Interview with Lolita Rozenbaum
Lolita Rozenbaum
Kids Hack - Founder at 17 years old
New York, USA
Lolita isn’t just a junior in high school, she’s an entrepreneur and change-maker with her business, Kids Hack. Through her initiative, Lolita helps de-mystify the idea of coding for kids of all ages. She similarly hopes to increase the accessibility of coding and STEM to girls.
Kebloom caught up with Lolita to discuss recent changes and future plans she has for Kids Hack.
1) Please introduce yourself.
My name is Lolita Rozenbaum, I'm 17 years old and I’m from Brooklyn, New York.
“The ultimate goal for Kids Hack is to get all kids interested in computer science and for them not to fear it.”
2) What is your business name?
My business is called Kids Hack.
3) Tell us a little bit about your business?
At Kids Hack (under normal circumstances) we have an in-person Hackathon with three to five kids aged 8 - 12, where we basically code a game and then I teach them coding basics. Due to Covid, we've had to switch to an online email service. So, instead we have mini hacks where the kids get an email every week with a new coding challenge and get to code their own mini game.
“Since founding Kids Hack, I've definitely had to learn how to network and become a leader, particularly since I'm supposed to be a role model for all these younger kids.”
4) Who are your customers?
My customers are 8 - 12 year old kids who want to learn about computer science and make their own video games.
5) What skills have you developed since becoming a business owner?
Since founding Kids Hack, I've definitely had to learn how to network and become a leader, particularly since I'm supposed to be a role model for all these younger kids.
6) What passions inspired your business idea?
Growing up, I really loved math and was really interested in computer science. But I didn't have much exposure to it when i was younger, so as soon as I got to high school I took as many classes as I could. When doing this, I noticed that most of my classes were boys only and many girls were afraid to try computer science out. In light of this, I decided to create Kids Hack in order to expose younger kids (and girls) to the amazing field of computer science. I hope to defeat the gender stereotypes associated with the subject and to solve the problem of many schools not having the funding to have a computer science program.
7) What has been the best/worst part about running your own business ?
The best part about running a business would definitely be the happy looks I see on the kids faces when they finally get something and they finish their game. Or (nowadays) the emails I get with their completed games, now that it's all virtual. The worst part would probably be making it all happen, because it does involve a lot of work and time but, to see it happen, is amazing.
8) What is your ultimate goal?
The ultimate goal for Kids Hack is to get all kids interested in computer science and for them not to fear it. We want to defeat all of the associated gender stereotypes and give all kids an opportunity to learn about the field of computer science
9) What is your advice for other young entrepreneurs?
My advice for young entrepreneurs would definitely be to not be afraid to fail. I did so many other things before I developed Kids Hack, failing is just another step towards your successes. People will always say “oh you're so young that's why you're failing,” but being young actually helps, because you have more time then to move towards success.
…and anything else you’d like to add!
If you're interested in Kids Hack you can go to our website allkidshack.com or to our instagram page at kids.hack.
About the Author:
Ellie McRae is the blogger, interviewer and content creator for Kebloom! When she’s not writing kick-ass articles, you’ll find her studying marketing and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Find out more about Ellie here.
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