Priscilla Zhang
Priscilla Zhang is a co-founder, Chief Operating Officer, and Strategy Lead at Assistivity, a technology startup focused on developing innovative assistive solutions for students in STEM fields. She is also a Comprehensive Science (pre-optometry) graduate of Villanova University (Class of 2026) and an incoming Doctor of Optometry candidate at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, she is recognized as an innovator, speaker, and advocate for disability accessibility and assistive technology.
Her work is deeply rooted in personal experience. During her undergraduate studies, Priscilla faced chronic bilateral wrist pain that significantly limited her ability to write, type, and complete coursework, ultimately leading her to withdraw from multiple classes. This challenge inspired her to co-found Assistivity and develop Phoenix, a voice-to-equation workspace and editor designed to help users transcribe and interact with complex STEM equations using natural speech. The platform addresses a critical gap in assistive technology by enabling real-time, high-level mathematical expression without reliance on traditional typing or writing.
Through Assistivity, Priscilla has led research, product development, and market validation efforts, including conducting extensive stakeholder interviews and co-authoring peer-reviewed research presented at the ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS ’25). Her work has earned recognition through university grants, entrepreneurship competitions, and industry engagement, including collaborations and presentations alongside major tech organizations. Alongside her startup leadership, she has held multiple executive roles in student organizations at Villanova, contributing to food recovery initiatives and pre-optometry professional development, reflecting her broader commitment to service, accessibility, and impact-driven innovation.
• Villanova University - BS
• Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
• Summa Cum Laude
• Grants from Villanova University
• Grants from Carnegie Mellon University
• Assets25 Conference Second Highest Recommendation
• Byram Hills High School World Languages Honor Society
• Degree of Excellence from the National Speech and Debate Association
• Dean's List
• Food Recovery Network
• Pre-Optometry Club
• Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute success to my faith, family, compounded with perseverance and grit. When bilateral wrist pain became so severe during sophomore year, I had to withdraw from three classes. I wondered, "Could I even graduate college? Could I reach my dream of becoming an eye doctor?" Through continuously searching for solutions and leaning into faith, I graduated in 4 years as originally planned, and I'm attending optometry school this fall in 2026. Disability wasn't a hindrance; it was an opportunity to co-found Assistivity and help others facing similar physical barriers in STEM fields.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to focus on building strong relationships, staying consistent in my work, and treating every interaction with integrity. I’ve learned that long-term success is built on trust, reliability, and how I show up for others every day, not just on short-term achievements.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is that the more you learn, the more you grow, so continuous learning is essential for building confidence and advancing professionally. I would also encourage them to pursue their dreams boldly and without hesitation, taking opportunities that align with their goals so they don’t look back with regret. Most importantly, I believe in surrounding yourself with a strong, positive support system, as having encouraging and like-minded people around you can make a meaningful difference in both personal and professional success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is expanding outreach to more businesses and individuals to better support their wellness needs through accessible, effective solutions. At the same time, there is a strong focus on addressing real-world physical challenges, such as bilateral wrist pain relief, while continuing to develop more comprehensive, practical approaches that improve overall well-being and functionality.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value most important to me is understanding one's worth as unchanging and independent of circumstance. Recognize that every individual is uniquely equipped with a vision and skill set; to become the best version of yourself, value every voice and every interaction you encounter. You can only grow through an open mind.
Locations
Assistivity
Newtown Square, PA 19073