Student Highlight: Kevin Birenbaum ’26

Kvein

My name is Kevin Birenbaum ‘26 and I am a junior at Holy Cross from Norfolk Massachusetts. I am majoring in International Studies, with a thematic focus on International Political Economy and a regional focus of Europe. I am also in the process of pursuing my Certificate in Finance and Banking. I have completed the Excel Tutorial, Corporate Finance & Banking workshop, as well as the Interview prep workshop. My experience with the Ciocca Center so far has not only grown my intellectual curiosity, but has also been enlightening in helping me gain real-world business experience. The Corporate Finance & Banking workshop in Boston has been one of the most helpful steps in my early professional career. Having the chance to learn about the various firms we visited and be present in their offices gave me a comprehensive understanding of what each firm is truly about. The other substantial benefit of the workshop was having the ability to meet and connect with a vast number of Holy Cross alumni who work in various roles in the finance industry. I had always heard about how helpful the alumni network at Holy Cross was, but never fully understood, or took advantage of it, until I participated in this workshop. Seeing first hand how eager and willing the alumni are to help us Holy Cross students in our professional careers was inspiring. I am still in touch with numerous alumni that I met during the workshop, and many of them have been extremely instrumental in my personal professional development.

“I had always heard about how helpful the alumni network at Holy Cross was, but never fully understood, or took advantage of it, until I participated in this workshop.”

I just recently finished my Summer Internship where I worked at a Real Estate Investment Firm called the Revival Companies, in their Dorchester, Massachusetts office. Throughout my time here, I worked closely with the Asset Manager and Head of Property Management for a 200-unit portfolio across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I was given the opportunity to handle budgeting, unit turnover, and new acquisitions. I assisted with the behind-the-scenes of remodeling units, managing permits and contractor coordination, and facilitating rental rate increases. This Fall, I am interning for the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, & Society where I will interview alumni to explore their diverse career paths and professional journeys, connecting their experiences with the liberal arts and its relevance to the business world. I am eager to get to know more of the college’s Alumni that have been able to embark on a successful career in business upon their graduation from Holy Cross.

Fullbridge Professional Edge Program Recap August 2024

Fullbridge Professional Edge Program Recap

Team Lululemon

This past week, Holy Cross students participated in the Fullbridge Professional Edge program, gaining invaluable experience designed to prepare them for today’s competitive job market. Participants worked in teams, tackling real-world business projects that honed their professional skills and boosted their confidence.

The program immersed students in a simulated workplace environment. Over several days, they engaged in a hands-on, experience that culminated in a final team presentation competition.

We’re thrilled to announce the finalists of this year’s competition:

  • Team Puma: Anna Hagan ’27, Daniel Illanes ’26, Patrick Kelly ’26, and Christopher O’Brien ’27

  • Team Under Armour: Maya Benet ’27, Grace Damico ’27, Kevin Greed ’26, and Conor McCann ’27

  • Team Lululemon: Jennifer Prince ’27, Jack Rogus ’27, Nicholas Popeleski ’26, and Johnathan Prior ’27

Team Lululemon, emerged as the overall winners and received Apple gift cards for their outstanding performance!

Congratulations to all participants! We look forward to seeing more work in our next session, starting on October 15th.

Ciocca Center Congratulates Business Certificate Graduates

Business certificate gradutesThe Ciocca Center is thrilled to announce the Business Certificate Graduates for the spring 2024 semester.  This academic year, we are awarding 62 Certificates, up from 51 last spring.  To celebrate this milestone, students are encouraged to meet up with other Ciocca students and recharge before finals on Wednesday, May 1st from 1-3pm for the annual Business Social on the Hoval.

Business Certificate Program graduates can pick up their hard copy certificates, cords and graduation pins.  Underclassmen interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to chat with Ciocca Center staff for more information and to register for a Business Certificate Program.

Attendees will enjoy music with delicious food truck fare with Braised and Uncle Joey’s Cannolis!  It will be a celebratory afternoon and we look forward to seeing you there!

Congratulations to the Business Certificate Program Graduates!

