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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250304T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250304T143000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250221T222927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250224T195855Z
UID:13686-1741095000-1741098600@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Fireside Chat With Donna Levin\, Educator\, Business Leader and Entrepreneur
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an inspirational fireside chat with Donna Levin\, educator\, leader and entrepreneur. Donna is the CEO of the Arthur M Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College. She is cofounder of care.com\, an online marketplace for families to find childcare\, senior care\, care for those with special needs\, care for home\, tutoring support and pet care. \nAbout Donna Levin \nDonna is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with a broad and impressive portfolio of academic leadership credentials\, She joined Babson from Worcester Polytechnic Institute\, where she served as the college’s first executive director of innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to cofounding Care.com\, she also served as vice president of operations for UPromise. Levin received a BA from Emerson College and an Executive MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. \nThis event is part of the Entrepreneurial Celebrity Series and is hosted by the Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts University. Learn more: https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/donnalevin/
LOCATION:Room 140\, Joyce Cummings Center
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series,entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/donnalevin-social-share5.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250304T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250304T161500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250221T231313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T233034Z
UID:13695-1741100400-1741104900@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Building and leading software teams
DESCRIPTION:Join us in an interactive fireside chat about software leadership with Tufts alumni Max Makeev and Mark Schnittman\, cofounders of Gopher Motion\, which is developing an autonomous mobile robot for last-mile delivery of goods. Max and Mark have a wealth of startup experience in robotics\, AI and software development\, having built products at iRobot\, Romotive and Owl Labs prior to cofounding Gopher Motion. \nThis event is part of the Entrepreneurial Speaker Series. Hosted by the Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts University. Learn more: https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/softwareteams/
LOCATION:Tufts Venture Lab (JCC301)\, 177 College Ave\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series,entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Softwareteams-socialshare.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250304T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250304T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250221T195112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T212439Z
UID:13676-1741109400-1741114800@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Fireside chat with two Jumbos: Molly Ryan and Lyn Ferreira of ColdSnap®
DESCRIPTION:Join us to hear about ColdSnap®’s founding story from Molly Ryan\, A22\, Entrepreneurship Minor graduate\, and Lyn Ferreira\, MS Nutrition Science And Policy\, 2019. \nThe idea for ColdSnap® came to founder Tufts MSEM and Ph.D. Graduate\, Matt Fonte\, through a bedtime brainstorming session with his two daughters. The company went on to create and launch a single serve ice cream that uses completely recyclable cartridges that do not need refrigeration\, eliminating cold storage and transportation from the frozen treats supply chain. \nWe will also hear the career path planning story of how Molly\, a Child Studies and Human Development major with a double minor in Education and Entrepreneurship\, and Lyn\, who has experience in marketing and sales and in nutrition science and policy\, leveraged diverse professional experiences to explore different fields\, which led to their current roles at ColdSnap®. \nThis event is in-person only. We will be offering ice cream tasting before the speaker event while supplies last. \nThis “Inside the Classroom” event is hosted by Derby Entrepreneurship Center in partnership with two entrepreneurship courses at Tufts: ENT100 Creativity\, Innovation & Entrepreneurial Thinking & ENT164 Introduction To Making.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/coldsnap/
LOCATION:Joyce Cummings Center\, Room 160\, 177 College Ave\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series,entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Coldsnap-social.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250414T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250414T191500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250128T031624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T032055Z
UID:13484-1744653600-1744658100@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Entrepreneurial Speaker Series: Catherine Popper\, Angel Investor
