Dahni Austin

Dahni supports and oversees outreach and engagement efforts for the High School New Venture Challenge, working directly with high school students. Her responsibilities include promoting program participation, assisting students through the application and ideation process, supporting events and workshops and expanding awareness of and access to entrepreneurial resources at CU Boulder for students from underrepresented communities. Dahni also helps strengthen relationships with schools and organizations to expand the program’s reach and impact.

Dahni is a senior at the CU Boulder Leeds School of Business, majoring in accounting and real estate with minors in multicultural leadership studies and music. She is a former business owner and host of the Know Justice Know Peace Podcast, where she combined entrepreneurship, education and community advocacy to elevate underrepresented voices and highlight social justice issues. Her background in community activism and education, particularly in youth empowerment, equity and leadership development shape her approach to entrepreneurship as a tool for social change and meaningful community impact.

"Through my work with the High School New Venture Challenge at CU Boulder, I have seen firsthand how early exposure to entrepreneurship can empower students, build confidence and create long-term opportunity. [Working with the] Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative is allowing me to help bridge gaps in access while supporting students in turning their ideas into viable ventures."