2026 Entrepreneur of Impact Atousa Raissyan | $1.4 Million Raised to Support GENYOUth
Atousa Raissyan of Maryland has been named the 2026 Entrepreneur of Impact, earning national recognition for her dedication to helping others heal while inspiring supporters across the country to rally behind GENYOUth, a nonprofit committed to ensuring children have access to the nutrition and physical activity they need to thrive.
Funds generated through the 2026 Entrepreneur of Impact competition resulted in a $1.4 million grant to GENYOUth through Colossal’s grantmaking partner, DTCare. Since launching in 2025, the competition has generated more than $4.2 million in support of the organization, helping expand programs that remove barriers to healthy school environments and empower students to live healthier lives.
From Engineer to Entrepreneur
Originally from Iran and now based in Maryland, Atousa's entrepreneurial spirit runs deep. Coming from a family of business owners, she began her professional career as an electrical engineer before following a calling to help others heal from trauma and reconnect with themselves.
Today, she is an author, spiritual mentor, trauma healing practitioner, and digital artist whose work focuses on helping people find greater peace, resilience, and purpose. Her award-winning book, Change Yourself, Change the World, reflects the philosophy that has guided both her business and her life: meaningful change begins within.
Throughout the Entrepreneur of Impact competition, Atousa repeatedly reminded her supporters that the campaign was about far more than winning a title. She encouraged them to focus on the opportunity to support GENYOUth and create lasting impact for children across the country.
A Competition That Creates Real Impact
Entrepreneur of Impact celebrates purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are making a difference through their businesses, leadership, and service. While competitors share their stories and build community support, they also help raise critical funding for a meaningful cause.
As the 2026 Entrepreneur of Impact champion, Atousa receives:
$25,000
An advertorial in Entrepreneur Magazine
A private mentorship session with renowned entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Daymond John
Supporting GENYOUth's Mission
GENYOUth works to ensure every child has the opportunity to be well nourished and physically active at school. Through grants, equipment, and innovative programs, the nonprofit helps schools create healthier environments where students can learn, grow, and succeed.
The $1.4 million raised through this year's Entrepreneur of Impact campaign will help GENYOUth continue expanding that mission, bringing critical resources to schools and students nationwide.
Leading with Purpose
For Atousa, entrepreneurship has never been solely about business success. Whether through mentoring clients, writing books, creating art, or helping people heal from life's challenges, her work has always centered on creating meaningful change.
Now, as the 2026 Entrepreneur of Impact champion, she'll have an even larger platform to share that message—demonstrating that the greatest entrepreneurs aren't measured only by what they build, but by the lives they impact along the way.
Congratulations to Atousa Raissyan, the 2026 Entrepreneur of Impact champion, from all of us at Colossal.