DESCRIPTION:Join us to hear from Catherine Popper\, an angel investor and advisor to early-stage startups\, as she shares her expertise on early-stage investing and the keys to successful partnerships. Catherine\, a proud Jumbo\, brings a wealth of knowledge on how to turn innovative ideas into reality through financial investment. \nAbout Catherine Popper \nCatherine Popper is a seasoned angel investor and advisor to startups\, with extensive experience guiding early-stage ventures to success. She has worked closely with founders to navigate the complexities of early-stage funding\, providing strategic insights and fostering valuable partnerships. As a Tufts alum\, Catherine brings a unique perspective to supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems and driving innovation. \nThis event will include time for Q&A\, so bring your questions and prepare to gain actionable insights into the world of startup investing. \nThis event is part of the Entrepreneurial Speaker Series\, hosted by the Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts University.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/catherinepopper/
LOCATION:Room 260\, Joyce Cummings Center\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series,entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Catheine-Popper.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T193000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250408T200800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T193856Z
UID:14106-1744912800-1744918200@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Student Event: Alpha Kappa Psi Spring Speaker Series
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/alpha-kappa-psi-spring-speaker-series/
LOCATION:Tufts University
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Alpha-Event-Updated-flyer.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250912T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250912T113000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250905T160007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250907T203335Z
UID:14762-1757673000-1757676600@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Building Backwards To Tech: Three Robot Startup Stories
DESCRIPTION:As technologists\, we often spend too much time inventing point solutions\, and not enough time thinking about how to turn what we invent into practical\, deployable\, systems-level solutions that solve real problems and create real impact. In this talk\, we will share stories of startups that failed by fixating on tech\, and startups that are making a difference by building backwards from the impact they know they can have. You will come away with insights that will help you reframe your approach to research and development\, so you can develop cutting edge technologies that matter. \nWe will have time at the end for an AMA (ask me anything) session where we can discuss anything from corporate innovation to career options for technologists in a variety of professional settings. \n*The name of the talk is inspired by the book\, “Building Backwards To Biotech” by Stephanie A. Wisner. \nAbout Elaine Chen \nElaine is the Cummings Family Professor of the Practice in Entrepreneurship and the Director of the award-winning Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts University. She is also the Founder and Managing Director of ConceptSpring\, a corporate innovation and entrepreneurship consulting company. \nElaine has served at the VP level at six companies\, including Rethink Robotics\, Zeo\, Zeemote and SensAble Technologies. She has brought numerous hardware and software products to market and holds 22 patents.  Elaine has been teaching startup and corporate entrepreneurship in higher education since 2011 at MIT and Tufts University. At ConceptSpring\, Elaine leverages her rich entrepreneurial experience to help clients make their organizations more entrepreneurial via innovation consulting services and custom training programs. \nElaine holds a BS and an MS in mechanical engineering from MIT. \nThis event is hosted by Derby Entrepreneurship Center. Learn more at https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu  \n 
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/buildingbackwards-robots/
LOCATION:JCC170\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Innovation month,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-09-12-BuildingBackwards-To-Tech.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T144500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250920T175559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T212946Z
UID:14892-1760621400-1760625900@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Hardware Product Panel: Robots\, 3D Printing\, warehouse automation\, oh my!
DESCRIPTION:Are you curious about how hardware companies are built and how hardware products are developed? Hear from industry veterans who have built a wide variety of hardware products\, spanning wearable consumer electronics\, mobile phones\, industrial robots\, warehouse automation\, and somersaulting and cycling robots. Come away with an understanding of the hardware product development process\, spanning ideation\, advanced research and development\, product development\, manufacturing and operations\, and product launch. \nOur confirmed panelists include: \n\nDr. Jenny Barry\, Research Lead\, Robotics AI Institute. Jenny is a roboticist with more than ten years of experience making robots move smoothly\, work autonomously\, and get taught new tasks more easily. Jenny holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Swarthmore College and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT.\nJon Bond\, General Manager\, Fused Filament Fabrication\, Nano Dimension. Jon has a wealth of hardware experience\, having worked on everything from decorative hardware products to sports equipment\, industrial robotics\, and 3d printers. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University.\nDr. Mike Caine\, Director of Hardware Operations at the Robotics AI Institute\, who has a wealth of experience building different types of hardware products. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and an MS and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.\nThis panel is moderated by Professor Elaine Chen\, a hardware startup veteran and recovering roboticist who had worked with Jenny and Mike to build collaborative manufacturing robots in a prior life. Elaine holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Thomas Van de Velde\, who teaches ENT164 Introduction to Making and ENT193.02 Lean Software Leadership at Tufts University.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/hardware-f25/
LOCATION:JCC 301\, 177 College Ave\, Medford\, MA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-10-16-ENTSpeaker-HW-Panel-v2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250922T023203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T185105Z
UID:14918-1760626800-1760630400@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Tackling Climate Solutions With Heather Takle\, President & CEO\, PowerOptions
DESCRIPTION:Join us in a fireside chat with climate entrepreneur\, Heather Takle. With 20+ years of leadership and innovation experience\, Heather Takle is a dynamic executive and veteran leader in the climate and energy sector. She has a track record of driving innovation\, business growth\, and operational excellence with a mission-driven focus on climate change impact. Her deep industry experience includes investing in\, innovating and scaling businesses and products including solar + storage\, microgrids\, grid-interactive buildings and efficiency\, waste-to-energy\, vehicle electrification\, and software-enabled solutions. Throughout her career\, she has focused on both energy independence in North America and in achieving access in the developing world. \nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Moneer Azzam\, who teaches ENT101 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning. Moneer himself is a serial climate entrepreneur and is currently the Founder and Principal of Beacon Climate Innovations.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/heathertakle25/
LOCATION:JCC 170\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Heather-Takle-Graphic-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251020T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251020T161500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250908T204634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T210152Z
UID:14814-1760972400-1760976900@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:"All Profits To Nonprofits": How Cummings Foundation Supports 1400+ Local Organizations
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fireside chat with Joyce Vyriotes\, Executive Director of Cummings Foundation\, one of the largest private foundations in New England and learn why Cummings Properties donates all net income each year to Cummings Foundation\, which supports 1400+ local organizations with their local grant program. \nJoyce Cummings and Bill Cummings (A58\, H06\, J97P\, M97P) established Cummings Foundation\, Inc. in 1986. Woburn-based Cummings Foundation has awarded $ 600 million in grants to greater Boston nonprofits alone. Its giving is concentrated in Middlesex\, Essex\, and Suffolk counties plus several abutting communities in Norfolk county\, and it benefits a broad range of causes. \nThe Cummings also have a special interest in Rwanda\, where the Foundation collaborates with Partners In Health and a limited number of other organizations to aid in that East African country’s post-genocide recovery and rebuilding. \nThe Cummings quietly contributed to the local community for many years. Then\, in May 2011\, they joined The Giving Pledge\, an organization founded by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet through which some of the world’s wealthiest individuals and couples have publicly pledged to donate at least half of their assets for philanthropic purposes. Bill and Joyce had already donated 90 percent of their wealth. \nThis is an Inside the Classroom speaker event hosted by Professor Usha Pasi who teaches ENT142 Nonprofits\, Philanthropy and Impact at Tufts University. \nAbout Joyce Vyriotes \nVyriotes came to the Cummings organization as marketing manager in 2010 and\, over the years\, established a communications department that supports both Cummings Properties and Cummings Foundation. During much of this time\, she also served as deputy director of the Foundation\, and was one of the chief architects of its major annual grant-making initiative and volunteer program. \nIn 2021\, Vyriotes became the third executive director in the Foundation’s history. She is\, however\, still employed by Cummings Properties and retains her responsibilities as director of communications and marketing for the commercial real estate firm. \nVyriotes began her business career doing sales and marketing for Boston Duck Tours\, before moving to Arizona\, where she spent a decade in fundraising and patient services for nonprofit organizations. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College\, she also earned a master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University. Vyriotes was raised in Melrose and currently resides in Reading with her husband\, Paul. \nAbout Usha Pasi \nUsha Pasi has spent her career serving as an advocate for donors and institutions pursuing their philanthropic and programmatic aims\, and she has advised boards and organizations about best practices in governance. Her experience includes increasingly responsible roles at Columbia University\, Yale University\, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston\, Facing History and Ourselves\, the Cambridge Community Foundation\, and consulting roles with local and international organizations including Stanford University. Her consulting practice includes work as an executive coach\, development and governance guidance\, scaling of entrepreneurial organizations\, and counseling on building inclusive organizations. \nShe serves on the boards of the Boston Book Festival\, Be Well Be Here\, the Arlington Libraries Foundation\, and she is also a member of the Harvard Graduate School of Education Alumni Council. Usha is committed to expanding professional development opportunities for her colleagues in the field\, and as a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals served as a mentor in AFP’s Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship program. She also served as President of Women in Development of Greater Boston. \nUsha holds an Ed.M. degree from Harvard University and her undergraduate degree from SUNY-Binghamton. She was awarded a Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship in Improved Fundraising Capabilities. In addition\, she holds an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Harvard Kennedy School and a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/cummingstalk25/
LOCATION:First Floor Lobby\, Joyce Cummings Center\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-10-20-ENTSpeaker-JoyceVyriotes-v2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251021T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251021T191500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250909T135901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T201320Z
UID:14817-1761069600-1761074100@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Women in Entrepreneurship
DESCRIPTION:In support of Women Entrepreneurship Week (October 19-24)\, DEC will be hosting women leaders in our “Women in Entrepreneurship” panel\, where they will share how they apply the entrepreneurial method in their respective roles. \nOur confirmed panelists are drawn from different settings\, spanning startups\, small to medium businesses\, nonprofits\, and established corporations. Confirmed panelists include: \n\nAbbeygale Anderson\, Founding Partner\, Cross Impact Capital\nJazmine Colman\, Cofounder\, QuiltHealth\nJulia Hallman\, Owner\, Formaggio Kitchen\nModerator: Julia Giatrelis\, A24\, MSIM25\, Product Marketing Associate at CarGurus\n\nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Betsy Goodrich\, who teaches ENT100 Creativity\, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking. \nAbout Abbeygale Anderson \nAbbeygale is the Founder of Cross Impact Capital. Previously\, Abbey was an Investor at Stone Point Capital\, where she focused on investing in businesses within the global financial services industry. \nAbout Jazmine Colman \nJazmine Coleman\, Co-founder of Quilt Health and Boston native\, is dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience. Throughout her career\, she has driven healthcare innovation and championed a more patient-centered future. \nAbout Julia Hallman \nJulia Hallman is the owner of Formaggio Kitchen\, a specialty food store dedicated to discovering and providing the finest artisan cheese and specialty foods available domestically and abroad. \n About our moderator\, Julia Giatrelis\, A24\, MSIM25 \nJulia Giatrelis is a double Jumbo who is currently a Product Marketing Associate at CarGurus. She is also the Founder & CEO of GlutenFreedomForAll\, a gluten free snack company for people with celiac disease.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/women-in-entrepreneurship/
LOCATION:JCC 260\, 177 College Ave\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-10-21-ENTSpeaker-Women-in-Eship-v2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251022T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251022T191500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20250909T140755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250920T183057Z
UID:14822-1761156000-1761160500@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Fireside Chat with Gabi Zijderveld
DESCRIPTION:In celebration of Women Entrepreneurship Week\, please join us for a fireside chat with Gabi Zijderveld\, Cofounder of Blue Tulip Ventures\, an VC firm that invests in early stage startups building human-centered AI. \nBlue Tulip Ventures is cofounded by Gabi and Rana el Kaliouby\, two women power houses who had already built a successful startup\, Affectiva\, before generative AI came about. Learn about the in’s and out’s of the fundraising process not just from the startup founder’s perspective\, but from the perspective of first-time VC’s with a strong track record and ambitious vision\, who are raising their first fund in a crowded market. \nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Joe Volman\, Partner and Co-Chair of the Boston Office of Blank Rome LLP. Joe teaches ENT163 Entrepreneurial Business Law. \nAbout Gabi Zijderveld \nGabi is a seasoned technology executive\, innovator and startup mentor with 10+ years building and commercializing AI products. She