Certificate in Business Fundamentals

Kasamba Amiri ’24
Nicholas Bettenhauser ’24
Lucy Brown ’24
Andrew Burton ’24
Alexander Christie ’24
Julia Clarke ’25
Eleanor d’Arbeloff ’24
Arthur Danas ’24
Doran Deehan ’24
Tyler Durling ’24
Eileen Evans ’24
Mia Fedeli ’24
Liam Gill ’24
Katherine Guden ’24
Thomas Koenen ’24
Maya Krzywda ’24
Anna Lee ’24
Saia Lorenzo ’24
Mikaila Lupoli ’24
Kyle McCabe ’24
Litzy Mejia ’24
Kelsey Minister ’24
Jackson Monteiro ’24
Bridget Moriarty ’24
Madeline Morton ’25
Alexandria Paradise ’24
Alexandra Parsons ’24
Shanil Perez Lantigua ’24
Sandra Rodriguez ’24
James Rogus ’24
Kaelah Ross ’24
Millie Sirum ’24
Cole Seeger ’24
Lane Torosian ’24
Daniel Varano ’24
Laney Vasseghi ’24
Fiona Willette ’24
Emma Wilson ’24
Jiayun Xiong ’24
Liliana Zuniga Diaz ’24 Continue reading “Ciocca Center Congratulates Business Certificate Graduates”

WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown

Rob Murner speaking

On April 2, 2024, eight student-run organizations participated in the inaugural WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown at the BrickBox Theater in Worcester hoping to secure real investment for their startup company. Student entrepreneurs hailing from the College of the Holy Cross, Clark University, Nichols College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, presented to a panel of esteemed and notable sharks. Among them, Brian Geisel serving as the CEO of Geisel Software, Mark A. Wingertzahn, Ph.D., holding the position of Head of Development at INVIVYD, and Margaret McEvoy-Ball, with 40 years of experience in technology marketing and sales. 

Representing the College of the Holy Cross were TJ Haigh ‘26 showcasing his app Trivflic and Logan Mott ‘27 and his brother Skylar Mott (who attends Leigh) revealing their invention Mark-It. Trivflic was awarded $2,000, and Mark-It received $1,500 to continue the growth of their initiatives. Moreover, all teams received valuable in-kind rewards, including 100 hours of mentorship from the sharks, WorcLab memberships, strategy sessions with Mike Mitchell, and meetings with MassVentures.

Congratulations to our students from the College of the Holy Cross for their pitches: 

– TJ Haigh ‘26 founder of Trivflic

– Logan Mott ‘27 and Skyler Mott founders of Mark-It

Tj Haigh, Logan Mott, and Skylar Mott

Further congratulations to the following students pitching from Nichols, WPI and Clark:  Continue reading “WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown”

Navigating Venture Capital: Insights from Joe Darcy ’11

After having the chance to sit down with Holy Cross alumni Joe Darcy ’11, many valuable insights were taught on the inner workings of a venture capital firm, career paths leading up to these roles, and how students can maximize their time while here on the hill. 

Joe’s journey into the world of venture capital has landed him as Investment Manager at Volvo Group, where he plays a pivotal role in the company’s team. With a focus on investing in startups relevant to Volvo’s industry sectors, Joe and his team conducted thorough due diligence, meeting with hundreds of startups annually to find the right fits for the company’s investor portfolio. Joe’s entrepreneurial background—starting his own hockey club at just 14 and building the Holy Cross Club Hockey team from the ground up while serving as club president—equipped him with the mindset needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of venture capital.

Drawing parallels between building a VC portfolio and assembling a hockey team, Joe emphasized the importance of diversity in both. Just as a hockey team needs a mix of forwards, defensemen, vocal leaders, and quiet leaders to succeed, a well-rounded VC portfolio requires a diverse range of startups with different strengths and personalities. It’s this blend that ultimately leads to success, as each startup contributes to the collective goal of building businesses and generating investment returns.

Joe also shared valuable academic advice for current Holy Cross students. He emphasized the importance of taking advantage of resources like .edu emails to network and explore career opportunities early on. This access provides students with a distinct advantage in connecting with alumni and industry professionals, facilitating mentorship, internships, and job opportunities crucial for their future careers. Joe encouraged students to embrace their time at Holy Cross as a period of growth and learning, urging them to be sponges and absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible. He highlighted the benefits of the tight-knit community at Holy Cross, which not only fosters strong relationships but also prepares students for professional workspaces beyond graduation.

In conclusion, Joe’s journey from Holy Cross to venture capital exemplifies the value of a liberal arts education in preparing students for diverse career paths. Through his experiences, Joe has not only made the most of his post-grad life but also offered valuable insights and advice for current and future Crusaders embarking on their own professional journeys.

