GWSB alumna Lilla Reinertson, B.S. ‘26, shares the story of founding her company, Lulupoo, while still working full-time at a lobbying firm. Lilla discusses how the guidance of GW mentors and her ever-expanding professional network drives her to continue improving each day.
“Whether through GW, work, or entrepreneurship, I’ve learned the value of surrounding yourself with people who push you to improve and genuinely want to see you succeed.”
Lilla Reinertson
B.S. ‘26
Where did you grow up, and how has your background influenced you today?
I grew up in York, Maine, a small coastal town that feels pretty different from the fast pace of places like D.C. Growing up in a small town gave me a strong sense of community and appreciation for the people around me. At the same time, I sometimes felt confined by the smaller opportunities there, so I always knew moving away would help me see beyond my immediate circle and challenge myself in new environments.
That curiosity is a big reason I ended up pursuing business, entrepreneurship, and policy. When I came to D.C., I really liked being around other type A, go-getter personalities who are constantly building and creating things.
One thing I still carry with me from Maine is the mindset of starting small and building something thoughtfully. I watched a lot of people create things from the ground up with a lot of care and pride in what they were doing. That perspective stuck with me, and it definitely influences how I approach the things I’m building today.
Tell us about your current professional role and how it excites you.
I currently work full-time at a boutique lobbying firm, but I’m also continuing to build my company, Lulupoo, at the same time. Lulupoo develops dog waste bags that dissolve completely when flushed, moving through the sewage treatment system instead of clogging the infrastructure.
It’s been fun balancing both roles. My full-time role has been a great experience working with a hardworking team and strengthening skills that I know will make me a better entrepreneur and leader in the future. Lulupoo excites me because of the sustainability initiative behind it–through the process of building the company, I’ve learned how harmful plastic really is and how it will affect us long-term. Being able to work on something that contributes positively and reduces plastic waste makes the company very mission-driven, which is what motivates me the most.
What accomplishment are you most proud of personally or professionally, and why?
One thing I’m proud of is the relationships I’ve been able to build professionally with people who have supported my growth. Whether through GW, work, or entrepreneurship, I’ve learned the value of surrounding yourself with people who push you to improve and genuinely want to see you succeed.
What is your only-at-GW moment? In other words, what is an experience/opportunity you believe GW provided you access to?
My “only at GW” moment has been being involved in the New Venture Competition and the entrepreneurship department, where I was able to start building Lulupoo with the guidance of mentors like Kathy Korman Frey and Bob Smith. They’ve built businesses themselves and have been incredibly generous with their time, introducing me to other founders, business school connections, and even angel investors.
What’s meant the most is that those relationships have continued outside the classroom. Several GW professors have truly stood in my corner and supported what I’m building. They mention my name in rooms I’m not in, and at the end of the day, that kind of support is all you can really ask for.
Was there a standout course, professor, or organization from your time as a student that inspired your career path?
A standout experience for me was WEL (Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership) led by Professor Kathy Korman Frey. The program brings real-world, no-holds-barred boardroom conversations into the classroom. Professor Frey instills accountability and pushes students to think like real founders and leaders. It creates an environment where learning is at its best because students are willing to be vulnerable, take feedback, and truly invest in the process.
What is a piece of advice you would offer to students seeking to pursue your field of work?
In whatever field you go into, passion for what you’re doing will take you far, especially when it’s paired with hard work. Also, if you want to break into an industry, talk to people who are already in it. Ask friends for introductions, and be willing to do the same for others.
What is a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
A fun fact about me is that my family and close friends call me Lulu, and that’s actually how Lulupoo got its name.
How do you give back to the GW community?
I give back by helping current students with job advice, career guidance, and mentorship whenever I can.