Future Entrepreneurs BBYO program guides women about business. Alana Blumenstein | Teen2Teen Writer The BBYO Michigan Region delegation shows its spirit prior to the convention’s opening ceremonies. ‘It Starts With Us!’ BBYO international conference leaves its mark on local teens. Zack Kirshner | Teen2Teen Writer I t starts with us!” These words of encouragement and of hope were repeated often to 2,400 young Jewish leaders from around the world during BBYO’s International Convention (IC) in Baltimore Feb. 11-15. The words were said in hope that these teens will bring “it” back to their commu- nities. In addition to this common goal, these teens all shared the gift of BBYO. For the 92nd consecutive year, BBYO celebrated its international convention with Alephs (boys) and BBG members (girls) coming from as far as Uruguay to celebrate a brotherhood and sisterhood that has made an impact on thousands of young Jewish lives just like theirs. The life-changing experience of IC is one that can’t be matched. BBYO was built upon the mission of “More Jewish Teens, More Meaningful Jewish Experiences.” BBYO takes that mission to heart by making IC available to more and more Jewish teens each year by picking bigger venues and also through the gracious support of BBYO’s donors and its Friends and Alumni net- work. It also expands these teens’ expo- sure to the world and the tools to change it. IC brings meaningful Jewish experi- ences through learning sessions special- ized to certain interests, passions and the Jewish future. At this year’s IC, a Guinness World Record was broken. IC hosted the larg- est Shabbat dinner in the history of the world. That night, there was a certain intensity in the air as we raised our voices to say the prayers before breaking bread (literally) with friends. IC gives young aspiring leaders like myself the chance to hear from speakers who were once in their position, as BBYO frequently reminds us that “every great leader was once a teen.” Two of the many speakers that stood out to me included Daniel Lubetzky, CEO of KIND Bars, who focused on sharing 34 March 3 • 2016 how simple acts of “KINDness” can go a long way. The second speaker that made an impression was Casey Neistat, an American film producer and YouTube “vlogger,” who touched on his journey, which he calls a “Zero-to-Hero story.” We were able to explore Baltimore and Washington, D.C., by selecting different venues to visit including the Holocaust Museum, the monuments, the zoo and the Smithsonian. To wrap up a wonder- ful convention on Sunday night, we were treated to some special performances by the Mowglis, Jason Derulo and Cash Cash. However, the most meaningful part of IC, personally speaking, is reuniting with friends from prior international programs. For more than six months, 201 days, I was without some of my best friends. Sure, there was Facebook and other forms of social media keeping us in contact, but there is nothing better than getting that long-awaited hug or secret handshake from the friends I’ve been impatient to see. More than that, we were also able to meet new people — those who may live hundreds of miles away, but who share the same passions. Although parting is hard, we accept we will see each other again, whether it is at the next IC or on personal visits because BBYO makes our world a little smaller and the Jewish com- munity a lot tighter. For me, as a senior in BBYO, this was my last IC. Throughout the last day and all the goodbyes, I reflected on the great times I’ve had in BBYO. It’s a bittersweet feeling to know that in four short months I’ll be leaving this organization I’ve called home for the last four years. However, I am more than confident in myself as a leader, a person and, most importantly, as a Jew. * Zack Kirshner, 17, of Farmington Hills is a senior at North Farmington High School. B BYO’s Building Entrepreneurship program educates high school girls about how to start a busi- ness. The program not only brings inspira- tion, but also provides us with the confi- dence and beginning knowledge to build a bright future. About 25 girls are accepted into this eight-month program each year through an application process. Katie Fried, region- al BBYO director, runs the program. Our group recently spent the weekend in Detroit. Throughout our time, we visited businesses, spoke with established entre- preneurs, learned about the city and spent quality time with each other. We stayed at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel and visited landmarks such as the Guardian Building, Campus Martius Park and the Detroit Historical Museum, as well as women- owned businesses including Drought, Bon Bon Bon and Painting with a Twist. We also went to hotspots like Detroit Water Ice Factory and Astoria Bakery in Greektown. Needless to say, our weekend was completely packed with fun and inter- esting educational experiences. Coming into this program, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. What I didn’t know was where to begin. These few days have taught me to feel empowered about my future and myself. One of the priorities of our weekend was bonding. To meet such an incredible group of girls was a great opportunity in itself. Being able to spend time with them over ice skating at Campus Martius and Shabbat services with Rabbi Jen Lader from Temple Israel was so much fun. We even shared a meaningful Havdalah at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and felt like a family. Our time was very educational, and I learned so much. We had the chance to meet Ashley Goldberg, owner of Born Yoga, and Terri Stearn, founder of Detroit Fine Art Appraisals, who told us about their experiences as female entrepreneurs. We were given great advice and shown how we are capable of following in their footsteps. Another stop was to the Detroit Experience Factory Tour of Women in Business. I especially enjoyed this tour because we got to explore Detroit, and it taught each of us about the city and some of the current businesses in it. During our tour, we visited Bon Bon Bon, a French- style chocolate shop, and Drought, an organic juice store. Just walking around the city and seeing the potential Detroit has to offer inspired us to be a part of its future. Later, we were given time to think of business plans of our own with the help of Rachel Grey Ellis, BBYO senior regional director. It was really interesting hearing all the ideas the group had to offer. During this time, we learned how to break down our original ideas and turn them into suc- cessful business plans. There is so much I could say about our time together. The weekend changed my entire perspective of Detroit and of my future. Our stops throughout the trip taught us the basics of entrepreneurship and about the bright future we can build in Detroit. There was so much life in the city. I can’t wait to see this city continue to grow. We are excited to do our part in this amazing city and to build our own bright futures. * Alana Blumenstein, 15, of West Bloomfield is a sophomore at Detroit Country Day School. Building Entrepreneurship is supported by a grant from the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit. For details, contact Katie Fried at (248) 432- 5685 or kfried@bbyo.org. Alana Blumenstein, Brayden Hirsch, Dayna Katz, Sydney Kalt, Jordyn Bertman, Kalie Fishman and Haley Kaplansky pose in front of the Spirit of Detroit statue. Rachel Pesick, Samantha Mindell and Elana Weberman enjoy Havdalah services at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.