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Young Alumni Launches Marketplace: ERIDU

Jeff Reppucci’ 14: Russian Studies Major

Founder of the online business, Jeff is excited to announce the launch of Eridu Market and Magdalena Premium Colombian Coffee just in time for the holiday season.

Jeff was a Russian Studies Major at Holy Cross taking several courses on international politics and history. Through his liberal arts education, he was exposed to opportunities and experiences with international communities first hand. During his travels, he met with local business in different corners of the world. Jeff was so captivated by the stories and techniques of the artisans he met, he kept in touch with them long after leaving South America.

By creating Eridu, Jeff has established a platform to sell artisan made products and the Magdalena Coffee.  Here he hopes to both expose the world to the talents of artisans, and help the artisans share their stories and sell to the U.S. market.  Jeff believes his company shares the values of his liberal arts education of authenticity, quality and cultural exchange.

Authentic Products with Authentic Stories: Welcome to Eridu

Through close personal relationships and equitable partnerships with talented artisans and coffee farmers, Eridu brings  you authentic styles, designs, and high-quality products from unique corners of the globe. Eridu currently only has products from Columbia, but Jeff and his team are working on expanding his network of artisans to Peru, Haiti, and Tanzania. Jeff’s goal is to empower people through culture and commerce.   Discover Colombian art and culture today!

 

Single Origin Like Never Before: Magdalena Café

Unlike the vast majority of craft coffees in the US, Magdalena is purely single origin. The coffee is farmed, processed, roasted, and packaged in a mountain-side village by the people and culture who know coffee best- a true import product.  The farmer, Leila, is one of the only female coffee farmers all of Colombia. This is the first time her coffee and this style of indigenous roast have been sold in the United States. Click to learn more about her story and the unique, aromatic flavor of Magdalena Café.

Pictured: Jeff Reppucci ’14 hand delivering his first online order to Prof. David Chu at Holy Cross.

 

 

MEET JEFF and see all of his products first hand at the Holiday Bazaar in the Hogan Ballroom tomorrow (12/8/17) from 10am-4pm for some holiday shopping.  See you there!

— Thanks to Sarah Anderson ’20 & Rosangel Cruz Cabrera ’18 for collaborating to share this story.

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2017 Women in Business Student Recap

Miss the annual Women in Business conference? No worries! Read a review of the 2017 Women in Business conference, written by committee members Sarah Anderson ’20 and Kate Beckerman ’20.   Special THANK YOU to Provost Freije for interviewing Deirdre Latour ’95, Senior Advisor, VP & COO at GE.

Find Your Power Center: GE’s Deirdre Latour ’95 Offers Advice to Students at Women in Business Conference. Students spent a day learning and networking with alumnae at annual conference.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, November 3, 2018 << Stay tuned for the keynote announcement!

 

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NEW Entrepreneur-in-Residence at HC!

Ja-Naé Duane 
Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Lecturer
Ciocca Office of Entrepreneurial Studies
College of the Holy Cross
Stein 129C
508-793-3692
jduane@holycross.edu

For over 20 years, Ja-Naé Duane focused on one mission: make life better for as many people as possible. This award-winning innovator has done that by focusing on revolutionary ideas and develop programs that impact our world. Currently the co-founder of The Revolution Factory, a global network that enables innovation ecosystems in corporations, governments, and universities.

The author of the bestseller, “The Startup Equation” and “How to Start Your Business with $100” Ja-Naé excels at advising startups because she understands from personal experience what it means to be a social entrepreneur. Over the years, her work has caught the attention of The Associated Press, NPR, Classical Singer Magazine, The Boston Globe, and Business Week.

Ja-Nae is an angel investor and advisor in a number of startups including Singularity University. She is excited to be joining the COES team here at College of the Holy Cross.

Linkedin Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/janaeduane

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Meet Riley Benner ’20: Founder of Phoenix Haberdashey

Riley Benner’ 20
Summer Assistant, Prebusiness Office
Founder, Phoenix Haberdashery

“I wanted to take subjects that I truly enjoy like philosophy and political science, but still gain the technical skills to be successful following graduation. That is exactly what Holy Cross has offered me: the ability to pair a liberal arts education with a professional business understanding.”

1) Why did you choose Holy Cross?
At the time I was applying to schools I was looking for a small college with a Jesuit identity. There was no better fit than HC. I wanted to learn more about the business world, but I didn’t want my whole schedule taken up by accounting, economics, and management classes. I wanted to take subjects that I truly enjoy, like philosophy and political science, but still gain the technical skills to be successful following graduation. That is exactly what Holy Cross has offered me: the ability to pair a liberal arts education with a professional business understanding.

