ABOUT
Raya is passionate about utilizing innovation and digital marketing to elevate the dance industry.
As a young entrepreneur and student at the University of Washington, Raya has merged creativity and storytelling towards enhancing brand awareness. From launching her first e-commerce shop to recent consulting projects, Raya continues to help businesses reach audiences and create meaningful impact.
Consultant
Raya developed retail-entry plans into Sprouts and Whole Foods, translating market analysis into actionable strategies. She contributed to increasing future sales by an expected 20%, with marketing strategies aimed at student
and millennial audiences.
Marketing Intern
Raya increased the ballet shoe company's social media reach, targeting a 30% growth using brand-aligned campaigns. She also authored blogs based on research about dancer health and the lack of innovation, raising Orza's brand awareness
and loyalty.
Co-Founder and Product Developer of The Smarker
Raya collaborated on the development of a patent-pending UV-sensing body marker called The Smarker, to help reduce skin cancer risks. Her team secured early-stage investor interest and won first place in the Young Entrepreneurs Leadership Launchpad national venture competition, demonstrating commercial viability of The Smarker.
As a performing artist, Raya explores dancer health research and injury-preventative practices. She aims to emphasize the importance of wellness and recovery for dancers, through innovative solutions. Her experiences as an Orza Intern and anatomy projects in the University of Washington Dance Department, allow Raya to further explore ways to merge business and dance health.
AWARDS
Recipient of:
Team Clarke Scholarship for outstanding community community contribution
Rob Leviton Memorial Bursary for academic proficiency and active lifestyle
British Columbia Achievement Scholarship
2nd place University of Washington's Lavin Startup Studio (2024)
Regional Winner of Rideau Hall Foundation Ingenious+ Youth Innovation Challenge (2024)
Top 40 out of 1000+ participants in Youth Impact Challenge (2024)
1st place in Canada's Young Entrepreneurs Leadership Launchpad Venture Challenge (2023)
Most Outstanding Speaker Award in VAYA International Speech, Arts and Drama Festival (2023)