Sam & Jessica (Droste) Yagan
"Challenge yourself to flip the script and instead of trying to be the best - surround yourself around the best." - Sam Yagan (TIME 100 list the same year as ELON MUSK and the POPE!)
• Sam's Career Highlights: Time 100 Honoree | Fortune 40 Under 40 | Co-Founder of SparkNotes & OkCupid | Current: Co-Founder & Managing Director at Corazon Capital

• Jessica's Career Highlights: McDonald's Corporate | University of Chicago | Current: Partner & CEO Impact Engine | Board Member for many organizations

• HOW DID THEY MEET: Jessica grew up in Fieldon and Dow, IL while Sam grew up in Bourbonnais, Illinois - as the son of Syrian immigrants. They met while attending high school at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. They both attended Stanford and Harvard universities. They have been dating for 31 years, married for 21 years, and have three children that they adore. They are an innovative, passionate, and socially conscious family.

• CAREERS: Their careers have been nothing short of incredible and exciting. While Sam has been the founder and co-creator of many ventures, including being part of the team that created the most successful dating app to ever exist - tinder, Jessica has been working to create awareness of national & global social, economic, and environmental issues.

• INSPIRATIONS: When asked who their biggest inspirations were Jessica was quick to answer first and said her Grandma (Ann Droste). She said her grandma raised 16 kids and she never once heard her complain.
Sam said his parents immigrating from Syria and everything they gave up to come to the US has inspired him. He is grateful for his roots while also being grateful to live in the US. He also said that Jessica has been inspiring and increased his desire to want to make the world a better place.

While the students were blown away by the careers of these two, they were equally impressed when learning about how Sam & Jessica prioritize their marriage & family and how obvious it was the respect that these two have for each other.

"I loved when he said to fail forward. I believe that’s a very great piece of advice." - Ian Lohr CEO Student

We want to leave you with a quote from Jessica: "Surround yourself with good news and good people."

Thank you both for taking the time to speak with us!
Thank you Sherry Droste (two-time CEO student mentor & Jersey County Arts Council Director) for helping to set this up!