Ashley is focused on delivering an accessible and affordable alternative to chemotherapy to the general public and is leading Torigen’s growth to meet this need. With a team of 18 employees, Torigen has treated nearly 500 cases this year alone, with over 1,000 animals treated with the VetiVax treatment since its inception in 2017 (with limited side effects). Treatment is offered through veterinary oncologists as well as general vet practices at a fraction of the cost of chemotherapy. 

Along with providing hope to pet parents, Torigen is also collecting valuable data from these tumors and tracking trends, which has resulted in a new product backed by new patented technology. The company recently completed a series A round funding and has a goal to raise $10 million by year-end. 

 

A Calculated Risk Taker 

Entrepreneurship was always the plan for the Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Ashley graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2012 with an undergraduate degree in Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences and went on to complete her master’s at the University of Notre Dame, where she came up with the idea for Torigen as part of her thesis to develop a viable business plan. She was offered a job at a medical device company but turned it down to pursue Torigen.

“I like to build. That’s why entrepreneurship has always appealed to me. I like to see a project from start to end and wear multiple hats. Entrepreneurship is about being able to put your elbow grease behind something, knowing that work can change the world.”

Ashley moved back to her home state of Connecticut where she had access to resources that would help shape the future direction of the company. “I’m a risk taker but it’s calculated risk taking,” said Ashley. “I didn’t pay myself a salary and lived with my dad because I knew Torigen had the potential to be so much more. So I went all in.”

Torigen received initial funding from Angel Investors and the UConn Innovation Fund, along with others. Through the UConn Technology Incubation Program (TIP), Ashley has dedicated laboratory space, access to unique research and development facilities, and advice from business experts and investors that has helped grow the company.

Torigen was on the cusp of closing fundraising in March of 2020 and had just hired a sales director when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “Investors pulled back funding and we had to scale down operations,” said Ashley. “Everything I worked for was slipping between my fingers. But these challenges made us work harder. We went back to the lab and focused on product development, filing a patent in the summer from data and research done in the spring. Because things were a lot slower, we had the time to understand the future direction we wanted to take the company and be more nimble. People were at home with their pets more and able to see when things were wrong, which led to the vet industry booming. We were able to ride that trend but also had this new data that combined, helped us grow faster.”

“Mentorship is the best tool to understand and see through some of the emotion change can bring from people who have been through it,” she said. “The Werth Institute is helpful for building that UConn network. There are so many different areas and resources for help, mentorship, investment dollars and being able to find great avenues to grow. Werth is the first steppingstone to get to that next level by showing you the financials, how to develop a business pitch and a business plan, how to have a profitable business and how to pivot when you need to pivot.” 

So what’s on the horizon for Ashley? 

“I love being an entrepreneur and definitely see myself being a serial entrepreneur. I also like venture capital quite a bit and think that by being an entrepreneur and seeing the struggles from start to finish, not only can I be a great mentor for early-stage companies but can put together potentially a nice fund one day.” 

What sparked your interest in 2D animation?   

I grew up loving Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, Ren & Stimpy and art in general. The way you could tell any sort of story with any sort of character was always amazing to me.  

  

Can you describe your experience as a mentor as part of the NetWerx program? What motivated you to become a mentor?  

I got invited to be a guest at a couple classes in the Art Department and loved seeing the students’ work and their thought processes. It was also great just helping students to try and navigate school or the transition from school to a job environment.   

  

What specific skills or insights do you aim to impart to your mentees?  

What to expect for life after school. Going from a regular job, to freelance, to running a company. The skills required for staying motivated and organized. 

   

In your mentoring role, have you encountered any common challenges or obstacles that students face when entering the field of 2D animation (or the workforce in general) and how do you help them overcome these challenges?  

I think a common problem is a broader working knowledge of animation software. It’s not an easy thing to try and tackle – but being more aware of Toon Boom, Animate, Procreate, After Effects or even things like Premiere. Knowing more about what these programs can offer, how they operate or how they fit into an animation pipeline. I feel like the more a student knows the full process of the pipeline and what software would be a good fit for each section, the more prepared or well-rounded they are for an animation position. 

  

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today?   

Oddly enough, UConn didn’t really have an animation program when I was there, so I taught myself the ins and outs. But one of the best opportunities was my Independent Study course with Cora Lynn, where I produced a couple episodes of a web series. That prepared me for learning all the steps in the process and being held accountable more than a regular assignment.  

  

Can you describe a time you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?  

