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12th Annual Cross Tank Competition

Cross Tank Winners

The 12th annual Cross Tank Competition took place on Monday, March 24, hosted by HC Launch through the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society. This highly anticipated event provided a platform for Holy Cross students to pitch their innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial ventures, competing for a total prize pool of over $9,500.

Meet the Judges

  • Brittany Fanatu ’15 – Marc Alkes Insurance
  • Michael Kane ’23 – Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Rich Mynahan ’93 – ClearView Healthcare Partners
  • Samantha Sweet ’21 – Ashby

Students competed in two categories: the Concept Stage, for business ideas in development, and the Operational Stage, for ventures already generating revenue.

Concept Stage Winners

  1. First Place ($1,500) – getStyled
    A wardrobe dashboard app featuring a virtual closet, AI outfit suggestions, Pinterest-inspired looks, and built-in shopping—all in one place.
    Students: Caroline Hanson ’27, Maura Switzer ’25, Grace Donahue ’25, Sarah O’Sullivan ’25, Lauren Halverson ’25, Sarah Stokes ’25, Meggan Fourie ’25

  2. Second Place ($1,000) – Brownie Magic
    Brownie Magic lets anyone easily create intricate powdered sugar designs on pre-sliced brownies in minutes. Simply place a dishwasher-safe stencil from the themed set over the brownies and dust with sugar for a beautiful, festive touch.
    Student: Anna Henry ’28

  3. Third Place ($500) – Wave Watcher
    A tanning headrest with shade that doubles as a beach chair.
    Student: Jack Murphy ’27

Audience Favorite: Brownie Magic ($250)

Operational Stage Winners

  1. First Place ($3,500) – Sweet Syds
    A growing business specializing in homemade baked goods and treats.
    Student: Sydnee Ambrosino ’27

  2. Second Place ($1,500) – WiseDine, LLC
    Meal plan generator syncing student specific dietary needs.
    Student: Nico Corporon ’26

  3. Third Place ($1,000) – Mark-it
    An athletic company with a focus on track and field, bringing new innovations into the sport to help advance it.
    Student: Logan Mott ’27

Audience Favorites: Mark-it & Slyce Seltzer ($125 each)
Slyce Seltzer – Vodka seltzer company focusing on health, crispness, and unique flavors
Student: Andrew Trachimowicz ’27

Special Giveaway: ‘What Do You Meme?’ by Ben Kaplan

In addition to the exciting competition, Ben Kaplan, the creator of the popular card game “What Do You Meme?”, generously donated to the event and hosted a giveaway of his signature game. Attendees had the unique opportunity to take home a copy of the hit party game, adding even more excitement to the evening!

Looking Ahead: WooTank Showdown!

The excitement continues as Sweet Syds and getStyled will represent Holy Cross at the WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown on Tuesday, April 8, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Off the Rails in Worcester. They will compete against students from Clark University, Nichols College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

We invite the Holy Cross community to come support our teams and cheer them on!

Register for WooTank!

Stay tuned for more updates on our student entrepreneurs as they continue their journey.

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Bill Fox ’99: From Surface Warfare Officer to Business Ops Leader at AWS

CJ O'Brien and Bill Fox

Bill Fox, Holy Cross class of 1999, exemplifies the versatility of a liberal arts education. With a career spanning military service, consulting, and now business operations at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Bill’s journey is a testament to the value of broad-based learning, leadership through service, and the power of continuous growth.

During his time on the Hill, Bill majored in political science, driven by an interest in government, international affairs, and the military. Growing up during the tail end of the Cold War, he was fascinated by the evolving global landscape and America’s role as the dominant superpower. His goal was clear: to become a Navy officer. Political science provided the perfect foundation, helping him develop a deep understanding of geopolitics and preparing him for a leadership role in the armed forces.

Upon graduating, Bill was commissioned into the U.S. Navy through Holy Cross’s NROTC program. Over the next six years, he served the nation as a Surface Warfare Officer, completing three deployments. His first, in 2000, was marked by the tragic USS Cole bombing, a terrorist attack that, for Bill and his fellow officers, was a chilling precursor to the attacks on 9/11. His later deployments were defined by the early days of the War on Terror, launching airstrikes over Afghanistan and later contributing to operations in Iraq. His leadership, shaped by both his liberal arts education and military experiences, was forged in these high-stakes environments.

