Sophia Liu, a junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, was chosen as a winner of the Summer of Innovation contest sponsored by YELLOW.
The contest challenged students to come up with a new business idea, art or music project, unique invention, or a helpful service that would help solve a problem in their community.
Sophia created “Spreading Smiles,” a campaign designed to promote awareness and acceptance for children who are born with cleft lip and palate conditions.
The campaign would use t-shirts with innovative and eye-catching designs to bring attention to the issue, and ultimately combat bullying, social isolation, and neglect for those affected by it.
As part of her contest entry, Sophia created a business pitch to help promote her idea; you can click here to watch it.
One winner was selected in an elementary, middle school, and high school age group; Sophia’s prize included $5,000 in startup money to help get her project off the ground and a business mentor to help her through the process.
YELLOW is a nonprofit social venture founded by Pharrell Williams with a mission of educating young people by helping them embrace their strengths and empower them with the skills to be successful later in life.