has decades of operating experience at 7 startups and two public companies\, including IBM. She has led product and marketing teams\, and built partnerships and ecosystems. She has created new technology categories\, devised go to market strategies and launched numerous v1 products. Gabi loves mentoring early stage AI startups in all aspects of growing their business. \nAbout Josef Volman \nDuring his 30-year career\, Joe Volman has become known as a go-to lawyer in the middle-market community\, particularly with respect to mid-market mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”). Through his creative\, results-driven approach\, Joe partners with his clients as a strategic adviser\, and leverages his vast network to help clients source deals and raise capital in order to effectively drive growth and maximize returns on their investments. \nHe is particularly skilled in negotiating in a constructive and collaborative fashion\, made evident by an illustrious career grown through referrals of past clients and industry-leading companies seeking his proficiency with buy- and sell-side transactions. On the sell-side\, Joe helps clients prepare for the sale process\, including tax and other structuring. He assists strategic and financial acquirors with tax\, structuring\, and negotiating transaction documents. \nJoe is a deal maker and is known to take a highly commercial approach to move transactions over the finish line. He constantly strives to be the lawyer clients call to solve their problems\, operating as if he is in the office next door and available to help when needed. His sell-side clients know that he treats their business as if it were his family business—he cares very deeply about them\, their family\, and their business. They know he has their back and that he’s going to help them achieve their wealth and liquidity goals. On the buy-side\, private equity (“PE”) firms trust him to help them make the best choices\, acquire the right companies\, to achieve success for their limited partners. As a firm leader\, he is also able to command the best resources for their transactions. \nIn addition to his M&A work\, Joe represents entrepreneurs and investors\, startups and emerging companies\, and PE / venture capital funds through all phases of the fundraising and investment process. Joe also has significant experience representing small and mid-cap public companies and investment banking firms that work in the small and mid-cap markets. He helps early-stage companies with formation and financing\, and guides venture funds with the structure and negotiation of venture capital financings. For small and mid-cap public companies\, he helps them comply with securities laws\, attain public and private financings\, and execute M&A transactions. \nJoe has a deep understanding of several dynamic sectors\, including technology (particularly software as a service (“SaaS”) and FinTech companies)\, business services\, professional services\, consumer businesses\, life sciences\, manufacturing\, logistics\, healthcare\, sports\, food & beverage\, and hospitality.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/fireside-chat-with-gabi-zijderveld/
LOCATION:JCC 260\, 177 College Ave\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-10-22-ENTSpeaker-Gabi-Zijderveld.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T161500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20251214T171827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T151434Z
UID:15198-1768489200-1768493700@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:An Insider's Guide to Product Management
DESCRIPTION:Curious about product management but not sure what the role really is? In this dynamic panel\, senior product leaders from consumer tech\, fintech\, and edtech share what product managers do\, how the role varies across industries\, and how students can get started. \nOur confirmed panelists include: \n\nNakul Arora\, Senior Product Manager for Stays Search at Kayak. Nakul has a wealth of experience in the travel and hospitality sector\, including founding the Hotel Silver Palace\, a 30-room hotel catering to 18\,000 guests annually. Nakul holds a BS of Technology in Mining from Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University)\, Varanasi\, and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University.\nAlo Mukerji\, Senior Vice President of Product Management at US Bank. Alo has led product teams across industries\, including Constant Contact (marketing SaaS)\, Buildium (property tech)\, Toast (retail point of sales) and many more. Alo holds a BS in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.\nChimuanya Okoro-Dorisca is the Group Product Manager at Meazure Learning. She also teaches EM51 Engineering Management at Tufts. She has also worked in diverse sectors\, from Paytronix (a marketing platform for restaurants and convenience stores) to edX (edTech – online learning platform) and Examity\, now part of Meazure Learning (edTech – proctoring software). Chimuanya holds a BA in Computer Science and American Studies from Wellesley College.\nThis panel is moderated by Professor Elaine Chen\, a hardware startup veteran who has run numerous engineering and product management organizations prior to joining Tufts. Elaine holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.\n\nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Elaine Chen\, who teaches ENT162 Bringing Product to Market at Tufts University.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/pm-leadership-panel/