Leaving the Navy was not an easy decision. Bill was passionate about his service and deeply valued his work in the intelligence community. However, he ultimately chose to transition into the private sector, leveraging his military background and expertise in intelligence. Through networking, especially with fellow Holy Cross alumni, Bill found opportunities in consulting, joining IBM as a senior consultant and later Booz Allen Hamilton as a management consultant.

Bill credits his success in the corporate world to three key leadership traits he honed in at Holy Cross and in the Navy:

  1. Listening: In both the military and business, he stresses the importance of truly hearing what people are saying, whether they report to you or you report to them. Listening enables better decision-making and stronger collaboration.
  2. Clear Communication: Effective leaders need to convey their messages clearly and concisely, whether speaking to a small team or delivering insights to high-level executives.
  3. Curiosity and Discipline: Bill believes his liberal arts education, combined with the Jesuit tradition of asking thoughtful questions, helped him become a greater thinker. The ability to seek out knowledge and explain complex concepts to others has been invaluable throughout his career.

Today, Bill serves as a business operations professional at AWS, focusing on national security customers and the U.S. Department of Defense. His role is a blend of finance, strategy, and customer engagement. On any given day, he might be forecasting revenue trends, meeting with sales teams to discuss challenges and wins, or presenting updates to company leadership, including reports that reach AWS’s CEO. The fast-paced, ever-evolving environment requires adaptability and problem-solving skills, traits Bill mastered during his time in the Navy.

Bill views the current AI boom with cautious optimism. He sees it as a transformative tool but not one that will replace human ingenuity. At AWS, he has witnessed AI’s potential to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, but he emphasizes that human oversight and expertise remain essential. Bill believes that AI will ultimately reshape jobs rather than eliminate them, creating new opportunities for innovation.

Even with a demanding career, Bill remains committed to lifelong learning. He regularly reads historical and business news/literature. The Wall Street Journal is his daily go-to, keeping him informed about global markets and industry trends. For Bill, understanding the challenges and successes of those who came before him is both a source of inspiration and a tool for growth.

Bill’s journey from the Navy to AWS highlights the lasting value of a Holy Cross education. His advice to current students is clear: embrace the scope of your liberal arts experience. The ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt to new challenges will serve you well, no matter your career path.

Bill is an admirable example of the Holy Cross and Jesuit principle, “Men and women for others,” and additionally the Ciocca Center’s motto of “Major in anything, succeed in Business.” 

Written by C.J O’Brien

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2025 Cross Tank Competition

Cross Tank Judges 2025

On Monday, March 24, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, fourteen teams will compete in this year’s Cross Tank competition. Teams will pitch their business ideas and prototypes to a panel of judges, with the best pitches earning cash prizes and potential mentoring opportunities.

In this year’s competition teams will compete in two categories, Idea Stage (typically pre funding) and Commitment Stage (early funding and or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)). The following teams will be pitching their innovative business ideas:

  • Brady Higgins 26 
  • Julia Jenkins 26, Paul Korian 27, Will Messineo 26
  • Caroline Hanson 27, Maura Switzer 25, Grace Donahue 25, Sarah O’sullivan 25, Lauren Halverson 25, Sarah Stokes 25, Meggan Fourie 25
  • Jack Murphy 27
  • Madison Murphy 25
  • Flynn Harper 27, Timothy Wright 27, James McGuire 27
  • Andrew Trachimowicz 27
  • Bernat Sepulcre 28, Matthew Stevens 28, Max Barker 28, Brendan Manoogian 28
  • Nico Corporon 26
  • Logan Mott 27
  • Sydnee Ambrosino 27
  • Luke Shoemaker 25
  • Anna Henry 28
  • John Jacobson 27

Our panel of alumni judges will evaluate based on the market opportunity, viability of the business idea, path to profits, and the scalability of the business model.

Best of luck to all the teams competing in the 2025 Cross Tank Competition! 

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From Physics to Business: Julia Pelletier ’21 on Career Adaptability, and Leadership

CJ O'Brien Interview Picture

When Julia Pelletier ‘21 majored in physics at Holy Cross, she envisioned a future in research, possibly pursuing graduate studies in engineering or astrophysics. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped her plans. Instead of grad school, she accepted a job offer from her first internship at Dell Technologies, launching her career in business operations. Though unexpected, the transition has suited her quite well. 

