On this episode of First State Insights, Sierra RyanWallick, a serial social entrepreneur, speaks with Troy Mix, Associate Director at the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration, about her passion for catalyzing positive change. Topics covered in this April 11, 2022 interview include Sierra's reflections on her past, present, and future as a social entrepreneur; the origins and growth of her startup UP Cycle Design; and the value of personal branding.
Sierra RyanWallick is the Founder of AutumnLeaf Fundraisers, a nonprofit she started at ten years old that has raised over $100,000 for charity, and the Co-Founder and CEO of UP Cycle Design. This sustainable fashion startup diverts textiles and plastic bags from landfills while raising money and awareness for community causes. She serves on the advisory board of the nonprofit Girls for Business. Sierra also produces a vlog channel on YouTube, where she releases two vlogs a week about her journey as a college social entrepreneur with health challenges. To track Sierra's latest projects, visit her Linktre.ee.
This episode is part of the Delaware Founders' Stories series—a collection of conversations with underrepresented and underestimated entrepreneurs focused on documenting entrepreneurial journeys, recounting successes and failures, and reflecting on lessons learned for moving beyond the obstacles along the way.
Opening and closing music: "I Dunno" by Grapes, used under Creative Commons 3.0 License.
Tune to First State Insights for information, perspectives, and analysis—"IPA"—on public policy, management, and community and economic development in Delaware. In the coming weeks, expect interviews across multiple sectors from business people, brewers, and entrepreneurs to urban planners, environmentalists, educators, and caregivers.
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