entrepreneruship – Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society Blog

December 16, 2024

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.

October 11, 2024

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

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

September 2, 2024

Fullbridge Professional Edge Program Recap August 2024

Fullbridge Professional Edge Program Recap

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.

April 29, 2024

Ciocca Center Congratulates Business Certificate Graduates

The 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”

April 8, 2024

WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown

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

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

March 26, 2024

11th Annual Cross Tank Competition

The 11th annual Cross Tank Competition took place on Monday, March 25th, at Smith Labs 155, hosted by HC Launch through the Ciocca Center. This year showcased an array of pitches, highlighting fresh and innovative approaches to problem-solving. Ideas ranged from optimizing track and field distance tracking to unveiling a 100% waterproof fabric, an app for musicians to collaborate to, and more.

Our panel of judges brought a wealth of diverse expertise to the table, featuring 2022 winner Nick Lazzaro ’23, Venture Forum Executive Zak Dutton, and Adjunct Professor and Healthcare Executive Tom Patton ’86. Teams vied for a total prize pool of $9,250.

The competition unfolded in two categories. In the Concept Stage, participants presented business ideas poised for launch:

First Place ($1,500):

Continue reading “11th Annual Cross Tank Competition”

March 14, 2024

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

February 29, 2024

Student Highlight: Nico Corporon ’26

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!

February 22, 2024

Nick Lazzaro ’23 Wins 40 Under 40 Award

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

February 12, 2024

Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives Site Visit

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