Entrepreneur-In-Residence
Elizabeth Ulanova, co-founder of Girls In Research
Why Girls In Research?
I started Girls in Research to empower the next generation of women leaders, researchers, and innovators. My parents - colored, non-English-speaking immigrants - came to the States in order to seek medical relief for my older brother (who passed away at 10 in 1997). I grew up as the de-facto eldest child of a first-generation family, and the deep, complex meaning behind that identity shaped my connection to the world around me. Entrepreneurship and education were not just the means of achieving a better dignified life, but sometimes the only path to do so. Since I can remember, I have always wanted to start a company for social impact, but most importantly, to build community - for our students, for our mentors, and for our employees, where their work is valued, supported, and encouraged. As Uncle Iroh would say, “While it is always great to believe in oneself, a little help from others can be a great blessing”.
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Ulanova, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, works at the intersection of culture, art, tech, and design. She attended Columbia University (B.A., Visual Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Leadership Service Award), the University of Cambridge (M.Phil, Sociology of Media and Culture, Twining Egginton Prize), and Harvard University Graduate School of Design (M.L.A., Landscape Architecture Candidate). Elizabeth was awarded 3 consecutive Spark Grants from Harvard Innovation Labs for her work on Recess, a startup that utilizes active play as a tool to foster community, connection, and resilience.
Elizabeth is a passionate artist and writer, deeply influenced by fluid, psychological storytelling. She has exhibited original artworks in New York, England, and Boston. Elizabeth’s artwork ranges from abstract sculptures and fluid paintings to conceptual video installations, graphic renderings, and live-spoken poetry. California-born, Elizabeth is a New Yorker at heart and has lived in Asia and Europe. Elizabeth has a lifelong love of travel and has visited countries on five continents.