Biggest risk was leaving my regular job (Graphic Designer) with a steady paycheck to do freelance animation and not knowing if I would be able to make enough on a regular basis. It took a ton of hard work, but paid off  

  

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of, and why?   

Everyone deals with imposter syndrome all the time. Several years ago, I sold a show to Disney, and we were in development with them for a couple years. During that time, I’d be in creative meetings with executives and higher-ups at the company and I was able to contribute some meaningful ideas and saw a positive response. That was a very reassuring moment and helped me realize that I can do this.  

  

What’s your favorite UConn memory?  

I had a bunch, but probably seeing my first comic strip “The Nature Show” in the Daily Campus. I got so excited I just got up and left class without realizing it.  

  

What are you passionate about outside of work?  

Being creative is such a big part of what I do every day and it’s really what I enjoy at all times. So, if I’m not at work, I’m usually trying to think of ideas for shorts. Or I like to go running, and of course just relax with my wife and our cats.   

How is ‘Merican Mule changing the canned cocktail industry?

As a cocktail, the Moscow mule, made traditionally with vodka, ginger bee, and lime, has consistently ranked as a top searched cocktail on Google for many years.  You can’t miss the copper mug vessels at your local gastropub. ‘Merican Mule has been served as an upper echelon option for customers, crafted with in a variety of styles with premium spirits.  

Having founded the company in 2015, the brand is now viewed by many as one of the original canned cocktails to pave the way for the space. We continue to evolve every day and stive to provide the best in quality, taste, and experience. 

In comparison to the competition, ‘Merican Mule is the first to focus on delivering a slew of mules for both lovers of the cocktail and first-timers, using its proprietary ginger base. They are commonly described as balanced, smooth and refreshing. We make “Mules for the Masses,” including a Moscow mule with vodka, a Mexican Mule with tequila, a Tropical Mule with rum and pineapple and a Southern Mule with bourbon whiskey, as well as our seasonal Pumpkin Mule with vodka. No matter the customers' preference in liquor type and flavor profile, there is something for everyone. 

This year we launched a Mule Variety 8 Pack – the first canned cocktail to do so with four different liquor bases in one package, a huge point of differentiation versus seltzers and other canned cocktails that use the same liquor in their variety packs.

Where do you see yourself and the company in the next year?

The company expects to grow exponentially, outperforming growth numbers for the canned cocktail industry, as it has since inception.  As more individuals try the liquid, they become lifelong supporters of a brand that delivers a superior and highly differentiated taste and continue to spread ‘Merican Mule via word of mouth.  In 2021, we had exciting announcements to share including the expanded availability of our products in upwards of nearly 20 states.  We will also announce brand new Mules dropping early in the year, to further evolve our customer reach. The goal is to continue to make ‘Merican Mule a household name in each market that we are sold. 

How did UConn prepare you for your entrepreneurial path? 

UConn was a special place both socially and academically during my time.  Some of my best friends came out of my time during school, friends that have been at my wedding and continue to be meaningful people that have truly supported my entrepreneurial endeavors.

It’s so important to learn from your relationships and apply your personal experiences to how you approach building a business. It’s also important to have trustworthy outlets that you can rely on to share ideas and test the waters on whether an idea is worth pursuing. In terms of academics, the UConn School of Business provided a nice portfolio of core tools from finance to marketing, but even more interestingly, courses such as real estate and business law have helped when evaluating leasing office space or negotiating contracts.  

What’s your favorite UConn memory?

Hard to pick a favorite but rushing the court (and field) after some UConn basketball and football wins is a top contender.  Just seeing the enjoyment of all my fellow Huskies coming together when victorious is something that lasts for a short period of time, but the rush is incredible.

Where do you find your inspiration? 

Growing up, my family, including my parents and my brother, really pushed me.  They are so talented in each of their own ways and I wanted to prove that I could do something that could make an impact on the world.  Building an alcohol brand has so many benefits, from job creation to providing enjoyment in people’s lives.  Today, I am married myself, with an amazing wife, a 2-year-old, and a daughter on the way.  My inspiration has definitely shifted to continuing to learn so that I can be a role model for my kids and help them understand that they too can make an impact on the world if they work for it.

Describe a time you took a risk. Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?

In 2015, ‘Merican Mule started as a hobby after drinks at the bar.  Eventually as the brand continued to grow, the demands became greater and greater.  It required more focus and attention to make sure it was successful.  

