Class of 2029 Blank Leadership Scholars Bring Excitement to Campus
Entrepreneurial leadership has been part of the Babson ethos for decades. Each year, as the College welcomes a new cohort of Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership Scholars, it’s also a chance to reflect on how entrepreneurial leadership has evolved over the past year.
Groundbreaking research and new facilities have enhanced its impact on campus, and with the six new Blank Leadership Scholars now on campus, that impact only grows. Already stewards of innovation, creativity, and social impact in their high schools and communities, the Class of 2029 cohort represents the infinite possibilities of entrepreneurial leadership.
“What excites me most is the chance to be part of a community where I can both learn from others and hopefully make a difference in their lives in return,” Sydney Fojas ’29 says. “I believe the true value of what we do lies in the difference it makes for others.”
Before even enrolling in Babson, this group of scholars has taught fishing, developed AI bots, participated in youth entrepreneurship programs, run a summer camp, and, of course, started their own businesses. Their current to-do list includes soaking up all Babson has to offer—and a few unexpected milestones.
“I want to fail,” Lucas Lebrija ’29 says. “I believe we all have a set of mistakes, that are uniquely tailored to what our personal development requires, before we can create anything of significance. I cannot wait to experience my set of mistakes and who they will make me.”
Failing, pivoting, learning. It’s all part of entrepreneurial leadership. Here to lead the way, along with Fojas and Lebrija, are Laura Bautista ’29, Ezel Bhatty ’29, Tia Malhotra ’29, and Remy Witt ’29.
Laura Bautista ’29
In high school, Bautista co-created G-Eco, an organization that aims to spread awareness about the importance of environmental education. She hopes to inspire other young people to become agents of change.
If you could tackle one global problem, what would it be?
“Lack of environmental education. I’ve seen firsthand how pollution and careless waste disposal harm communities. Addressing these challenges starts with awareness, calls for innovation, and requires collaboration between society, government, and businesses. By empowering communities with knowledge, we can spark sustainable change that improves the quality of life and protects the planet for future generations.”
Ezel Bhatty ’29
While living in Pakistan, Bhatty worked with a chemistry student to create halal nail polish after watching family members take off their manicures before praying. She is also passionate about ending food insecurity.
What interested you in Babson?
“It’s a smaller school and business centric. You have more resources because everyone is pursuing the same degree and has similar goals. As a smaller school, they also prioritize each student more.
“My parents are entrepreneurs (her dad owns a brokerage and her mother a restaurant), so I’ve always liked the entrepreneurial lifestyle, but I also know the amount of risk. I want to try it; I want to start my own business and go through the process. If it doesn’t work out, I am interested in finance because I’ve always loved math.”
Sydney Fojas ’29
Fojas founded Youth Well Connect, a New Jersey-based nonprofit that brings wellness workshops to libraries and community centers. The organization is also sustainability focused.
What is the proudest moment of your life so far?
“It’s during a workshop when a student opens up to me about their struggles after an activity. That emotional connection always reminds me why I started my work. It was to create a safe space where kids feel heard and supported. Growing up, I was introverted. I used to shy away from speaking in front of people or initiating conversations, but over time, I’ve learned to use that quietness as a strength.”
Lucas Lebrija ’29
Five years ago, Lebrija at age 14, started Lady Bird Fishing Camp with his brothers. The camp recently had its biggest year, with roughly 150 kids registered.
What are your career goals?
“I see myself in some sort of creative business, preferably one I start myself. I’m also passionate about giving underprivileged youth communities access to early creative development. I’m a big believer in art to spark self-empowerment, emotional regulation, creative critical thinking, and collaboration. A project aimed toward expanding early access to the arts in a way that emphasizes original composition is something I hope to launch.”
Tia Malhotra ’29
After seeing the struggles the senior population faces, Malhotra and some of her peers created AndyAI. The AI bot uses voice-to-text capabilities to help seniors with daily tasks.
What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
“I want to meet someone who I can potentially start something with, and I want it to be related to social good, whether it’s a service or a physical product that’s helping or benefiting humanity. I feel like something like what we did with AndyAI. The whole reason we started it was because we saw a problem. We all saw our grandparents struggling with their daily lives. I want to be able to find someone at Babson who has a similar interest or passion for solving social issues.”
Remy Witt ’29
Witt has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, with hopes to one day start a business with his brothers. He says his participation in the Kansas City young entrepreneurs program YEP helped develop this enthusiasm.
Of the six core values of Arthur Blank ’63, H’98, which one do you most identify with and why?
“Put People First. If more people focused on forming and nurturing relationships, there would be a lot less issues down the line, whether it comes to politics or business or anything. It’s so simple and easy, but you have so many people skip it.
“Just realizing everybody is living their own unique life, and I want to be able to see their perspectives and see where they’re coming from—that is important to me.”
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