A woman in a brown suit speaks on stage at TEDx event, with a large screen behind her displaying her name and presentation title. The TEDx logo and 'Illinois Tech' are visible on the stage.

About Ayra

Ayra Mudessir is a young author, TEDx speaker, and social entrepreneur from Chicago. She is the founder and CEO of Success Seekers, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the American financial literacy gap by equipping young women with mentorship, leadership training, and entrepreneurial skills. She also hosts the Grow Wealthy Podcast, where she interviews famous physicians, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to provide free mentorship access to underprivileged youth.

At just 20 years old, her debut TEDx Talk, The Multiplier Effect, examined the neuroscience of representation, exploring how visible leadership from underrepresented groups rewires pathways of possibility for others. As an author of three books, Ayra has written works that inspire children to take action and strive for success. Her books have reached audiences beyond the classroom, sparking dialogue on identity and ambition among youth.

Ayra has been recognized as a Jean Schuman Scholar, a Young Entrepreneurs Academy Ambassador, and the recipient of the Best Purpose-Driven Business Award (2024). She has spoken at major platforms, including Illinois’ largest women’s conference, inspiring audiences with her work at the intersection of healthcare, education, and community leadership.

  • A woman in a hijab holding a microphone at a podium decorated with autumn leaves, in front of a DePaul University banner.
  • A woman with a headscarf holding a microphone, smiling, sitting in a conference room.
  • A woman in traditional attire stands on the right side of a large projection screen, pointing towards the screen with her left hand. The screen displays two book covers side by side, with the titles and author's name, Ayra Mudessir, visible. The left book is titled 'Inspired by the Fear of Being Average,' and the right book is titled 'Rags 2 Riches.' Part of the text on the screen is obscured, but the visible partial text suggests the books are available on Amazon.
  • Five women standing in front of a colorful presentation screen, with two women holding certificates and wearing medals, during an awards ceremony for Success Seekers.
  • Young woman wearing a white lab coat with 'Northwestern Medicine' and 'Student Observer' embroidered on it, smiling, with a black hijab and a light blue shirt underneath, against a gray background.
  • A woman wearing a white blazer and black hijab speaking into a microphone on a stage with a presentation screen behind her.
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