The risk of leaving a stable corporate job to pursue a business that was started on the back of a napkin will likely be one of the greatest risks of my life.  When speaking with aspirational entrepreneurs, I think this is a question that comes up often.  When is the right time?  

I believe that everyone had their own journey and that the answer will find them in time and determination. You need to be able to invest your full self to what you are building to give it the greatest chance for success. 

Did my risk pay off? I am learning more about business and frankly life than I ever could have imagined.  The opportunities, challenges and memories will forever change my perspective.

You recently hosted a dinner for students involved in the Stamford Startup Studio (S3) program. What advice do you have for today’s students or aspiring entrepreneurs? 

You might have heard of this thing called the 80/20 rule, which universally applies in many situations in life and business. When it comes to entrepreneurism, I find this rule to be of great importance. Many try to get a product or idea to 100% completion before a launch; however, I find it smarter to get to 80% completion. The reality is that you will learn a lot from your customers; finding out what they like and don’t like. This focuses your attention to tweak and make changes to your approach.  Anyone can have an idea, but entrepreneurs act on them.  

Do you have a professional moment you are most proud of and why? 

I’ve had a few that I am most proud of.  Anytime that I hire someone and end up learning something from that hire that I didn’t know before, it’s a proud moment.  You go into managing people thinking that you need to teach them everything.  In reality, your people learn your mission, they can teach you more than you can teach them. I think inspiring my own team and helping them realize what they’re capable of has been the most rewarding part of building a brand, and culture.

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why? 

I’m all about the School of Google.  You can basically learn anything you want, just use the internet.  It’s going to come down to your motivation to pursue what you’re truly passionate about.

What sparked your interest in the medical device and technology field? 

 

It all started with a referral from a friend who had recently entered the field, a few years after graduation. I’ve now been in healthcare for over 15 years, and I can’t see myself doing anything else professionally. The combination of the quality of the people you work with, the intensity of the problems you’re partnering to solve and the impact that innovation in this field can have on the patient and our world -- it's incredibly rewarding.  

 

You are part of a group of generous alumni matching donations made during the upcoming UConn Gives. Why did you choose to support The Werth Institute, and how does its mission resonate with your experiences and values?  

 

I’m in awe, frankly, of what David and the entire team at the Werth Institute have built and are growing. The common knock on Connecticut, and specifically entrepreneurship or innovation in this state, is a tendency to think too small. Everything that The Werth Institute stands for is larger-than-life but what makes it special is how practical and hands-on the work is. You have this program meeting students where they are and giving them resources and access to mentorship, all wrapped around this incredible education at a Top 10 public university in UConn. Having spent some time with many of the students coming through The Werth Institute over the past few years, I know we’re in a position to leave that knock behind.   

I hope to be in a position someday where I can be philanthropic to the University at a larger scale. In the meantime, I’m looking for opportunities to sort of “lever up” donations by trying to be helpful to students, being an advocate for the University, and just staying connected as an alum. The Werth Institute and its mission provides a unique venue for that.
 

Why is giving back important to you, both personally and professionally? 

 

I’m lucky and grateful to have a number of mentors in my life, and I can’t imagine where I’d be without them. Giving back to the community, and to the University in particular, is about honoring them and giving others access to the same opportunities that people have given to me.  

 

How has your entrepreneurial mindset influenced your approach to leadership? 

 

I think I’ve built a strong appreciation and empathy for what it takes to exist in an entrepreneurial environment. I see my leadership role as keeping the heads and hearts of the team in shape to take on the challenges and opportunities that come our way. I’m always working towards being able to consistently do what former Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally put as—lead with a compelling vision, comprehensive strategy and relentless execution plan.  

 

As a startup mentor working with companies through CTNext and UConn, what advice do you share with young entrepreneurs?  

 

At least recently, I’ve been talking a lot about two things.

First, find comfort in the questions. We’re wired to seek answers to everything. I’m not particularly good at this yet myself, but I think it’s important to spend more time in the unknown as an entrepreneur and to really break down big questions into sets of smaller questions before we try to construct the perfect answer. There’s a lot of value in those next levels of thought. If we immediately try to put a nice clean answer around the first question

The second is around entrepreneurship through acquisition, or ETA. Being a startup or zero-to-one entrepreneur isn’t the only path and there might be unique opportunities in a more buy-then-build type approach.  

 

Can you share an instance where you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn from the experience? 

