Introducing our Peer Mentors!
Meet our 2023-24 Peer Mentors!
With the SIC underway, our Peer Mentors work to provide support to participants with a unique perspective of having undertaken the challenge themselves. They are a great resource and staff member to lean on with any question that comes to mind and we are so proud of all they have accomplished with their respective projects!
Josh
Economics, Class of 2025
What was your optiMize Project?
My SIC project was a nutrition bar that at the time had 800 calories and no added sugars. The idea behind the bar is to provide stakeholders with a delicious and convenient meal replacement that can help fuel athletic performance, as well as sustain busy everyday individuals.
What are you most excited about for this year?
I'm excited to continue my work as a Peer Mentor. It's already been really rewarding to listen to teams, provide them with feedback, and add value in any way I can. The fact that I went through optiMize provides me with a pretty insightful perspective that I am always happy to share.
Best advice for participants of the SIC?
A lot of people are self-doubtful if the feasibility of their idea is not perfectly fine-tuned from the get go of the SIC. There is plenty of time and resources to bring an idea to life, so embrace the process and don't get discouraged if the nuances of the logistics are not immediately figured out. I also implore participants to take advantage of mentors, and don't be shy to reach out and collaborate with people who have expertise in an area you want to better understand.
Emma
Program in the Environment, Class of 2025
What was your optiMize Project?
Wolverine Wilds. Wolverine Wilds was a sustainability based project that worked on educating people on foraging for native species, and sustainable practices. As both of my team members graduated and have moved on to other things, Wolverine Wilds has become more obsolete. However, I am taking this idea in a different direction. I have created a business called Hangin by a Thread. It is about taking old material and turning it into new items! I want to continue with teaching people about sustainability and how to make easy changes in their lives but have moved away from the focus of foraging.
What are you most excited about for this year?
I am most excited to see how far the teams go and to help/support them every step of the way! I love learning about other people’s ideas!!!
Best advice for participants of the SIC?
It's okay for your project to pivot!
Isaac
Communications and Art History, Class of 2024
What was your optiMize Project?
A friend started a project and I joined them for the SIC! It was such a great supportive community. My first project was Ur Internet Friends, a zine and podcast for traditionally marginalized creatives online and in-print. This project led me to realize I wanted to continue to fight for space for artists, not only representation in platforms, thus I began my next project a non-profit aimed at providing resources, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities internationally for artists of diaspora, called the Diasporic Artists Foundation.
What are you most excited about for this year?
I am excited about working directly with participants and watching the development of their projects throughout the SIC challenge. Witnessing first-hand an idea turn into a prototype and eventually into a business or organization is remarkable!
Best advice for participants of the SIC?
Engage with optiMize mentors! They have real-world experience and are excited to share what they have learned to help your project succeed.
Demiah
Undecided Class of 2026
What was your optiMize Project?
I have been working on this project for nearly 3 years now. I am so happy to say that I have gotten so much farther within the past year than anytime before. I am now in the brand ambassador stage and it is official that my products will be sold in 2 stores. There will be so much more to come.
What are you most excited about for this year?
Advancing my business and gaining connections while doing it!
Best advice for participants of the SIC?
Take advantage of the resources and the people around you! We have access to tons of different perspectives here. Many people have so many great ideas that you may have never thought of. Allow optiMize to mend the gap between a great idea and an overall solution.
Asmah
Business, Class of 2026
What was your optiMize Project?
Satin-lined hijab caps; I am still currently working on it.
What are you excited for this year?
To see the other projects and how much they evolve
Best advice for participants of the SIC?
Come into the challenge with an open mind to receive the best feedback you possibly can.
Tirth
Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2025
What was your optiMize Project?
I am still working on ImmiHealth. My focus is to connect people to doctors that fit their needs. I am starting this project with an aim to serve migrant populations in the USA. optiMize helped me network and form relationships with mentors that provided me their advice on various aspects of my project, including but not limited to customer interviews and developing MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
What are you excited for this year?
I am excited to see the SIC projects of this academic year and how they all will progress with the help of optiMize resources.
Best advice for participants of the SIC?
Do your research first, and do it really very well. Once you are crystally cleared about the problem you want to solve, develop hypotheses and test them through rigorous customer discovery interviews.
Michael
Public Policy, Class of 2025
What was your optiMize Project?
At the University of Michigan, certain students or faculty members with disabilities may need additional assistance to ensure that their basic daily needs are met. Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) can help fill this need. In turn, students with disabilities can equally focus on education just like every other student. My ongoing SIC project creates a database to connect UofM affiliates with disabilities to students who can serve as PCAs. My project helps recruit and provides basic training for students already on campus. We are currently getting more students involved and trained!
What are you excited for this year?
I am excited about working directly with participants and watching the development of their projects throughout the SIC challenge. Witnessing first-hand an idea turn into a prototype and eventually into a business or organization is remarkable!
Best advice for participants of the SIC?
Engage with optiMize mentors! They have real-world experience and are excited to share what they have learned to help your project succeed.