Reflecting on her time at Holy Cross, Julia credited her liberal arts education with essential skills that benefit her today. While her physics background provided technical and analytical abilities, courses like an Excel lab at Holy Cross gave her an edge in job applications and daily work. She also emphasized the value of effective communication and presentation skills in her role. Much of Julia’s technical expertise came from hands-on experience and self-learning. Exposure to Microsoft Suite and Excel at Holy Cross provided a foundation for her skills, however she also developed industry specific skills on the job.

As a business operations professional at Dell, Julia’s work follows a standard 9-5 schedule, though tasks vary. Some days are packed with meetings, while others allow for independent, focused work. Remote work offers flexibility, but she values in-person office visits. She enjoys the dynamic nature of her projects, which keep her engaged and continuously learning. With technology evolving rapidly, Julia says AI has become integral to her workflow, enhancing efficiency rather than replacing jobs. Her advice to students? Get familiar with AI and learn how to leverage it as a skill in job interviews. 

Julia’s extensive background in ice hockey, including serving as a team captain at Holy Cross her senior year, shaped her leadership abilities. Julia says this valuable experience as a Team Captain on the ice hockey team gives her a distinct edge in the male-dominated tech industry. Hockey taught her confidence, teamwork, and leadership qualities that translate seamlessly into her corporate career. At Holy Cross, Julia was also active in volunteer work, particularly supporting Worcester’s immigrant community through English programs. This broadened her perspective and deepened her connection to the city. Although moving away from Worcester has limited her ability to volunteer in the same way, she stays involved in giving back to others by coaching ice hockey and boxing. 

For recent graduates, Julia stresses the importance of a routine for mental health and well-being. Remote work can blur work-life boundaries, so she sets limits, like avoiding work communications after 9 p.m. She prioritizes exercise, spending time with her two dogs, and constant social interaction whenever possible. Julia’s journey highlights the unpredictability of career paths. Though her plans shifted, she embraced new opportunities, using both technical and interpersonal skills to thrive. Her advice? Be adaptable, keep learning, and use AI to enhance productivity. Most importantly, balance work and personal life for long-term success and fulfillment.

Julia is an admirable example of the Holy Cross and Jesuit principle, “Men and women for others,” and additionally the Ciocca Center’s motto of “Major in anything, succeed in Business.” 

Written by C.J. O’Brien

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76 Students Participate in Interview Prep and Marketing Communications & Sales Workshops

Group Photo from the Marketing Communications & Sales Workshop

From January 14th to January 17th, 76 students working to complete certificates for The Ciocca Center for Business attended the Marketing & Sales Workshop as well as the Interview Prep Workshop. Over the course of the four days, students were provided opportunities for collaboration, skill-building, and professional insights shared by alumni. 

During the first two days, students attended the Marketing and Sales Workshop, which combined a team-based final presentation and sessions on career options led by alumni presenters.

Courtney Quinn ‘96 VP of Brand Strategy at Liberty Mutual and Katie Macdonald ‘07 Director II of Talent Management & Digital Advertising at Liberty Mutual, opened the workshop with a session on Advertising and Branding. Using Liberty Mutual as an example, they explored brand identity and how it can be brought to life. Their session emphasized the importance of identifying a target audience and constructing a brand framework around it.

Next, Catherine Cote ‘18, founder of Project Empathy, hosted a workshop on digital marketing. Cote explained the concept of a marketing funnel and demonstrated how to craft a value proposition for a brand.

John Hartz ‘98,  President at Sloane & Company, concluded the first day with a session on public relations. Hartz covered key practice areas, including message and material development, media relations, crisis management, and digital & social media. He also guided students through how to apply these strategies to their PepsiCo projects. 

Day two began with a sales session led by Cal St. Denis ‘08, Global Director of Sustainability at Johnson & Johnson MedTech and Founder of Treely Foods alongside Tyler Dooley ‘16, Founder of Wake Up Water and Co-Founder of Celly Hard Seltzer. They shared insights into sales strategies and targeting customers.

The workshop concluded with teams presenting their projects to a panel of PepsiCo judges, including Chris Vandervoorn ‘19, eCommerce Sales Strategy Manager at PepsiCo, Maureen Connolly ‘18, eCommerce Sales Manager at PepsiCo, and Rowan Burgess ‘23, Analyst at PepsiCo. 

