MEET rising seniors Manan Shah and Linda Liu, the founders of LimitlessMinds. The JP Stevens students used their academic talents and entrepreneurial spirits to reach success through their nonprofit organization.
During the pandemic, Linda and Manan were made aware of the toll that COVID-19 took on their community. The transition into online schooling proved stressful for many, and the two founders wanted to help alleviate that pressure. By starting an NPF dedicated to tutoring children K-8, they realized that they could help their community in a way that utilized their talents. The two opened up a chapter in Edison, using their school’s social media accounts to spread the word. Many students, tutors, and parents signed up for their programs, enabling them to teach over 500 hours of material to younger students.
One of their largest obstacles is expansion into other towns. While they currently have 9 chapters (including one in Pakistan), marketing to other towns proved difficult, as administrators from other districts were less willing to assist them in their mission. However, the two are working hard to overcome this challenge. They have been recognized by News 12, nj.com, and the Star-Ledger for their service to the community.
Linda’s final advice for students who want to start their own platform: “Don’t doubt yourself! You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and it is vital that if you have a dream or a vision, you work hard to achieve it. As long as your heart is in the right place and you are willing to work for it, nothing can stop you. Starting your own organization takes much time and effort, but the results from helping others always pay off. Everybody starts off somewhere, so acquire your knowledge and resources, and maybe even reach out to a friend to help you! Make sure that you have great communication with your team, and you stay organized.”
Manan’s final advice for students who want to start their own platform: “Don’t worry about the challenges or any limiting factors that could hold you back; just start your platform and improve as you go. Make sure to have a partner or team by your side because you can’t go far alone. Always be open to suggestions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who are more knowledgeable or experienced than you.”
Written by: Shreyaas Sureshbabu