi, my name is Harris Cunningham. I'm currently a sophomore studying business in hopes of pursuing a career in consulting or private equity. I'm passionate about the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem present on this campus and love to learn about new startups and founders. It is my mission to help these startups flourish and inspire others on campus to follow in their footsteps. Some of my hobbies include marathoning, playing the piano, traveling and experiencing new places, and reading philosophy/mindset literature.
Maddie Freeman
BS Business Administration — Management & Entrepreneurship
I am a passionate youth leader pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation while also prioritizing suicide prevention and mental health work in schools. I have always been intrigued by the business world, and I’m driven to make a difference in the Boulder community. I currently run a nonprofit, log-off movement campaign called ‘NoSo November.’ The goal of NoSo is to educate youth on social media’s harmful effects on mental health and daily life by providing a short video, featuring myself and the Director of the Social Dilemma, that discusses these issues and challenges.
Omar Kaheel
BA Computer Science
I am passionate about the intersection between Data Science and entrepreneurship. I am working on gaining experience on how Data science can improve lives through entrepreneurial means.
Karthik Baggaon Rajendra
MS Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hi! I'm Karthik, a grad student in Electrical Engineering. I'm excited to be a part of the Innovation Action Team and work towards spreading awareness and development of the entrepreneurial community across our campus. I am looking forward to helping my peers with budding innovative ideas to connect with the appropriate resources on campus to begin their entrepreneurial journey and also learn from them
Monique Reid
MS Mechanical Engineering—Robotics & Product Design
Hello! My name is Monique, and I am thrilled to serve on the Innovation Action Team. I am a graduate student in engineering interested in robotics and product development. I have experience in the medical device industry from working at startups to large corporations. I enjoy sharing my passion for entrepreneurship with others and hope to encourage campus collaboration and inspire future leaders.
Addie Riley
BS Integrative Physiology
Minors: Spanish, Business
Hello! I’m Addie. As part of the Innovation Action Team, I’m hoping to help connect students from every corner of campus to entrepreneurship resources and opportunities at CU Boulder. I am excited to work with the Get Seed Funding program!
Julia Taylor
Doctoral Candidate — Musical Arts, Violin Performance
I wear many hats: student, innovator, teacher, violinist, researcher, performer, business owner, wife and probably more. I am so glad to be back to school to work on my Doctoral in Musical Arts degree in violin performance because I can improve my playing and teaching skills. On the other hand, being in the center of the epic startup scene in Boulder, I get inspired every day.
Sebastian Vargas
BS Computer Science
Hey, I'm Sebastian, and I'm excited to join the Innovation Action Team. I am looking forward to expanding my entrepreneurial skills and helping students reach their goals on campus!
Ricardo Wilson
BS Civil Engineering
Minor: Business
Hi all, my name is Ricardo Wilson. I am currently pursuing a degree in E+ Civil Engineering and minoring in business. I have enjoyed my time being a part of the Innovation Action Team and I look forward to continuing to be innovative while spreading those ideas across campus.