Create Why was born out of my lifelong quest to uncover my own purpose—the search for that deep-seated “why” that drives each of us. From a young age, I was fascinated by the “whys” of life. Why are we here? Why do we choose certain paths? Why does purpose matter? As I grew older, this curiosity evolved into a passion for helping others find their own answers. Through my journey as a serial entrepreneur and in the advertising industry, I saw firsthand the power of having a clear “why.” It shaped my decisions, propelled my success, and allowed me to uplift causes and companies that aligned with a mission.
I realized that many minority women and youth have the passion and potential but lack the resources or support to turn their “why” into a reality. That’s why Create Why exists—to offer them a foundation, the tools, and a network to clarify their purpose, design their own roadmap, and bring their visions to life. Create Why is here to support those who, like me, are on a journey to solidify their “why” and transform it into impact.
Founder,
Mariya with a Y
JPMorgan Chase, 2019
www.jpmorgan.com
Berkshire Hathaway, 2019
www.bhathaway.com
Royal Dutch Shell, 2018
www.shell.com
Mastercard
www.mastercard.com
HSBC Holdings
www.hsbc.com
Anheuser-Busch InBev
www.anheuserbusch.com
Procter & Gamble
www.pg.com
Merck & Co.
www.merck.com
Unilever
www.uniliver.com
L’Oréal Group
www.loreal.com
Novo Nordisk
www.novonordisk.com
Naspers
www.naspers.com
Allianz
www.allianz.com
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
Join us for an immersive 5-day journey of creation and 3 days of discovery designed to help you unlock your “why” and turn your ideas into reality. Through interactive sessions led by top industry speakers and hands-on workshops in design, digital marketing, and brand building, this bootcamp is crafted for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to make an impact. Connect with like-minded innovators, gain insights from experiential events, and learn from the best in the field.
3x Days of Discovery
2x Best Speakers
5x Days of Creation
2x Experiential Events
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Mariya Palanjian is a serial entrepreneur with extensive expertise in city-takeover marketing and tech startups, utilizing a proprietary process that blends community-centered strategies with 360° tech marketing campaigns. She is the CEO of Globafly, a city-takeover marketing agency that works with a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies like The New York Times, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, and Next (a Forbes-recognized billion-dollar company), as well as tech startups like Getaround, HyreCar, LegalZoom, and ZipRecruiter. Globafly also partners with government entities and socially impactful programs like the National Job Corps Association and the Department of Labor.
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Lana Zadourian, a proud first-generation American Armenian, is the Co-Founder of Create Why. She is a driving force behind the organization’s mission, ensuring seamless communication and operational excellence. Lana is deeply committed to empowering minority women and youth, leading transformative mentorship and education programs that foster leadership and personal growth. Her unwavering dedication to building a strong, supportive community inspires individuals to discover their purpose and turn their ambitions into impactful careers. Through her leadership, Create Why is shaping a new generation of leaders ready to make a difference.
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Leah Zadourian is a first-generation American Armenian and currently serves as the Treasurer for Create Why. Passionate about empowering minority women and youth, Leah plays a key role in overseeing the financial health of the organization, ensuring that resources are effectively used to support its mission. Through her work, she helps provide mentorship, education, and entrepreneurship programs designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence to lead purpose-driven careers. Leah is deeply committed to creating opportunities that inspire the next generation to uncover their purpose and make a meaningful impact within their communities.
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We’re building a community of passionate mentors dedicated to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a creative visionary, your insights can make a real difference. Join us in helping emerging talent unlock their “why” and pave their way to meaningful careers. Reach out to explore how your expertise can empower the future leaders of Create Why.
