Mylen Yamamoto-Tansingco

Mylen Yamamoto Tansingco's invention, the Cropsticks, started as an idea on an airplane and can now be found in 250+ restaurants, hotels, and retailers across the nation. The sustainable chopstick with a built-in rest first appeared on Season 8 of ABC's hit show Shark Tank and has garnered attention from celebrity chefs, Fortune 500 companies, and influencers with millions of followers. The company is a Certified B Corporation, the highest standard for certification of environmental and social practices.

Mylen is also a highly respected Talent Manager and Producer for top digital influencers at her boutique talent management firm, Clique-Now. She has closed and managed deals with brands like Nike, AT&T, Google, TikTok, and Toyota. In addition, she has helped her clients build merch lines, develop TV shows, and book appearances all over the world. 

Despite her busy schedule, Mylen's first love has always been in teaching. She currently teaches Leadership Communication Strategies at UCLA Extension and is a TikTok Creative Learning Partner. Previously, she served as a Clinical Professor at Loyola Marymount University teaching entrepreneurship. Mylen also conducts education workshops for corporations like McDonald's and YouTube. She holds an M.A. in Communication from California State University, Los Angeles. 

In her free time, she supports causes like #HateIsAVirus and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. 

In 2020, Mylen won the SBA's Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award