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Jaya Wartson

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Writing
  • Poetry
  • Golf
  • Mental Health
  • FFA
  • Reading
  • Psychiatry
  • Business And Entrepreneurship
  • Journalism
  • Politics and Political Science
  • Student Council or Student Government
  • Marketing
  • Social Media

Reading

  • Self-Help
  • History
  • Psychology
  • Novels
  • Retellings
  • Young Adult
  • Business

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

I believe success is measured not only by what we accomplish for ourselves, but by the opportunities we create for others. I am a first generation college student at Northern Arizona University, double majoring in Business Economics and Business Marketing. My entrepreneurial journey began in high school when I co-founded Clean Wave Pools. I eventually sold the business to pursue my education and expand my ability to make a meaningful impact. In college, I co-founded Fude Dude, a startup that simplifies deciding where to eat. Our team earned the People's Choice Award at ASU's Inferno Day. As a Student Ambassador for NAU Venture Studio, I connect students with resources and opportunities to develop their ideas. This reflects my passion for opening doors for others, particularly young women and underrepresented students pursuing leadership and entrepreneurship. Balancing academics, employment, and entrepreneurship has strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and commitment to purposeful leadership. My long term goal is to create opportunities through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and community investment. To me, education is more than a pathway to personal success. It is a tool to uplift others and make a lasting difference.

Education

Northern Arizona University

Bachelor's degree program

2024 – 2028

Majors:
  • Marketing
  • Business/Managerial Economics

Dixon High

High School

2020 – 2024

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
Business/Managerial Economics, Marketing
Medical school interest:
No
English as first language:
Yes
Homeschooled:
No

Career

  • Co-Founder and Owner

    Pool Maintenance · Clean Wave Pools

    Jul 2021 – Oct 2023

  • Student Ambassador

    Higher Education · NAU Venture Studio

    Oct 2026 – Present

  • Front Desk Agent

    Hospitality · Residence Inn by Marriott

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Cashier and dishwasher

    Food & Beverages · Donut Queen

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2022

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Advertising, Business
Dream career goals:
I want to build others up
Work experience:
5 years
Has nursing license:
No
Leadership experience:
Yes

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Chris Ford Scholarship
Winner
From a young age, my ambition has been to leave a positive mark on as many lives as possible, and this pursuit has been the guiding force throughout my life. Initially drawn to the idea of attending a four-year university, my aspirations for a major evolved over time. Initially, dentistry captured my interest, followed by a fascination with sports science. However, it was during my sophomore year that I was introduced to the field of children and adolescent psychiatry, igniting a passion that lasted until I was introduced to entrepreneurship at the age of 15. Well, I should say I started to take entrepreneurship seriously. My entrepreneurial spirit emerged when I founded my first venture, Helping Hand, at the age of 11. This venture, offering services such as dog-walking, babysitting, and plant-sitting, was not just a means of earning pocket money; it was my first launch into the world of business. Through careful planning and dedication, I invested in business cards and distributed them throughout my neighborhood with the help of my family. It was not until I was approached by a neighbor, one of my clients at the time, asking to start a pool cleaning business together that I would eventually fully realize the potential of entrepreneurship. Initially motivated by financial gain, I soon discovered a deeper calling within entrepreneurship. Despite my initial aspirations toward psychiatry, I began to recognize the inherent value I could bring to people's lives through business ventures. Whether it was providing older clients with a taken-care of pool for family gatherings or offering employment opportunities to those in need, I realized the profound impact that even small acts could have on others. This realization transformed my understanding of my career path. I came to see that regardless of the profession I pursued, my ultimate goal remained constant: to make a positive difference in people's lives. Whether it was promoting dental hygiene, enhancing sports safety, or addressing mental health concerns, my underlying motivation was always to serve others. Additionally, my entrepreneurial journey taught me the importance of giving back to the community. Inspired by the support and mentorship I received from my neighbor-turned-family friend, I aspire to pay it forward by investing in the next generation. Through financial assistance and mentorship, I hope to empower young individuals to pursue their dreams and make their own positive impact on the world. In short, my journey from childhood aspirations to entrepreneurial endeavors has been driven by a desire to bring value to others. While my career path may have evolved over, my commitment to making a positive impact remains unwavering. Through entrepreneurship and beyond, I am dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, support, and empowerment in the lives of those around me.
Jaya Wartson Student Profile | Bold.org