Editor's note: Each year, DC Inno and the Washington Business Journal spotlight some of the region’s top young innovators under the age of 25, and this year we’re featuring a diverse group of nine disruptors, philanthropists and venture capital enthusiasts determined to shake up the status quo. Click here to read the other profiles.
Katherine Snedeker, founder and CEO, Gray for Glioblastoma
- Age: 22
- Hometown: Bethesda
- College: University of Texas at Austin, class of 2024
- Major: Youth and community studies with a minor in business foundations
- First job: Sales associate at South Moon Under
Tell us a bit about the nonprofit you founded: Gray for Glioblastoma is a 501(c)(3) with a two-fold mission: to raise funds for vital research and to raise awareness about glioblastoma multiforme, a devastating brain cancer that lacks a cure and effective treatments.
You had a very personal reason for starting this: The inspiration behind the organization stems from my personal experience, as my best friend, my father, was diagnosed with this disease in 2021. Witnessing the heartbreaking reality of the lack of resources and support available for glioblastoma patients and their families, I recognized the urgent need to bridge the gap in awareness and funding, especially considering that brain cancer receives only 2% of all cancer research funding. My father passed away in March after a year and a half battle, but I am dedicated to honoring his legacy by continuing to grow the nonprofit and raise funds for research focused on a cure.
How will it generate revenue? Gray for Glioblastoma, as a nonprofit, generates revenue through donations, event and partnership proceeds and net profits from merchandise sales. Over $150,000 has been donated since May 2021 through individual donations, profit shares, partnerships and event/merchandise net profits.
It’s a tall order to start up a nonprofit. What has been your biggest challenge so far? My biggest challenge is time. Managing and growing the nonprofit while being a college student makes me wish there were more than 24 hours in each day. This poses a constant challenge as I have so many great ideas for ways I want to grow Gray for Glioblastoma and not enough time.
Is there an initiative you are particularly proud of? Creating an influencer program with over 30 micro/macro influencers. This program utilizes unopened, unwanted items that influencers receive as gifts from brands and companies. These influencers send us PR packages and the items are repurposed to strengthen auction packages, for our event raffles, spirit/wine pulls and are utilized in event gift bags to thank attendees. The donations by the generous influencers help lower our costs and increase our donations to cancer research.
Where do you see yourself five years from now? Running the nonprofit full time with a focus on strategic partnerships and community engagement through events across the country and ultimately being part of finding a cure for glioblastoma.
Favorite book? My favorite book is the children’s book “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper. This book, a staple read during my childhood, remains my favorite because the story highlights the significance of a positive attitude. No matter how daunting the task, the little engine’s optimism and ability to turn challenges into opportunities has always resonated with me.
What do you do to unwind? I love spending time on the water with friends or at the beach reading a book. Being in the sun is my happy place.
