LaunchX, the leading entrepreneurship education organization for high school students, is proud to announce that Samantha Asante-Bio has been appointed to replace LaunchX Founder Laurie Stach as President. Laurie, an MIT and Harvard Business School graduate, founded LaunchX in 2012 and, after more than a decade of successfully driving growth, has decided to move on to a Board role with the company.
As incoming President, Samantha will be setting LaunchX’s strategic direction, overseeing day-to-day operations, managing finances, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, and leading and managing LaunchX’s team.
With over ten years of experience in education and more than 5 years as a leader in the entrepreneurial space, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. A first-generation college graduate and first-generation entrepreneur, Samantha holds a B.S. in Applied Psychology from New York University and a Master’s degree in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She began her career as a Teach for America Corps member and went on to found KlickEngage, an education technology startup that focused on ensuring every child feels psychologically safe and supported in every environment. Samantha has dedicated her career to eliminating social and educational inequity and believes that coalition building, leadership development, and an equity-driven mindset are critical to informing lasting change. For her work, She was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list at age 26 and has been a two-time TFA Social Innovation Awardee, a Camelback Venture Fellow, a Kravis Lab Moonshot Fellow, a NPR “How I Built This” Fellow, a Harvard Launch Lab X member, and an AT&T Aspire Fellow.
Samantha has served as the Director of Programs at LaunchX for the past year, during which time the organization has grown significantly, expanding its reach and preparing to launch its new Innovation Program to support young entrepreneurs. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead LaunchX as President,” said Samantha. “I am passionate about empowering young people to unleash their full potential and make a positive impact on the world, and I believe that LaunchX is uniquely positioned to do just that. I am excited to work with our talented team and our dedicated partners to continue to grow and innovate in the years ahead.”
“Samantha has been an invaluable member of the LaunchX team and we are thrilled to have her step into this new role,” said LaunchX Founder Laurie Stach. “Her vision, strategic thinking, and dedication to our mission make her the perfect choice to lead LaunchX into the future.”
Samantha will be overseeing LaunchX’s first year operating both the online entrepreneurship program and campus programs simultaneously. LaunchX is excited to have Samantha at the helm as the organization continues to make an impact on the next generation of leaders.