The Interview Prep Workshop held over the next two days provided students the opportunity to build their personal brand and practice their interview skills.

On the first day, Mimi Doherty ‘02, Head of Human Resources at Sanofi US General Medicines & Founder/President of Future Steps LLC led students through the exercise of building their personal brand, developing a value proposition, and connecting their resume with job descriptions.

Day two began with a session on elevator pitches and interview skill-building hosted by the Center for Career Development. Students identified their key skills, created elevator pitches, and practiced delivering them with peers. This session also covered common interview questions and ways to prepare. 

Day two concluded with a session led by Jermey Hill, Founder of Dream Job Network. Hill encouraged students to identify their dream job by reflecting on their ideal day-to-day activities, industries, and roles they want to target, and what excites them most about a job. He shared strategies for identifying potential job opportunities and how to market yourself to employers. 

Thank you to all of the alumni for giving back to the Holy Cross community.

Written by Anna Hagan ’27

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2025 Corporate Finance & Banking Workshop

Group photo of students at the Corporate Finance and Banking Workshop

From Tuesday, January 14th to Wednesday, January 15th, 33 students, highly passionate about pursuing a career in finance, joined the Ciocca Center for the annual Corporate Finance and Banking Workshop in Boston. On Tuesday morning, students ventured through a windy Boston to visit esteemed alumni at Bank of America, who walked through the financial reports and standings of three companies – Sherwin-Williams, American Tower, and Boeing – to compare and contrast what makes a multinational corporation excel and what causes their downfalls. Students were able to expand their understanding of how businesses raise capital, the differences between commercial and investment banking, and overall business life cycles and trends. Many thanks to Ted Lynch ‘84, Angelo Carbone ‘22, J.P. Cunningham ‘23, Erin Maloney ‘22, and all Holy Cross alumni who presented! 

The group then walked through the South Station neighborhood to Fidelity Investments, where Jim Griffin ‘87 provided a detailed and thorough overview of the family history and foundational principles of Fidelity, the various sectors and roles within Investment Management. Students took a walking tour of the Chart Room and Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT) featuring the firm’s software and innovation technology hub. Mr. Griffin then facilitated a panel featuring Molly Murray ’22, Olivia Shamleffer ’22, Rea Nassif ’24, Andrea Pappey ’17, Madison Ward ’21, where students learned about the recent graduates’ various experiences and career trajectories at Fidelity, including their participation in the rotational Emerging Leaders and LEAD Programs. 

Later that night, the Boston Finance Networking Reception, hosted by Bryan Sparkes ’04 and Roger Breslin ’93 at JLL, provided students with an invaluable opportunity to interact with a wide array of alumni from numerous financial firms in the city. Through these open and immersive conversations, students were able to build upon their networking skills and learn more in-depth about prospective careers from alumni who work within Asset and Wealth Management, Corporate Banking, Sales and Trading, Financial Analysis, and more. 

On Wednesday morning, the Corporate Finance and Banking Workshop continued at J.P. Morgan, where Chris Stevens ‘06, Rick MacDonald ‘97, Ryan McGrath ‘99, and additional Holy Cross alumni provided an engaging explanation of the incredible products and services offered by the Corporate and Investment Bank, private equity and venture capital initiatives, how to manage a client’s portfolio within the Private Bank, and how to leverage a liberal arts education within the financial services industry. 

Finally, the group bussed over to Back Bay to visit Natixis Investment Managers and learn more about the firm from Beatriz Pena Smith ‘87, Nick Elward ‘95, Heather Keaveny ‘92, John DelPrete ‘90, Kathleen Songco ‘17, Molly Gorman ‘05, and Tracy Fagan ‘84. Through an interactive quick quiz that tested students’ knowledge of investment management acronyms and concepts and a comprehensive firm overview, the Corporate Finance and Banking Workshop participants learned an incredible amount about investment management and had a great experience – especially seeing the stunning rooftop views of downtown Boston. 

Thank you again to each and every alum for providing extremely helpful information and facilitating fantastic conversations. 

Written by Lindsay Julia King ’27

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86 Students & 50+ Alumni Participate in Fall Break Business Workshops

Finance Boot Camp students group photo

Every fall break, the Ciocca Center holds concurrent workshops for students involved in the Business Certificate Programs to connect with alumni, make real-world connections, learn industry insights and practice presentation skills.  86 students and over 50 alumni participated in last weeks iteration, details below.

