"Hunter is full of people with big ideas and real talent they just need a room full of people who get it. That's what we built. A place where you can show up with nothing but a napkin sketch and leave with a team ready to make it happen." Samuel Michnik, Founder
Our backstory
Launching Founders @ Hunter
Est. Fall 2025
Founders @ Hunter was created by two computer science seniors who saw the need for a space where Hunter students could explore tech entrepreneurship beyond traditional corporate careers. After experiencing the energy of hackathons and networking events outside campus, the founders wanted to bring that collaborative spirit back to Hunter creating a community where students don't just network, but collide with ideas and build together.
With Professor Arabella Pollack from the Certificate in Business Studies program as our faculty adviser, we launched with a simple but powerful mission: connect students with complementary skills and empower them to explore alternative paths through hands on, community driven experiences. Whether you're a computer science major looking for a marketing genius, a designer seeking technical co-founders, or someone who just loves building things Founders @ Hunter is your launchpad. We're here to show that there are many ways to succeed, and not all of them lead to a corporate position.
Get to know our team
See who is running the club behind the scenes
Josiah Balkissoon
Econ & Business Studies major. Former IBM dev. Training in the martial art of Jeet Kune Do. In pursuit of greatness.
Treasurer / Marketing
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Lisa Lin
Hi! I'm a sophomore Economics major at Hunter, and I'm always excited to make new connections!
Treasurer Intern
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Don Suhanda
Hey, I am a junior majoring in CS and minoring in Music. I love playing the piano in my free time and am currently reading Paradise Lost!.
EVENT COORDINATOR
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Saad Kashif
Hey! 👋, I'm Saad. I'm a Junior studying Computer Science & Economics. I love working on fun impactful projects and expanding my network.
Workshop Lead
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Artemis Brisnovali
Hi, I'm a freshman interested in studying business management! I'm focused on connections, creativity, and personal growth.
Social Media Chair
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Lydia Zheng
Hi, I'm Lydia a computer science major student at Hunter College! I am passionate about making creative projects.
Graphic Designer
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Ray Chu
👋 Hello, I am a freshman studying CS as a Daedalus Scholar. I also made this website.
Tech Lead
ContactOur values
What matters to us
Learn about what we as a club value the most.
Collaboration
We believe the best projects happen when diverse talents collide. Connect with students across majors to find your cofounder, marketing pro, or design partner. At Founders, collaboration is more than networking; it is about building something together that none of us could ever create alone.
Equity
Everyone deserves a seat at the table. We make entrepreneurship accessible to all Hunter students, regardless of background. Whether you are a first-time builder or a seasoned hacker, Founders provides the resources, mentorship, and community support to help you succeed on your own terms.
Integrity
We build with honesty and transparency at our core. From the products we create to the relationships we foster, integrity guides every decision. We support each other with genuine feedback, celebrate wins, and believe that the best startups are built on deep trust and ethical innovation.
Innovation
We embrace experimentation and creative problem solving. From launching new products to exploring new paths, innovation is about challenging the status quo. At Founders, we encourage bold ideas, celebrate failures as learning opportunities, and push each other to think beyond old boundaries.
Accelerate your Entrepreneurship Journey
