2022 Fellow Focus: Ariana Abramson + DivySci

Tech entrepreneur, #GirlBoss, legacy builder…2022 Fellow Ariana Abramson of DivySci shares more about her #RuthlessForGood journey.

What propelled you into the entrepreneurial space? And what do you enjoy most about being a founder?

When I enrolled in my Master’s Degree program, I had a good-paying cushy job, and by all accounts, I was winning. However, while in the program, I heard from many technology leaders about their successes in building and running companies. I remember thinking to myself, “If he can do it, why not me?”

To this day, I vividly remember my paradigm shift when I realized that I was trying to define myself by others’ perspectives, good, bad, or otherwise. I was stuck in an oppressive cycle that wanted to make me conform to the status quo. I reclaimed my power by remembering my roots, praying, and allowing myself to exist authentically. What I enjoy most about this experience is the freedom to create, imagine, and truly be boundless.

As a BIPOC founder, Camelback understands that the struggle is constant, what motivates you to get up every day and keep on fighting?

I am on an assignment! I am motivated by the truth that what I am building and the struggles I may be encountering are not without divine purpose. One thing that keeps me grounded is that I am giving back to my community through technology. But most importantly, I am also helping set the stage for the next generation of girls that look like me to build a better world for us all.

Tell me about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback’s core values: “Belief in Mission + Vision”; “Unafraid of Failure”; “Constant Learner”; “Humble + Hungry”; and “Give First.”

Starting this journey was rough. We spent months on customer discovery. We pivoted from our initial idea, got lots of rejections, harsh feedback, and even lost initial team members along the way. However, I have learned to fail forward, fail fast, and fail often. We became unafraid of failure as an organization, and we became humble and hungry enough to stay on path. Not only did we get super clear on what we are building, but our north star keeps us grounded as we envision a world that elevates and cultivates the genius of Black and Brown women.

As a social innovator, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations?

I believe the only way our world will genuinely tackle its most challenging issues is through advancing underestimated girls and women of color in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Building DivySci is the first of many steps in my journey to cultivate a legacy that builds equitable spaces, invests resources, and elevates the narratives of Black and Brown women in STEM.

What’s your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?

In terms of entrepreneurial inspiration, I enjoy listening to the podcast “How I Built This with Guy Raz.”

What do you hope to take away from your Camelback Fellowship Journey?