After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2009 with degrees in political science and psychology, Sofiat Abdulrazaaq has worked with some of the world’s largest banks, nonprofits, and tech companies.

“My roles have varied from chief of staff to product lead to entrepreneur,” she said. “My role as an entrepreneur has been the most challenging but also the most rewarding. I love to develop products that make users’ lives easier and create lasting impact.”

Abdulrazaaq now serves as chief executive officer of Goodfynd, a company that simplifies the booking of mobile food services.

She lives in New York City with her “pup son” Cavalli-Veneta. “Outside of work,” she said, “I am passionate about adult literacy and teach classes at the Brooklyn Library.”

Link+License+Launch, the university’s one-stop shop for industry from discovery to market, recently asked Abdulrazaaq to respond to prompts as part of its Industry Leader Spotlight series.

The work project/initiative I’m most excited about...

“Planned enhancements to our platform and meeting the future needs of our users. For me, it’s always about impact.”
 
How Virginia Tech equipped me for the “real world”...
“Tech is HUGE! In many ways, it was an accurate depiction of the ‘real world’ — diverse backgrounds, experiences, etc. I learned how to build relationships, to think critically, to create impact within an ecosystem, and to never play it small.”
 
The idea for Goodfynd came from...
“My cofounder, Kyle, came up with the idea wanting a better way to connect with mobile food business.”
 
My first volunteer role...
“I volunteered at an adult home in Richmond. I developed my passion for adult literacy while working there, it was surprising to see how many adults in the home couldn’t read or write well.”
 
Fondest Virginia Tech memory...
“My first football game as a freshman. There are few experiences like being in Lane Stadium for the first time: dressed in orange and maroon from head to toe, the chants, and, of course, the food!”
 
Words of encouragement to a current Virginia Tech student...
“Don’t be afraid to take a risk! ‘Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will’ is a saying that I live by.”
 
The best advice I received on starting a business...
“Honestly, there is no best advice. Generally, starting a business is hard, and it’s not for the faint of heart.”
 
Dogs or cats...
“Dogs, specifically my five pounder!”
 
Last book I read...
“What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture, by Ben Horowitz.”