Before moving to New York to take a position with a law firm, Suzanne McKechnie Klahr accepted a fellowship in East Palo Alto, California to work with adult entrepreneurs. But, as she explains, her program almost failed until she met four high school students who wanted to drop out of school and start a business. She agreed to help them start their business if they promised to finish high school—and the mission of BUILD was born.

As she reflects on her own journey and the journey of a student in the BUILD program, McKechnie Klahr focuses on risk-taking, captured in the idea of a road less travelled. She believes that the ability to take risks and see opportunities where others see chaos are defining characteristics of social entrepreneurs, but she also worries that success can threaten their use. Her message? Risk-taking is at the heart of a social entrepreneur's calling and it should never be forsaken.