 

I suppose it was a bit of a risk to move from the big companies and relative safety of the medical device sales career I was in for nearly a decade and make the leap to a startup. Though it didn’t feel like it. I’m happy with that decision, it’s opened up a world of opportunity and the journey has been gratifying.  

 

What’s your favorite UConn memory and how has your connection to the university influenced your professional journey?

Last fall we lost a great man and teacher with the passing of Charles (Pete) Peterson, who founded and built up the Program for Sales Leadership which has since become the Professional Sales Leadership minor in the School of Business. Pete had such a positive impact on the lives and careers of everyone who went through his program. I’ll always cherish the fond memories of Pete, his courses, his friendship, and how intensely he cared about helping people be their best.  

 

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why?  

 

If you’re an entrepreneur in Connecticut, I recommend building a relationship with Connecticut Innovations. 

 

What’s your go-to karaoke song? 

 

Mr. Big “To Be with You” 

 

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

 

Spending time with my family, rooting on the UConn Huskies and playing golf.  

What got you interested in working with startups/venture capital (VC)?

I actually got into VC by accident. I was contacted by a recruiter for an operating role at an accelerator in the video/broadband industry and learned about VC through that job - I had never heard of it before that! Since then, I’ve come to love the passion that early-stage founders have and how the job allows me to spend my day being curious and asking questions.

Where do you find your inspiration? 

I’m always really impressed by founders who worked in an industry, saw something missing, and decided to fix it - their nuanced understanding of the space, whether shown in unit economics and pricing or sales strategy - is so impressive to watch.

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today? 

UConn gave me the freedom to conduct research on an area of interest to me (the sociology of education as it relates to war-torn societies). I don’t work in that space anymore, but the freedom given to me allowed me to carve my own path in the following years, leading me to where I am today.

What’s your favorite UConn memory? 

Walking around campus on the weekend in the fall! I love autumn in New England. Also study abroad - I had the fortune of going abroad twice (Granada and Maastrict) and loved both experiences.

What advice do you have for today’s students or emerging entrepreneurs? 

Invest time into getting to know yourself and those around you - a strong network is important, but that starts with understanding your own strengths and desires and leaning into those!

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of, and why? 

Probably getting into Columbia Business School - it’s one of the few moments when it’s been very obvious to me how much effort and energy I put into something and seeing it all pay off in a calculated way.

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why? 

Make yourself a good to-do list in any form that works for you - whether that’s Inbox Zero or a piece of paper. Especially in entrepreneurship, where you’re juggling so many balls, it becomes easier and easier to drop them - figure out a way that works for you that keeps that from happening.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I love houseplants and have dozens of them. I’m also a big fan of technical driving roads - I recently did a really fun road trip along the coast of Italy!

How did you become interested in working as an investor?

I was always interested in how finance worked. I think that was the starting point – taking business courses, joining clubs and learning more about the world of investing. It was not something I knew much about growing up, so I wanted to learn and really understand it. After working at Citi and getting even more exposure to equity investing, I knew it was something I wanted to do.  

What role does entrepreneurship play in your career? 

I speak with company founders every day in my current role. I have a strong appreciation for entrepreneurs – their drive, work ethic and creativity. 

Can you describe a time you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?

I decided to move to the west coast because I wanted to focus on technology in my career. All of my family and friends at the time were in the NY/CT area. I love living in SF and this move ended up leading to my current role. 

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today? UConn gave me the building blocks for a lot of the work I do today. The classes, especially accounting, were critical. SMF, UCG and other groups helped me prepare technically for a lot of work that I do. The UConn Alumni network has also been key. 

Tell us about your continued involvement with UConn. Why is it important to give back as a mentor? 

I really enjoy speaking with students and being available to give them advice, opportunity ideas or just listen. I participated in the Werth Mentoring program, am a mentor in the UConn Consulting Group and was an advisor for one of their recent projects. I also act as a mentor/advisory member for Hillside Ventures. I went to an insurtech conference for work and got to meet some UConn students in person – it was great to see them get this experiential learning! 

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of, and why? 

Pitching at a client meeting – it was still very early on in my career, and I had the opportunity to travel with seniors and meet potential IPO clients in person. I was proud that my managers trusted to put me in front of the client.  

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why?

Excel! (Just kidding that’s a joke). I am a big fan of videos and guides that teach you how to do things. Example (Ezra Okon – UConn alum) has YouTube videos on financial modeling that walk you through every step. Also, LinkedIn has been very important in my current role in building relationships with companies and founders.  

What’s your favorite UConn memory?