2) What has been your favorite aspect of Holy Cross?
Hands down… the people. You hear that the Holy Cross network is incredible. They aren’t lying. The Prebusiness Office has been especially supportive with my startup. Every member of the HC community – professors, staff, alumni, and even students – truly want to see their fellow crusaders succeed.

3) Tell me more about your startup.
Junior year of high school I started a company called Phoenix Haberdashery, a high-end mens’ accessory brand known for its line of reversible, double-sided neckties.  All of our employees are refugees who came to America to escape violence and tyranny. For most of them working with us was their first job, which is why we use the Phoenix to represent the brand- it symbolizes rebirth and new opportunities. Each tie purchased will tell the story of the sewer who made it, a powerful way to show our customers that not only was their tie handmade and carefully constructed, but it was done by someone with an incredible story.  Keep up with these stories on Instagram.

4) How have you been involved with the Entrepreneurial Studies & Prebusiness Office?
When I decided halfway through the second semester of my freshmen year to resume my company, I knew that the first place to go would be the Office of Entrepreneurial Studies. I met with Professor Chu and two other faculty to learn about (and later receive) the Ignite Fund, a grant that allows students to gain capital and jumpstart their ideas. Professor Chu also invited me to an alumni networking event in Boston for entrepreneurs. I went, pitched my idea, and met several alumni who have been incredibly helpful in Phoenix Haberdashery’s early development. I decided to stay in Worcester over the summer and was hired to work in the Prebusiness Office. While here, I’ve been learning about business administration and getting tips on how to successfully scale my startup.

— — —

If you want to learn more about the Entrepreneurial Studies & Prebusiness Office, check out our website and follow us on Instagram. Thank you Riley, for sharing your story – we look forward to seeing your business grow!

 

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CPP STUDENT HIGHLIGHT: Ben Lodge ’18 started the COES Professional Program during his freshmen year with the Fullbridge Professional Edge Program. He later participated in two alumni-led business workshops: Finance Boot Camp and Marketing Communications & Sales.  Ben will receive his Certificate of Readiness and Graduation Pin at the upcoming Prebusiness: Road to Success event on April 18.

Ben’s advice to underclassmen? Start early and try everything. Completing the Fullbridge program my freshman year gave me ample time to attend a few of the many workshops offered by COES. I was also able to attend many of the alumni lectures and dinners that the office sponsors.  Through these experiences I was able to explore a multitude of industries in order to find out what I was interested in and how I could turn those interests into a career.

Join Prof. Chu in congratulating Ben and the many other students who have earned the Certificate of Readiness! Hear more advice and eat free pizza on Tuesday, April 18 at 5PM in Stein 208. 

 

 

 

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Your Guide to Career Direction = Fullbridge
INFO SESSION>> Tuesday, March 21 at 5PM in Hogan 519
 ​
To complement the Holy Cross rigorous education, Fullbridge Professional Edge will immerse you in business, finance, marketing, and innovation—for career direction. Working closely in teams to tackle real-world projects, you will develop a strong core of work competencies, and develop confidence to take your next step. Your Fullbridge coach will be your guide and mentor throughout the six-day program.

Classrooms will be transformed into a simulated workplace – the program is an intensive lecture-free hands-on experience that culminates in a final team presentation. Get real world experience. Fast. 

UPCOMING PROGRAMS>>
  • August 21 – 26, 2017 (week before fall classes begin)
  • January 15 – 20, 2018 (week before spring classes begin)
  • May 17 – 23, 2018 (week between finals and graduation)

GET STARTED>> fullbridge.com/holycross

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FUTURE STEPS WORKSHOP

jb17<< MEET JULIA BAKER ’17 – “I’m a Psychology major and in the COES Professional Certificate Program here at Holy Cross. Last spring I completed the Marketing Communications and Sales workshop, and this past summer I was an Account Management Intern at BBDO. Working at an advertising agency gave me real world experience, but I am still anxious about job applications and interviews.

I am eager to participate in the Future Steps Workshop because I think it will be beneficial to reflect on my experiences at Holy Cross and develop my personal brand. I want to be able to take my liberal arts education, Psychology major and internship experience, to create a narrative that will demonstrate my value to future employers. This workshop will help me discover more about myself and help me through this critical time in my career path.”

Julia will be participating in the Future Steps Workshop over winter break to better prepare herself for interviews during senior year.  Join her to learn more about how to showcase your value to future employers, and connect your liberal arts education to the marketplace.

