An App by First-Gen, For First-Gen. Meet the Founder of Connect+

Who is Rachel Li?

Rachel Li is the founder and executive director of Connect+, a platform dedicated to fostering community and storytelling among first-generation immigrants and college students. 

Rachel’s achievements include winning the National Diversity Case Competition, the BU Demo Day Innovation Awards, and being a finalist in the 2024 New Venture Competition. 

A Journey of Courage and Resilience

“Being an entrepreneur shifted my mindset from a receiver to an owner,” Rachel says. She believes entrepreneurship is a journey that mirrors life’s uncertainties, where every step forward requires courage and adaptability.

Her role model, Glennon Doyle, has inspired Rachel to embrace all aspects of being human.“Entrepreneurship is as much of an emotional, personal growth journey for me as it is career growth,” she shares.

The Power of Solo Travel and Community Building

Rachel is also an avid solo traveler who recently travelled to Southeast Asia for a month. For her, solo travel is a way to reconnect with her inner self and break free from societal expectations.

“Solo travel helps me get curious again, to unload all the tags on me, to be a nothing to nobody,” she explains.

Connect+ began as a serendipitous all-female team during a ‘Spark Innovation Fellowship class’. Rachel’s idea attracted like-minded students who have become her steadfast crew, still with her to this day. 

What to Expect from Rachel’s Talk at IDEA Con

At IDEA Con, Rachel will share her journey from student to founder, highlighting the strides Connect+ has made in community building and storytelling. Her talk will focus on:

  • The importance of storytelling and community in entrepreneurship.
  • Overcoming challenges and uncertainties as a first-generation immigrant and entrepreneur.
  • The role of resilience and belief in driving personal and professional growth.

Why Attend IDEA Con?

IDEA Con is the only cross-college conference of its kind, designed for collegiate students and recent alums in Boston and beyond. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with innovators from schools across the Northeast, be inspired by speakers like Rachel Li, and attend workshops that will help you build the skills you need to succeed—whatever your career goals.

Connect with Rachel and Connect+

Stay up-to-date with Rachel and Connect+ by following her on LinkedIn and Instagram at @rachel.explore.

Join us in celebrating innovation, community, and the spirit of entrepreneurship at IDEA Con 2024. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowering world.  

Can’t wait to see you there!


Click here to register for IDEA Con for  free today and learn more about our exciting lineup of speakers and events!