Page 22 - San Diego Woman Magazine Expanded Issue

Women of Distinction

Merrin Muxlow has a rather diverse to see the accomplishments of local San
background, but it was Deval Zaveri who Diego women.”
first introduced Merrin to TiE, “I first met Merrin was born in Bakersfield and
Dev when we were both elected as Assem- later attended LMU, majoring in Business.
bly District Delegates for the 78th Assem- “LMU actually had a very strong entre-
bly District representing coastal San Diego. preneurship program, which is where my
It was many years ago, and we just hit it off. interest first started. I moved to San Diego
in 2005, later traveling to India to attend
Dev was someone that I had admired. We
Photo Courtesy of Merrin Muxlow about TiE.” three years practicing yoga, learning about
the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute,
were doing some political advocacy and
a traditional yoga school, where I spent
grassroots organizing when she told me
Deval later became the president of the
Ayurveda, and traveling throughout South
organization after being involved for many
Asia.”
years as a Charter Member and volunteer.
When Merrin came back to San Diego,
“When Dev became chapter president, she
she continued to teach yoga through
two pregnancies, and began to volunteer
brought me on as the executive director.
I’ve been floored by the capacity that these
with several local political groups, later
students have to learn and create, espe-
becoming the President of the Point Loma
Assembly District Delegate in 2019: “I try to
months.”
Merrin cially given the shift to virtual work in past Democratic Club. She was re-elected as an
TYE started with just a handful of stu-
work by the idea that ‘the best way to pre-
dents but has grown to nearly 60 in their
dict the future is to create it yourself,’ she
says. Merrin’s two young children (3 and
recent group. After cancellations of many
Muxlow summer activities, the program has added 5) attend political events and TiE events
regularly. “I want them to grow up seeing
a summer session in collaboration with
a strong community of people working to
partner organization the Entrepreneur
Academy to meet the growing demand. make the world a better place,” she says.
Merrin finds the students to be a con-
Executive Director The current pandemic made it impossible stant source of inspiration. “I am so amazed
to have a live event, but as entrepre-
TiE San Diego neurs often find out along the way, you at the companies and products that these
sometimes have to pivot to fit the current
students have created. We have one
situation at hand. team that created an app for teens who
Always one to help foster growth in are learning to drive, so it is like a virtual
their organization, Merrin shared with driving school. They can get some experi-
me their five pillars: networking, educa- ence, so they are not so frightened when
tion, mentoring, funding, and incubation. they actually get behind the wheel of a car.
“We have some members who have an Another team made a hydroelectric power
investment club to help startups with charger for hikers, and yet another created
funding, and are very active in the startup a virtual exercise/yoga community for
ecosystem in San Diego. Members provide teens. It is truly amazing to watch.”
mentorship to younger startup founders, We all know that without the dedica-
and we are always in search of women tion and leadership of women like Merrin,
founders who will mentor our students, it would be impossible to have organiza-
as it is especially encouraging for our girls tions such as TiE.

After having learned about TiE and The Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Business Plan Competition I am so
happy to be able to share my newfound knowledge with our readers. It was great to meet these amazing women
who give so much of themselves to help this organization grow. I feel refreshed to know that there are individuals
out there who realize how important it is to have our children learn from those who have accomplished so much
in their lives. Getting that type of support can make such a major difference in the lives and future careers of our
youth. Thank you, Deval, Merrin, Manisha and all of those who give of their time and energy.

If you are in search of a wonderful organization with an incredible resource for your children
visit their site at https://southcoast.tie.org/
For more about The Young Entrepreneur (TYE) and to register for an upcoming session
go to: https://www.tyesandiego.com/about-tye
For the TYE Competition link go to: TYE Competition link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tye-2020-final-competition-tickets-103152660384
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