Registration Deadline: Thursday, December 1st 11:59pM
Workshop Dates: January 19-20, 2017
*This workshop is the capstone workshop required to complete COES Professional Certificate Program. Students must have completed Fullbridge and two alumni-led workshops prior to registering for Future Steps.

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WANT TO COMPETE IN SHARK TANK?

SaderSandbox: Idea Session, Round 2🔔
Now worries if you missed the first brainstorming session, your second chance is right around the corner!

Join HCEG on Tuesday, November 1st for our final Idea Session where you will:
– get feedback/advice from experienced entrepreneurs
– meet potential team members
– learn next steps in competing in the annual Shark Tank

Don’t let this opportunity float away – we hope to see you there!
> Tuesday, November 1 at 7pm in Stein 216
> Free pizza and refreshments
> #12Kontheline
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*NEW* Workshop – Global Supply Chain Management

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Global Supply Chain Management Workshop: REGISTER NOW!
No resume, no cover letter, just register!

This new alumni led workshop will provide hands-on experience to help you understand how a global supply chain gets things made and delivered to where customers are. Everything we wear, eat, drive, and consume comes through an organized supply chain from different parts of the world.  Gain political, cultural, and ethical insights from experienced alumni from issues they’ve dealt with that are inherent in managing a global supply chain.

This new workshop will be two days, held over fall break and is open to all majors/class years.

BONUS: it counts towards the business workshops milestone for the COES Professional Certificate Program!

Program Dates: Monday & Tuesday, October 10 & 11, 2016

Online Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 29, 2016 by 11:59PM

CLICK HERE to register and learn more about the four alumni who will be leading this workshop!

Thanks to Ben Lodge ’18, our Student Assistant, for his detailed description of this new workshop. We are very excited to be expanding our workshop line-up and look forward to welcoming these alumni to campus this fall.  Hope you can join us!

Cassie Gevry
Associate Director, Entrepreneurial Studies
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PREBUSINESS: Road to Success 4/18

Prebiz-screenshot

The COES Pre-Business Office will soon be hosting Prebusiness: Road To Success on Monday, April 18 at 5pm in Stein 188B, featuring Holy Cross senior panelists outlined below.  These seasoned seniors, along with those receiving the COES Professional Program Certificate of Readiness, will share their experiences and insights on all things from internships, interviews and job offers, COES workshops and the different events and clubs in which they participate. Psst! Free Pizza!

Here’s a snapshot preview of what our panelists have accomplished during their time on the hill.  Hope to see you there! 


RArmstrongRichie Armstrong ‘16, an Economics major, spent a semester in the Washington D.C. Program last year, where he interned at International Business-Government Counselors. This past summer, Richie interned as a Summer Analyst at the Blackstone Group. He has taken an interest in finance and sales through his involvement in the various Prebusiness clubs, including the Sales Club. He also participates on campus as a senior interviewer, in SPUD,  and in the Holy Cross Outreach Program. This summer he will begin working full-time as a client support analyst with Eze Software.

   Marios Marios Dardas ‘16, a Computer Science major, spends much of his time immersing himself in new experiences and ideas. Last summer he interned at Harvard University working alongside ecologists, chemists, computer scientists and other researchers at its’ 3500 Acre research facility known as the Harvard Forest. At Holy Cross, he is actively involved in the Prebusiness program whether it be its’ workshops, seminars, clubs, or the usual visit to Professor Chu’s office. This summer he will begin working full-time with data scientists as a
Technical Analyst at JP Morgan Chase in NY.

mlashotoMaryAnn LaShoto ‘16, an English major, studied abroad last year at Trinity College in Dublin. She returned from Ireland to an internship at Boston Globe Media, where she worked as a Business Communications/Community Relations Intern. At Holy Cross, she acts as Senior Chair of the Agency (Marketing/Communications Club) and as a planning committee member of the Women in Business Conference, along with Sydney.

medinaJake Medina ‘16, an Economics major with a Peace and Conflict Studies minor, interned last summer at J.P. Morgan as an Investment Banking Analyst in New York. At Holy Cross he is Senior Chair of the Finance Club. Jake also participated in this year’s Shark Tank Competition, pitching his company as Co-Founder and President of Student Empowerment Program, and walked away with 2nd place. With the winnings, he continues to expand the non-profit start-up.

sydneySydney-Zeferina Pugliares ‘16, an English major and Italian minor, spent her junior year abroad in Florence, and returned last summer to intern at Victoria’s Secret in the Merchandising department. At Holy Cross, she is involved in the Prebusiness program as the Senior Chair of the Holy Cross Entrepreneurs Group (HCEG) and as a Student Assistant in the office. She also works with MaryAnn on the Women in Business Conference planning committee.