On the Occasion of the World Youth Day 2025
Innovation Without Borders: Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase
16 August 2025 | 1:00 PM | YouTube
On the occasion of the World Youth Day 2025, this event was an inspiring and dynamic celebration of youth entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience, organized by Set Them Free—a woman-led initiative committed to raising awareness about human rights, social issues, and empowering young voices worldwide. Hosted on YouTube, the session coincided with International Youth Day, emphasizing the vital role of youth in shaping the future through innovation, leadership, and social action.
The moderator, Gokce Ak, began by introducing Set Them Free`s mission and highlighting their ongoing efforts to organize language classes for refugees, empowerment seminars for women and children, and initiatives that foster leadership among youth. She emphasized that youth are not only voices of change but active agents of justice, compassion, and innovation. The event aimed to showcase stories of young entrepreneurs who turn ideas into action, overcome challenges, and contribute to their communities.
Busra Guthrie, a board member at the Set Them Free and co-host, opened the discussion by reflecting on the significance of International Youth Day. She explained that this day celebrates the resilience, creativity, and leadership of young people globally, and highlighted this year’s UN theme: “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond.” Busra emphasized that young entrepreneurs are transforming global goals into local actions through social initiatives and ventures, and that their stories of perseverance and innovation are vital for inspiring others.
The event featured a series of spotlight presentations from young entrepreneurs, each sharing their background, motivations, and the journey behind their ventures:
– Senna Kandil founder of Kanye Designs on Etsy, shared how her love for design and her desire to express her cultural and religious identity inspired her to create Islamic-themed tech accessories. She explained that her goal was to make meaningful, timeless products that resonate with people sharing similar values. Her motivation stemmed from a passion for design and a wish to turn her hobby into a livelihood, emphasizing that perseverance and dedication are key.
– Selim Kilic a Brooklyn-based entrepreneur, recounted how he started his packaging supply business during his final university year after a chance encounter with a container of unsold goods. His initial effort involved door-to-door sales, and over three years, he expanded his inventory and now runs his business full-time. His story exemplified resilience and the importance of seizing opportunities and doing thorough research.
– Kekenus Rouzi, an American author, introduced her upcoming fantasy novel, The Boy with the Black Blood, inspired by her heritage and experiences of oppression faced by her homeland. She expressed her desire to create characters that reflect her cultural background and provide representation for marginalized communities. She also shared her fears of failure and judgment, framing her publishing journey as an act of courage and self-expression.
Busra then invited the panelists into a roundtable discussion, asking about their views on entrepreneurship, the challenges of being young and immigrant, and what they wish more people understood about their journeys. The panelists highlighted themes such as the importance of pursuing passions despite societal expectations, the significance of risk-taking and persistence, and the power of community support and mentorship. They emphasized that starting small, taking consistent steps, and believing in oneself are crucial for success.
They also discussed the misconceptions surrounding timing—highlighting that “perfect timing” often doesn’t exist. Instead, success comes from continuous effort, resilience, and seizing opportunities when they arise. Several shared personal stories of small wins—such as the first customer or the first sale—that felt monumental and motivated them to push forward, reinforcing that every step counts. Throughout the conversation, the panelists underscored the importance of ethical business practices, giving back to the community, and representing their identities responsibly. They reflected on how their immigrant backgrounds influence their work and the narratives they choose to share, advocating for a positive portrayal that contrasts negative stereotypes often seen in media.
The event concluded with heartfelt encouragement from the panelists, emphasizing that young people are capable of immense creativity, bravery, and impact. They urged the audience to support each other, share stories, and recognize that every individual’s journey is valuable. The moderator expressed gratitude for the honest and inspiring stories shared and invited viewers to connect via social media to share their own experiences or start new ventures.
In closing, the event celebrated the power of youth to shape a better future through innovation, courage, and community. The organizers reaffirmed their commitment to uplifting young voices and fostering a global network of inspired changemakers, reminding everyone that no matter how small the step, it contributes to a larger movement of positive change.
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