The annual Global Supply Chain Management Workshop helped 45 students understand that everything we wear, eat, drive, and consume comes through an organized supply chain from different parts of the world. The alumni presenters included Pete Mondani ’79, Roger Lobo ’04, John Burke ’10 and Conor Moynihan ’13 – all practitioners in the field.  They shared the inner workings of a global supply chain and how it manages the distribution of various goods and services.  Teams of 4-5 students met with Holy Cross vendors, spanning from coffee to sweatshirts, to understand the inherent political, cultural, and ethical issues.  They even got off campus to experience a working supply chain during a company site visit to Polar Beverages with a tour by Chris Crowley, executive vice president of the company.

Concurrently, the annual Finance Boot Camp brought 41 students to NYC to meet alumni on Wall Street as part of the Finance & Banking Certificate program. Starting with an alumni-led current event discussion and professional communication overview, students were prepped on campus for the overnight trip to the city.  Alumni at JP Morgan, Piper Sandler, CIBC, KeyBanc and Morgan Stanley hosted the cohort to share industry insights, interview tips and discuss the various fields within the industry including sales and trading, investment banking, and wealth management.

Maeley Nakamura ’26, Megan McFarlane ’26, and Lindsay Julia King ’27 shared their student experience on the College’s Instagram account, which can also be seen on @holycrossbusiness.

Congratulations to all of the student participants and a big thank you to all of our alumni who are giving back to Holy Cross, like so many have done before them.

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The Power of Continuous Learning: How Matt Bellomo ’13’s Holy Cross Education Shaped His Career

Kevin and Matt

After sitting down with Holy Cross alumnus Matt Bellomo ‘13, I gained valuable insights into how a liberal arts degree can pave the way for a successful career in business. His journey perfectly illustrates the power of a well-rounded education in today’s competitive business landscape. Matt is currently an Associate at Bentall Green Oak, a real estate private equity firm headquartered in New York City.

Matt graduated from Holy Cross in 2013 with a degree in Political Science. From there, Matt began his professional career by landing a job with Commonwealth Financial Network, where he spent most of his time in back-office operations. After almost eight years, Matt decided he wanted to transition into the Real Estate world. After utilizing his Holy Cross alumni network, Matt found himself at Bentall Green Oak.

He began by explaining that his classes at Holy Cross ignited his curiosity and instilled in him the ability to learn independently. This foundation allowed him to explore any topic that piqued his interest after graduation. He described how this passion for continuous learning was particularly impactful as he transitioned from financial services to real estate.

When I asked Matt how his liberal arts education prepared him for a career in real estate, he shared a thoughtful response. He began by explaining that his classes at Holy Cross ignited his curiosity and instilled in him the ability to learn independently. This foundation allowed him to explore any topic that piqued his interest after graduation. He described how this passion for continuous learning was particularly impactful as he transitioned from financial services to real estate. Matt believes that studying at Holy Cross cultivates a lifelong desire to seek knowledge, giving students an ongoing curiosity to expand their knowledge.

Matt highlighted how his experience at Holy Cross has shaped him into a more well-rounded individual and made him a stronger candidate in the job market. He emphasized that the diverse and comprehensive education he received provided him with a unique edge over peers from business schools, where many students followed the same narrow curriculum. This broad perspective, he believes, has been invaluable in his career.

Matt elaborated on how real estate is fundamentally a people-driven industry, where the ability to build and maintain relationships is crucial for success. He reflected on the exceptional interpersonal and communication skills he honed during his time at Holy Cross, emphasizing how these abilities have been instrumental in his career. The diverse interactions and experiences he had at the College prepared him to connect effectively with a wide range of individuals in the field.

Matt is yet another Holy Cross graduate who exemplifies the endless possibilities of pursuing a successful career in business.

Written by Kevin Birenbaum ’26

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Curiosity, Confidence & Connection Inspire at 19th Annual WIB Conference

WIB Committee and Keynote Speaker

This past Saturday on November 2,  Women in Business hosted their annual conference attended by nearly 200 alumnae and students. The conference kicked off with keynote speaker Joanna Geraghty ‘94, CEO of jetBlue and sociology major at Holy Cross, interviewed by Professor Susan Crawford Sullivan of the sociology department. “Curiosity is what makes a strong business leader, and that comes from a liberal arts education.” Geraghty shared. 

