Building Community, Empowering Entrepreneurs: A Conversation with Ritu Thakur
We’re proud to welcome Ritu Thakur, Founder and Practice Director of Smart Tech Inc., as the newest member of the CSUF Entrepreneurship Advisory Board. With decades of experience in technology, consulting, and strategic leadership, Ritu brings a powerful mix of professional insight and personal passion for empowering entrepreneurs.
In a recent conversation, Ritu shared why entrepreneurship is so close to her heart. For Ritu, entrepreneurship is more than launching a business. It’s about creating value, solving problems, and driving impact in your community. It empowers individuals to take ownership of their future.
Through her leadership at Smart Tech Inc. — a boutique consulting firm focused on helping businesses optimize strategy, sales, and operations — Ritu has worked with startups, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies alike. Learn more about her work at Smart Tech Inc.
Ritu’s connection with Cal State Fullerton runs deep. As a mentor and speaker for CSUF Entrepreneurship programs, including the CSUF Startup Speaker Series, she has played a hands-on role in guiding students through business challenges, pitch preparation, and strategy development. She views her involvement with the Center as a meaningful way to give back, recognizing the real-world value it creates for students and community entrepreneurs alike.
She often emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the startup journey. She believes that learning from experienced entrepreneurs can be transformative, providing guidance that boosts confidence and helps avoid common pitfalls.
When reflecting on her own journey, Ritu encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace challenges with courage and resilience. She also underscores the value of surrounding yourself with people who inspire growth and push you to evolve.
We are thrilled to have Ritu join the CSUF Entrepreneurship Advisory Board and look forward to her continued contributions to our community. Her experience and vision will help us expand our efforts to build a thriving ecosystem that supports students, startups, and socially conscious entrepreneurs.
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