Written by Nico Corporon ’26

Student Highlight: Nico Corporon ’26

Nico

My name is Nico Corporon and I am a current second year Political Science major pursuing a business certificate in business fundamentals and entrepreneurship. During my time at Holy Cross, I have engaged in a diverse set of activities, including membership in HC Launch, Finance Club, Men’s Club Hockey, and serving as an exam proctor. Most recently, I will be taking up the opportunity to serve as an intern for the Ciocca Center this spring semester. 

My involvement with the Ciocca Center has been incredibly transformative so far. Through HC Launch, I collaborated with a local Worcester startup named Multiscale Systems, contributing to a complex research project focused on the manufacturing of Gen IV Natrium Reactors. This eight-month project provided me with the opportunity to delve into the nuclear energy sector, engage one on one with C-Suite executives, and produce a comprehensive research document piling over one hundred pages in length.

Additionally, the Ciocca Center has served as a platform for honing my skills through participation in business competitions, similar to the recent Innovation Challenge hosted by Sideline Swap. Looking ahead to this upcoming internship, my focus will be on enhancing student involvement in Ciocca Center events, fostering greater engagement on social media, and connecting with alumni to produce insights into maximizing not only my potential within the Ciocca Center, but the rest of my Holy Cross peers.

I am very grateful for what has come through my involvement in the Ciocca Center thus far, and look forward to what lies ahead!

Nick Lazzaro ’23 Wins 40 Under 40 Award

Nick Lazzaro with friends and family

In recent news, Holy Cross has been excited to witness the achievements of one of its alumni, Nick Lazzaro, a member of the class of 2023. Nick has been making headlines in the entrepreneurial realm with his company, Nick’s On-Site Detailing. His journey from a student at Holy Cross to a successful business owner not only deserves applause but also offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs within our community.

Nick’s recent recognition in the Worcester Business Journal’s esteemed 40 Under 40 awards ceremony is a testament to his dedication and innovation through Nick’s On-Site Detailing. This acknowledgment not only celebrates his achievements but also highlights his entrepreneurial spirit, which has set him apart in the business world.

During his time at Holy Cross, Nick actively engaged in the Ciocca Center Shark Tank Competition, an experience he considers pivotal in shaping his entrepreneurial path. Reflecting on this experience, Nick emphasizes the importance of effective pitching, noting how the competition provided him with a platform to refine his skills, receive valuable feedback, and gain confidence in presenting his ideas. “The shark tank competition was instrumental in my pitching skills development. It allowed me to learn from mistakes, receive feedback from alumni, and gain comfort in presenting,” Nick shared.

A key takeaway from Nick’s journey is his unwavering determination to seize opportunities and step out of his comfort zone. His decision to apply for the Worcester 40 Under 40 award underscores the significance of taking risks and putting oneself out there, ultimately leading to remarkable achievements. Nick also advises current Holy Cross students to embrace challenging coursework, believing it will equip them with the skills and resilience needed for future success.

Nick Lazzaro’s journey from Holy Cross student to a recipient of prestigious business awards is both inspiring and instructive. His story serves as a beacon of hope for budding entrepreneurs within the Holy Cross community, reminding us of the importance of perseverance, seizing opportunities, and embracing the journey towards our work. 

Written by Nico Corporon ’26

Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives Site Visit

Students at MBI

My name is Maeley Nakamura and I am in the class of 2026 majoring in Economics and minoring in Ethics, Society, and the Institution of Business and pursuing a business fundamentals certificate alongside entrepreneurship. I had the opportunity to go on a Site Visit to Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), as it is a step to earning a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, located in Worcester, is an incubator that encourages scientists to take transforming innovative ideas and make them into tangible realities, empowering entrepreneurship. 

During the visit, Jon, the CEO of MBI, provided us with a thorough tour of the facility, offering insights into entrepreneurship in biomedicine. One of the hallways we walked through showcased various inventions originating from Worcester, such as pieces of the space suit, birth control, and the duckbill pipe wrench. It was fascinating to see how MBI continues to foster innovation through its incubator. While technically an incubator, I found it unique that MBI exhibits qualities of an accelerator by actively supporting and guiding entrepreneurs through the entrepreneurial process. The environment and architecture of the building was particularly notable with each floor, wing, and section representing a different stage of progression. For example, the journey for entrepreneurship at MBI starts in a small lab room for initial experimentation and research then goes into larger labs with an office dedicated for manufacturing. When the tour concluded, we all sat down to converse and ask questions. Jon shared some valuable insights. Something that stuck out to me was his ideas of the entrepreneurial mindset. He says some great advice he was given was to meet one new person every day to expand your network, adhere to the “touch a paper only once” principle to promote efficiency and productivity, and be a problem solver, addressing challenges proactively. Jon also emphasized the importance of a liberal arts education, highlighting that liberal arts students know how to learn. In conclusion, I personally had the best time during the site visit. I was able to get a glimpse of the complex and powerful ecosystem of biomedicine entrepreneurship at MBI.

