Who we Are

Building confidence and connection for students

Our mentors serve as positive role models for middle school students struggling with anxiety and motivation through near-peer mentorship. Our programs are designed to foster social-emotional learning and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Purpose

Teen Innovators knows that older high school age teens need a hands-on learning experience to be successful in our new digital world.  Our peer mentors help write program curriculum, lead our clubs, contribute to our marketing and digital design.

While middle school students crave the attention, advice and leadership from older positive role models who have recently walked in their shoes. 

Together, TI Students and Peer Mentors grow alongside each other and learn life skills that provide a foundation for success as a purpose-driven leader of tomorrow.

Our Purpose

Teen Innovators knows that older high school age teens need a hands-on learning experience to be successful in our new digital world. Older teens age 17-22 serve as our near-peer mentors who help write program curriculum, lead our clubs, contribute to our marketing and digital design.

While middle school students crave the attention, advice and leadership from older positive role models who have recently walked in their shoes. 

Together, TI Students and Peer Mentors grow alongside each other and learn life skills that provide a foundation for success as a purpose-driven leader of tomorrow.

Our Founder

Building confidence and connection for students

As a corporate warrior, serial entrepreneur, and mother of two boys, founder Christine Hutchison understands the importance of instilling creativity, confidence and connection in young teens. 

Exposing her boys to the innovative startup world inspired them to see an example of what they might become one day.  With the help of a few teachers, Christine developed clubs for teens by teens, that will enable future leaders to harness the power of learning from accomplished older teens who recently walked in the young teens’ shoes, that support both their inevitable failures and impended successes and dreams.

Our Founder

Building confidence and connection for students

As a corporate warrior, serial entrepreneur, and mother of two boys, founder Christine Hutchison understands the importance of instilling creativity, confidence and connection in young teens. 

Exposing her boys to the innovative startup world inspired them to see an example of what they might become one day.  With the help of a few teachers, Christine developed clubs for teens by teens, that will enable future leaders to harness the power of learning from accomplished older teens who recently walked in the young teens’ shoes, that support both their inevitable failures and impended successes and dreams.

Our Staff

Tara Pendleton

Manager of Curriculum and Training

Tara is a Business Teacher and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) adviser at Normal Community High School.  Her educational ideal is to support youth as they pursue their own passions and achieve their personal excellence – whatever shape that may take.

Evan Trad

Program Outreach Coordinator

Evan Trad teaches diverse learners in Chicago. Outside of teaching he has a passion for entrepreneurship where he has built and runs several successful businesses. He loves to read, cook, travel and spend time with his two dogs. 

Advisory Board

Bob Easter

COMMUNITY COLLABORATOR | MENTOR | LEADER | ADVISOR | INVESTOR 

CO-FOUNDED a 1500 student charter school to serve as a “best practices” model. Board Member of Evanston Community Foundation.

George Wang

CIO | CMO | COO | Board Member | Helping Others & Leaders Build Great Teams with Great People & Great Cultures | Org Transformation Innovation Strategy & Execution

Keith Glendon

FOUNDER | BIZ COLLABORATOR | MENTOR | MARQUETTE COMMUNITY CHEERLEADER

Founder of LucidCoast, Founder of Campfire CoWorks in Marquette, MI

Our Mentors

Teen Innovator Peer Mentors are hand-picked by our staff with the highest expectations based on recommendations, past mentorship experience, and passion for helping young teens.  Our peer mentors begin their mentorship journey with a dedicated training program and regularly participate in additional training opportunities, all coordinated by certified teachers.

Hannah S.

Sophomore at Clemson University
Marketing Intern for Teen Innovators

Sydney C.

Senior in High School
Summer Tech Camp Leader | Enjoys Reading

Jackson H.

Sophomore in High School
Summer Tech Camp Leader | Golf & Baseball

Erin Turner

NMU Senior
Hospitality Management major with a passion for baking.

Oliver S.

Senior at USC
International Studies & Business | Enjoys Hiking

Stephany F.

Senior in HS
Entrepreneurship & Reading

Kate B.

Junior at Northwestern
Data Science & Biology | Loves baking

Clark P.

Freshman in College
Loves Math | Plays Baseball, Golf & Video Games

Charlie P.

High School Senior
Stem & Math | Loves Video Games & Books