LOCATION:JCC 180\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-01-15-ProdMgmt.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20260116T230955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T174815Z
UID:15310-1769688000-1769691600@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Hybrid Event: The Side Hustle LaunchPad
DESCRIPTION:There have never been more opportunities to explore entrepreneurship than there are today. From solopreneurship\, to technology startups\, to hyper-niche service providers\, and product-based businesses\, there are an abundance of opportunities to transform your ideas\, skills\, and expertise into a meaningful line of income.  \nAnd\, in the climate of economic uncertainty that is 2026\, as the dynamics of the workplace change at an unprecedented rate\, the value of developing the skills and knowledge needed to grow new lines of income has never been more valuable.   \nIntroducing The Side Hustle LaunchPad\, a FREE 60 minute workshop that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to transform your ideas\, skills\, and expertise into a new line of income this summer!  \nOn Thursday\, January 29th\, you’ll join a live training session\, where you’ll learn the step by step process you’ll need to validate your ideal target customer\, design your side hustle business model and plan the launch of your new product or service. You will leave this session ready to hit the ground running with your side hustle\, and you’ll have a clear plan in place to make this the summer of your side hustle! \nThis session is available for all current students. Registration is now open and space is limited!  \nRegistration link coming soon! \nBrought to you by Jeff Mitchell\, CEO of Lane Two\, in collaboration with Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts and other universities. \nAbout Jeff Mitchell – Side Hustler and Digital Nomad\nA former English teacher\, Jeff has enjoyed a winding entrepreneurial pathway since diving into the world of side hustling and entrepreneurship in 2012. Early in his journey\, he founded an education technology company at the Accelerator Centre in Waterloo\, Ontario\, then ran corporate innovation and startup programming at various Canadian Innovation Centres. In 2016\, he designed an innovative course that upskilled underemployed graduates in ecommerce and digital marketing by pairing them with local small businesses to support their digital transformation through hands-on learning. He led the formation of a partnership with Shopify\, Hubspot\, and Wilfrid Laurier University\, and raised a total of 1.4 million dollars to fund a two year pilot for this program. Since then\, he has carved out a niche as a freelance curriculum developer\, course creator\, coach and consultant. \nToday\, Jeff has a portfolio of work that includes being the founder of Lane Two\, where he helps grassroots entrepreneurs to transform their lives through side hustling. Jeff is a Canadian leader in Side Hustle training\, having supported over 2000 people to start side hustles since 2021. Jeff also supports large organizations to test and grow new lines of revenue – he has worked with Canon Canada to develop and launch over 10 online classes. He also engages in freelance coaching with leadership teams\, and travels across Canada as a speaker at various entrepreneurship and future of work events.  \nBased out of Kitchener-Waterloo\, Ontario\, Jeff runs Lane Two with his wife\, Laura. They are digital nomads who spend 75-90 days per year living and working across Canada and internationally.  \n 
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/the-side-hustle-launchpad/
CATEGORIES:Workshops,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-29-LaneTwo-SideHustle-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T111500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20260201T194630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T194743Z
UID:15361-1770717600-1770722100@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Fireside Chat With Caleb Dean\, Writer\, Educator\, Small Business Owner & Advisor
DESCRIPTION:Join us in a fireside chat with Caleb Dean\, writer\, educator\, small business owner\, and advisor to talk about the critical role that customer discovery and primary market research plays in design\, small business creation\, organizational transformation and more. \nAbout Caleb Dean \nCaleb has worked in rural economic development and conflict resolution with diverse groups of stakeholders in Western Massachusetts\, Eastern Oregon\, and the interior West. He started and designed a co-working office space in his hometown that’s been in business since 2008. He also runs Cambridge Naturals\, a 48 year old natural products retail business with his wife in Cambridge and Boston which they have helped double in sizxe over the last eight years. He has worked with a multitude of creative\, passionate individuals\, teams\, and groups to drive positive change and increase the value of their endeavors. \nCaleb holds a BS in Environmental Design from UMass Amherst and an MBA from Presidio Graduate School. \nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Elaine Chen\, who teaches ENT100 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/calebdean-pmr/
LOCATION:Nelson 112
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-10-Fireside-chat-with-Caleb-Dean2.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T144500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20251215T225839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T165939Z
