2022 Fellow Focus: Tiffany Green + Uprooted Academy

Dreamer, worker bee, higher education champion…2022 Fellow Tiffany Green of Uprooted Academy shares more about her #RuthlessForGood journey.

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

The need propelled me. During COVID, students were home and unable to get a lot of the support for their college application process at school. I realized there was no system set up for students to learn on the go. I knew I had the knowledge and the insight that was so important for students to be able to still follow their dreams of going to college.

I think the part I enjoy the most about being a founder is the sense of joy of creating something that was your vision and seeing it complete. I’ve always given 110% in my work, but it’s a childlike energy that comes over me when I see the thing I’ve created reaching the group I want to impact.

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

I serve the student I once was. I do it daily because no one deserves to navigate the thought of achieving a big dream without step-by-step support. I know that if I can alleviate the anxiety around this process for students, they will learn to feel comfortable doing challenging things. It will mean they will apply to those selective internships, graduate programs, study abroad, or taking a leap to start their own business.

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.”

I think “Constant Learner” resonates with me. This has been a challenging process for me. I never really wanted to become an entrepreneur. I pride myself on being a great worker bee that serves other people’s vision. I 100% knew my passion and product, but 100% did not know how to run a business. I had to learn from watching others, reading about others and asking some questions that might feel elementary. It was a lesson in not feeling like I should have known or I have to know it all to start the journey. This experience at Camelback has been about learning: learning from my peers, the team, my coaches and the curriculum. Lots and lots of learning.

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

I hope to start a legacy of educational products that are designed by people who mirror the students they serve and pave the way for others to really break into a very closed market.

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

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. Now more than ever I need to leave shame outside and invite vulnerability in, in order to get the support I need to have a realized vision of Uprooted Academy.

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