Emily Tong and Grace Zhou, both current high school sophomores attending Bergen County Academies in New Jersey, became fast friends in their first year of high school as business students. They connected over not only learning marketing vocabulary terms, but also about their shared interest in graphic design and art.

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Eventually, they recognized a troubling trend: the art and design industry was being increasingly overlooked, especially with the rise of AI. Determined to make a difference, Emily and Grace founded the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Artrepreneurship Initiative Alliance (AIA) with a vision to bridge the gap between business and art. Together, they aim to elevate the value of art and design and connect it with business and marketing, empowering the next generation of young artists and entrepreneurs.