Students and alumnae attended concurrent panels throughout the day including Women in Wealth, and Females in Fashion to Game Changers in Sports. Kate Beckerman ‘20, Global Compliance Manager at Boston Consulting Group, presented on a panel titled Beyond the Books: Humanities Majors Thriving in Business. “Our panel focus was on the power of a Liberal Arts education in the workplace” Beckerman shared.  “I left feeling energized and inspired by the amazing students and alumnae in attendance!”

Another panel included Women Shaping the Future of Tech hosted by Jamee Herbert ’10, CEO & Co-Founder of BridgeCare and Aine Doyle ’20, Content Developer at IBM. The panel provided first hand insights on overcoming industry challenges. Herbert and Doyle highlighted strategies on navigating obstacles and the importance of mentorship within the tech industry. During round two of the breakouts, Finding your Voice and Communicating with Confidence was presented by Dana McManus ’16, Associate Relationship Manager at Wellington Management, and Baker Earl ’19, Associate, Internal Client Advisor at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The focus was on practical tips to enhance the tool of confident communication. They highlighted the importance of communication when it comes to empowerment, leadership, and organizational change. 

Of the close to 200 attendees, Catherine Cote ‘18, founder of Project Empathy, shared that coming away from the conference she felt “empowered and grateful for this community.”  Sharing several of her key takeaways from the event, including “the overarching theme of connecting with others in this community. Every presenter spoke to how other HC women supported them in their career journeys.” Even President Rougeau chimed in on LinkedIn sharing that he was “deeply inspired by last weekend’s Women in Business conference” and that “it’s clear that the next generation of women business leaders is already making their mark at Holy Cross.”

Katie Browne ‘25, a graduating co-chair of the Women in Business Organizing Committee and incoming analyst at Goldman Sachs, shares “As I close this chapter, I carry forward the knowledge and relationships built during this journey. Thank you to The College of the Holy Cross for supporting and empowering women in business through such a meaningful platform!” Another of our graduating co-chairs of the Women in Business Organizing Committee, Ariana Clark ‘25,, would like to thank “everyone who attended, asked insightful questions, and contributed to this powerful day of connection. It was truly inspiring to see so many passionate individuals come together to empower and uplift one another.” Pam McGinley ‘80, Women in Wealth conference panelist and SVP at Morgan Stanley, shared that “all of their leadership is truly inspirational and positively impacts our ecosystem.”

We look forward to seeing you next fall on campus as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Women in Business Conference! 

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Innovative Solutions for Global Issues: Lessons from the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Workshop

Aidan Philbrick '25 working with his group

This past weekend, I was presented with the amazing opportunity to participate in the Entrepreneurship and Global Innovation Workshop, hosted in collaboration with Ycenter and its USA genius-grant recipient CEO, Dhairya Pujara. Over the course of a weekend, our group of twenty passionate students worked together in teams, each tasked with developing innovative solutions that would address some of the world’s most prevalent issues. My team focused on tackling inequalities in the healthcare system, especially the issue of people being exploited by pharmaceutical greed and systematic corruption.

As we were taught new and innovative ways of thinking about these issues, we brainstormed creative lines of attack against these tribulations in order to make a positive difference in the world. We came to the conclusion that the specific goal we wanted to address would be the issue of pharmaceutical confusion, a problem that, according to the Milken Institute, affects nine out of every ten Americans.

When continuing to reflect on the incredible aspects of this workshop, I realize that even though our ideas were a great start in making a change in the world, we never would have been able to create these solutions if it were not for Dhairya Pujara teaching us the power of creative thinking. This program highlighted the important questions that often escape us as we are both anxious and perplexed by the chaos of the world. We were taught how to identify specific issues then begin solving problems, rather than just providing quick-fix solutions.

As I begin my life in the working world of Public Relations next year, I am very excited to work with my team in order to identify client needs and think of the problems that consumers need resolved. I am very grateful for the lessons provided to us by both Ycenter and the Ciocca Business Center here at Holy Cross, and very much looking forward to standing out in the workplace because of what I have learned.

Written by Aidan Philbrick ’25

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