Cornell Stock pitch competition – we drove up to Boston. 

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Passionate about human rights/ESG improvement efforts/international relations. I am also a big fiction reader. 

What sparked your interest in a career in finance?
I always enjoyed working in fast paced, constantly changing environments and working with people from varying backgrounds and perspectives. 
I found interest in working with companies as they grow and fund their business.

Why is entrepreneurship and innovation important to you? 
Constantly bettering myself and hard work have always been important to me, personally and professionally – entrepreneurship allows you to directly see the results of the work put in.

Can you describe a time you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?
Launching our fund at the end of last year. Going from a large, established firm with robust infrastructure to a small start-up team has been a tremendous learning experience. Although early days, it has already paid off from a personal development perspective. 

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today? 
The networking and alumni base I was exposed to while at UConn allowed me to truly refine my interests and equipped me with the skillset to be successful in this industry.

Tell us a little about your continued involvement with UConn. Why is it important to give back as a mentor? 
Mentors and alumni I met during my time at UConn were critical in shaping my path post graduating. Being a mentor allows me to give back and help guide undergraduate students as they realize their career ambitions.  

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why? 
The best resource is people in your industry of interest and your peers. Gaining knowledge and varying perspectives is the best way to prepare you for success, particularly at the start of your career. 

What’s your favorite UConn memory?
Watching the (multiple) basketball championships on campus. 

What are you passionate about outside of work?
Activities with friends such as golfing, skiing, and fishing. I also enjoy reading and listening to podcasts.

Why did you choose to work for your employer and how has the experience been?

When I was leaving investment banking, I knew I wanted to go into private equity. PE was attractive to me because you are the principle on the transaction and are truly partnering with the founders or management teams. This alignment of interests and ability to have a true impact on companies sounded exciting. Palladin had a long-standing track record of investing in consumer businesses while operating with a lean team which meant I’d be getting a lot of experience in a sector that has been experiencing dramatic changes.

How did UConn prepare you for the field you are in today?

UConn gave me a good general business background that has been built upon through work experience. While academics are important, UConn also provided a great social setting whether it be on-campus, sporting or other events. Many people believe that a 4.0 GPA will result in an “easy” job search but interviewers are increasingly looking for people they like and can work long hours with.

What’s your favorite UConn memory?

I look back on my UConn experience very favorably so it’s hard to narrow it down to one. Two immediately come to mind:

• 2014 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships
• Delivering the final presentation for our first project as the UConn Consulting Group; this really solidified the legitimacy of something that I spent a lot of time pursuing

What advice do you have for today’s students or aspiring entrepreneurs?

Be proactive. Nobody is going to hand you the job you want just because you have a good GPA and went to UConn. You need to do more – join clubs, network and utilize the resources around you.

What’s next for you?

While I can’t speak in specifics, my company is at a pretty pivotal time in its lifecycle and there are a few large initiatives that should come to fruition over the next 6-12 months. I’m also excited to be working with the Werth Institute to enhance outcomes for students interested in non-traditional career paths. As someone who had to jump through a lot of hoops, I’m hoping we can make it a bit easier for the next generation of UConn students.

Do you have any personal or professional goals you’d like to reach?

I don’t set specific goals such as obtain “X” job title or anything like that – at least not anymore. I like to stay flexible and setting goals sometimes inhibits your ability to think outside the box and be creative. Goal setting works in moderation. To answer the question - I want to gain more experience in my current field and see where it takes me.

What’s your favorite podcast at the moment?

Given the shift to work-from-home over the last year, I have unfortunately significantly cut down on my podcasts. My favorites to listen to on my commute were The Joe Rogan Experience, Stuff You Should Know and How I Built This.

How did you become interested in Venture Capital?

I became interested in venture capital after working at a startup accelerator with hundreds of founders and falling in love with the entrepreneurship and innovation space. After undergrad, I was recruited to work at MassChallenge in a partnership and program management role where I ran entrepreneurial boot camps, and managed relationships and research with corporations, foundations, government, and VCs. Surrounded by hundreds of brilliant problem-solvers working across industries, I quickly became enamored by the fast-paced, invigorating startup environment. I was energized by their unbridled optimism and creativity.

Despite loving working in this environment, I became disenchanted while supporting initiatives to help underrepresented entrepreneurs. Industry statistics consistently show how Black, Latinx, and female founders get less than 10% of VC dollars annually. This group consistently is underfunded and over-mentored. As much as I loved supporting programs and partnerships for this demographic, I was deeply disappointed in how accelerators and incubators fell short of providing actual dollars to overlooked founders.

