How we started:
This year, we all applied and got into Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy. During this 2 week program, we stayed on the Appalachian State University Campus with the other 15 students that were accepted into the program and learned how to create a business model and met with other amazing entrepreneurs from the Appalachian region. During the second week, we were made into teams to create a business model and participate in a pitch contest in order to win a grant to make it happen. We all had one common goal: we wanted to help others and make an impact on our community. After lots of blood, sweat and tears, OC (Onward Collaborative) was born. During the pitch contest, our team placed 1st and won a grant to get things rolling. One amazing aspect of our team is that we are from all over the country. But we all came together with one goal.
Meet the team
Dedication. Passion. Hard Work.
Ella Grace Smith
Hi! My name is Ella Grace Smith. I am going into my junior year of high school. I am from Asheville, NC and attend North Buncombe High School. Throughout my teen years, I have had 2 of my best friends become my foster sisters. Through them, I not only saw hand in hand the hardships that teens like them have to experience, but also learned how mental health issues and addiction can affect their lives. I want to help teens like my sisters to learn and grow for the better and give them life skills to set them on a positive path to life.
Ansley Barker
Hello! My name is Ansley Barker. I was born and raised in Clinton, TN. I am extremely passionate about pouring into and cultivating a positive culture in my community. As someone in the public school system, I have first hand experience of seeing kids struggle to find the support and skills they need to be successful. My dream is that through the Onward Collaborative, teens will develop the skills they need to be leaders and create healthy communities.
Saige Crainer
Hi, my name is Saige Crainer! I’m 17 and going into my senior year of high school. For the majority of my life I have lived in a small town in Western NY with high rates of drug use. Due to this, I’ve seen my community –as well as surrounding communities– continuously struggle, especially youth members with lack of guidance. These youth members are normally searching for ways out of these communities rather than having the motivation to make change within them. With the creation of Onward Collaborative, I’m hoping the youth members of these communities receive the guidance and motivation they need to be successful and make change.
Ayla Solomon
Hello, my name is Ayla Solomon. I am currently going into my senior year of high school in Asheville, NC, though I was not born there. I have moved too many times to count, and along the way, I have witnessed various communities and cultures. However, I believe that each and every one could truly benefit from a program such as ours at Onward Collaborative. The ability to provide youth with an actual fighting chance to turn their lives around is a step towards the future. I am passionate about believing in people and actually making a change.
Sebastian:
Hi, my name is Sebastian. I'm from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and going into my sophomore year of high school at Quaker Valley. Although some areas of Pittsburg are flourishing, some are not, and there is a lack of community involvement. As a teenager in Pittsburgh, I’ve witnessed other teens in surrounding communities with higher crime rates struggle. I’m hoping Onward Collaborative will more so involve these teens and deter them from getting involved with harmful activities.
Maddy Lawrence
Hello! My name
Is Madelynn Lawrence! I was born and raised in Asheville NC. I am currently studying to get my nursing degree. I hope to one day work with special needs children. I want to help other teens facing addictions, handicaps, and poverty take control of their lives and live it to the highest quality.