Written by Maeley Nakamura ’26

Students Explore Business Over Winter Break

Students at Fidelty Networking event with Tom Jessop '88 President of Fidelity Brokerage

Kicking off the spring 2024 semester, 160+ students participated in four concurrent workshops the week before classes began.  The week of January 18-22 was led by 25+ alumni presenters and mentors in the following areas:

Fullbridge Professional Edge: This simulated workweek provides exposure to the basics of business and an opportunity to collaborate in teams through active learning culminating in a final presentation where students present a growth idea for a Fortune 500 company. Special congratulations to Team Under Armour for the innovative growth idea securing them each the top prize of a $300 Apple gift card! Kathryn Sweet ’26, Charles Bacon ’27, Marisa Mamak ’27, and Mary Powers ’27 led by Coach Carmen!

Corporate Finance & Banking: 38 students toured at top Boston banks including Bank of America with Ted Lynch ‘84, SV Health Investors with Tom Flynn ‘87, and Natixis Asset Managers with Beatriz Pina Smith ‘87.  The highlight of the workshop was the fourth annual networking event held at Fidelity, hosted by Tom Jessop ‘88.  

Interview Prep: Personal branding and a core value proposition are key to successful interviewing. 86 students further developed their elevator pitch and practiced interview skills with the Center for Career Development followed by successful career tips from notable alumnae including Mimi Doherty ‘02 and Christina Imrich ‘08.

Marketing Communications & Sales: Alumni led 34 students through the practical exploration of advertising, marketing, sales, and public relations including, JR Butler ‘08, Catherine Cote ‘18, Tyler Dooley ‘17, Katie Macdonald ‘07, Kerri Mannion ‘19, Courtney Quinn ‘96, Cal St. Denis ‘08.  Teams competed in the PepsiCo Challenge, each tasked with bringing SodaStream to the next level with short- and long-term strategic thinking. Thank you to our PepsiCo judges Rowan Burgess ’23, Maureen Connolly ’18, Alex Smith ‘14, and Chris Vandervoorn ’19.

Many of the students participated in more than one opportunity as they worked towards Business Certificate Program completion, including the month-long Excel Tutorial offered during the month of January.

Check out the @holycrossbusiness Instagram page for photos from the event and follow to stay up to date with future programming and highlights. 

Entrepreneurship Course Students Pitch Business Ideas for Final Presentations

Students Presenting

Thursday, December 7th marked the last day of classes and final presentations for students in the Entrepreneurship Class taught by Tom Patton ’86. Students presented business ideas to a panel of judges from SV Health Investors, including Andrew Capetta,  A.J. Rossi, and Megan MacDonagh.  SV Health Investors is a venture and private equity investor that backs entrepreneurs in the healthcare space. 

Students pitched their ventures on a variety of innovative topics including:

  • PennyVentures, an app to support students who study abroad that combines budgeting, social media, and connections to local restaurants and services vetted by users.
  • Bass River Cruise, a luxury boat company providing unique water bound experiences on the Cape.
  • Splitz, an app that easily divides expenses for group online orders. 
  • VapeEscape, nicotine patch therapies in fun shapes and colors to encourage young adults to quit vaping without the stigma. 
  • UniBite, an app to aid college students in maintaining healthy and nutritious diets.

After deliberating, the panel announced the winning teams.  Second Place went to Team UniBite comprised of Devyn Gianino ‘25, JP McCarthy ‘24, Ashley Bunici ‘26, and Nico Corporan ‘26.  First Place went to team VapeEscape comprised of Eileen Evans ‘25, Mikey Rufino ‘24, and Mary Pat Sayre ‘24.  

First Place Team

To close the event, Cassie Gevry, Associate Director of Business Certificate Programs for the Ciocca Center at Holy Cross, shared the dates for upcoming spring events such as CrossTank, the annual Holy Cross spring pitch competition, to be held on March 25, 2024. She also announced that the city of Worcester will hold the inaugural WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown on April 2, 2024 where winning teams from their respective college competitions will compete for capital from real sharks. This year, competing colleges include Holy Cross, WPI, Clark University and Nichols College. Students from the Entrepreneurship course were encouraged to compete.