After MassChallenge, I spent several years in Corporate Innovation and Brand Strategy Consulting to upskill myself. I hoped to join an early-stage startup or VC in a platform role one day. When Justin Kang reached out to me during the Summer of 2020 about starting Visible Hands, I knew I had to get involved. Visible Hands is different from any venture capital firm or accelerator that I have encountered. Visible Hands is a venture capital firm with 14-week, virtual-first accelerator on a mission to highlight and invest in the limitless potential of overlooked founders. At the earliest stages of company-building, we provide meaningful funding, personalized support, and social capital, helping our founders build exceptional technology startups. I love being a part of building it from the ground up and learning how to be an early-stage investor!

Why are entrepreneurship and innovation important to you?

Entrepreneurship and innovation represent the best of creativity and problem-solving to me. The best entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs that I meet are solving real problems validated by their customers or users. Additionally, they are not afraid to approach an old problem in a novel way. It’s intellectually stimulating and inspires me to always challenge my biases.

Furthermore, I see entrepreneurship and innovation as transformative means for economic mobility. Entrepreneurship and innovation can enable folks to generate generational wealth while working on issues that matter to them. Coming from a humble beginning, I've experienced firsthand how working in entrepreneurship and innovation allowed me to financially and professionally make leaps that I never thought might be possible.

Can you describe a time you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?

I am a pretty risk-friendly person (which probably explains my attraction to early-stage startups). For example, I moved to Boston without a job out of college and gave myself two months to figure it out. Additionally, joining MassChallenge while having no formal background or education in startups or business development was a risk that paid off as I learned about my passion for working with startups. Furthermore, joining Visible Hands in 2020 as a volunteer and going full-time before securing the funding for my specific role was a risk. I am fortunate that many of the risks that I have taken throughout my career have paid off. I’ve learned to bet on myself and trust my judgment in taking calculated risks.

How did UConn prepare you for where you are at today?

At UConn, my advisors and professors always encouraged me to pursue all my intellectual curiosities. This meant being able to audit classes in the business school, learning how to properly do research, or studying social entrepreneurship during the summer in Guatemala. My education at UConn taught me to take an interdisciplinary approach to solving problems. I learned to consider different points of view. I learned how to challenge my biases through my student involvement with organizations like the Asian American Cultural Center and UConn Empower. I am where I am today because I am insatiably curious and learned how to work with people from different backgrounds.

Tell us a little about your continued involvement with UConn. Why is it important to give back as a mentor?

I am the first person in my family to graduate with a college degree. Although I excelled in high school, I was not sure how I’d be able to afford college. UConn was one of the first organizations to believe in my potential. I went to school on a full-ride merit scholarship. I was deeply supported in my personal and professional journey by mentors at UConn. It’s important to me to give back as a mentor and pay it forward.

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of, and why?

I am most proud of the relationships that I’ve built with founders who I’ve worked with for the past six years that are still finding value in the relationship we have today. There are founders I’ve stayed in touch with since I started at MassChallenge where we chat periodically, or they reach out for advice. We usually chat about issues concerning go-to-market, partnerships, or ways that they can grow their team. One such company recently reached out to see if I’d be interested in joining their executive team. Although it wasn’t the best match, I was so honored to be considered!

Which business tool or resource do you recommend for entreprenuers, and why?

Entrepreneurship can be an arduous and lonely journey, but it doesn’t need to be. Having access to a community of other people who can share their learnings and understand the challenges of launching a company is powerful. One of the best values of our Visible Hands accelerator is the tight-knit cohort full of entrepreneurs who are always looking to support and learn from each other. I recommend that entrepreneurs seek out online or IRL communities like OnDeck, Founders Network, SCORE, etc.

What is your favorite UConn memory?

My favorite UConn memory has to be starting and building a student organization with my closest friends and classmates called UConn Empower. What began as conversations in Buckley turned into an organization that raised $15K, involved hundreds of students on campus, and did project-based consulting work with three non-profits in India, Cameroon, and the Dominican Republic. I learned so much about team building, marketing, community, and how to build programs and products that were useful to our users. I never considered it as "innovation" or "entrepreneurship" at the time because I was having so much fun. I learned a great deal about what it takes to build something.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I am passionate about community, DEI, health and wellness, and human rights. I just had a baby two months ago and am enjoying spending my maternity leave bonding with my baby girl!