LILLIAN RAFSON (30)
Founder and CEO, Pack Up + Go

Pack Up + Go started six years ago in Lillian Rafson’s parents’ home in Squirrel Hill; today, the company has 28 employees and more than 20,000 customers. The premise of the “surprise travel” company is simple: you answer a few questions about your preferences, give the company your budget and let them plan a vacation for you.

“Every day I hope to bring a little bit of joy to our travelers and to help Americans travel the country with an open mind, learn something new and explore a place they might never have thought to visit on their own,” Rafson says.

Aware of the help and support she received in launching her business, Rafson tries to give back to other women entrepreneurs by volunteering her time at Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship. She teaches a class, does weekly coaching calls and donates time to meet with female entrepreneurs who might otherwise not have the resources to get their businesses off the ground.

“My motto in life is if you know something, teach someone,” Rafson says.