This Women’s History Month, The Daily Texan compiled a list of some of the Kendra Scott FoundHERs who are making waves in their industries. These women use resources from the UT Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute Founder Program to support their change making.
Chinaza Onungwa, Veré
Inspired by psychology, healthcare, technology and public speaking, Chinaza Onungwa and her co-founder, Om Yadam, created the app Veré to combat the Gen Z loneliness epidemic and foster real connection. Rather than replacing real-life connections, this platform offers guidance on how to form authentic relationships through weekly challenges. As a 2024 graduate and former shadowing coordinator for the Black Health Professions Organization at UT, Onungwa wove together her many interests to create an app that is meaningful and impactful.
Amber Etana Vasquez, AbleBotics
AbleBotics is an AI-powered assistive technology that combines cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to inclusivity. Alumna Amber Etana Vasquez, class of 2023, founded the company in 2024 to empower individuals to live better lives with AI-integrated assistive technology that nurtures independence, guarantees safety and bolsters confidence in everyday routines. During her time at UT, she was also involved in Design for America, Women in STEM and Tau Sigma.
Ruhi Nanji, LegaLink
As a member of the UT Women in Business Association and the Social Entrepreneurship Learning Lab, business administration sophomore Ruhi Nanji is filling a gap in accessible resources for South Asian immigrants through her online platform LegaLink. Inspired by her experiences as an immigrant, this tool provides accessible, multilingual legal support and resources to make the immigration process smoother while fostering a sense of belonging.
Melanie Mahaffey, Care Path
Melanie Mahaffey, class of 2002, founded Care Path in 2020 as a way to help women look and feel their best inside and out. While she originally graduated from UT Austin in 2002 with a bachelor’s in communications, Mahaffey also completed the McCombs School of Business Executive Education, Leading Change program in 2010. Her store offers a quick way for customers to find a range of products, specifically hair care, skincare and make-up through an online platform. Inspired by the health care industry, Mahaffey strives to grow professionally and personally while contributing to meaningful advancements in health care.
Fatima Vega, F.Y.E. (Finding Your Essence)
Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit that runs through her family’s bloodline, advertising senior Fatima Vega works as a social media assistant at McCombs School of Business Ethics Unwrapped. Vega founded Finding Your Essence, a company that connects clients with holistic wellness resources through the company and its podcast series of the same name.