UID:15216-1770903000-1770907500@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:How Products Get Launched
DESCRIPTION:How do products move from being built to being used? In this fireside chat\, Julia\, a Product Marketing Associate at CarGurus\, offers a clear\, real-world introduction to how products get launched. She will break down what product marketing is\, how it differs from product management\, and the day-to-day work involved in bringing products to market. \nOur confirmed speakers include: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJulia Giatrelis is a double Jumbo who is currently a Product Marketing Associate at CarGurus. She is also the Founder & CEO of GlutenFreedomForAll\, a gluten free snack company for people with celiac disease. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis panel is moderated by Professor Elaine Chen\, a hardware startup veteran who has run numerous engineering and product management organizations prior to joining Tufts. Elaine holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.\n\nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Elaine Chen\, who teaches ENT162 Bringing Product to Market at Tufts University.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/pmm-launch/
LOCATION:JCC 180\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-02-12-ProdMktg-Julia-Giatrelis.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T161500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20251215T232339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T041231Z
UID:15221-1772118000-1772122500@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Product Management: Startup vs. Bigco
DESCRIPTION:In this panel\, startup product leaders share how they work and explore how their work differs from product roles in large companies. The conversation will explore how rapid product iterations works in a startup setting\, where the team defines\, designs\, develops\, and launches new products and services without being constrained by legacy products or an existing customer base. \nPanelists will discuss how startup product teams operate with lighter\, right-sized processes that can be fast-moving\, informal\, and occasionally chaotic\, while still staying grounded in product thinking. Students will gain a clear view of how product roles are implemented in a startup environment–and how those skills translate across career paths. \nConfirmed speakers: \n\n\nAlex Ocampo\, A14\, Entrepreneurship Minor\, Founder & CEO of Ganance\, a startup behind a modular wearable that makes every watch a smartwatch.\n\nEric Olson\, Assistant Director of Product at Center for Open Science\, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting open science practices in research. \nXiao Zhou\, MSIM ’23\, Founder of HIPOND\, a startup that helps international students and newcomers to a city furnish their spaces.\nAnica Zulch\, A23\, Product Manager\, Quantified AI\, a startup that provides an AI role play solutions for sales teams.\n\nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Elaine Chen\, who teaches ENT162 Bringing Product to Market at Tufts University.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/pm-startup/
LOCATION:JCC 180\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-02-26-Startup-PM-Panel6.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T144500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20260204T222048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T171600Z
UID:15405-1772717400-1772721900@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Building\, Scaling\, and Reinventing: Lessons from a Full-Stack CEO
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fireside chat with Matt Blumberg\, CEO of Markup AI\, as we explore how AI is transforming customer discovery\, market research\, and early‑stage venture building. Matt will share practical insights for founders and student entrepreneurs on using AI to test ideas faster\, understand users more deeply\, and build stronger organizations from day one. \nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Moneer Azzam at Tufts\, who teaches ENT100 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning. \nAbout Matt Blumberg \nMatt Blumberg is a veteran tech entrepreneur\, board leader\, and author who has spent his career helping startups scale with clarity and discipline. Before founding Markup AI\, he led Return Path and Bolster\, supporting thousands of founders and executives in developing their leadership and operational strategy. At Markup AI\, he focuses on empowering teams with responsible\, human‑centered AI tools that accelerate learning and decision‑making.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/mattblumberg/
LOCATION:JCC 180\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-03-05-Matt-Blumberg-Markup-AI.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T111500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20260329T191738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T191738Z
UID:15801-1775556000-1775560500@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Inside Early Stage Investing With Jackson Saunders and Khat Zorig
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fireside chat with early stage investors\, Jackson Saunders and Khat Zorig\, as they demystify how venture capital works and when it matters for founders. \nNot all ventures need VC funding — but for those that do\, understanding the path from angel investment to exit is key. Both speakers are founders turned investors who have sat on both sides of the table. Jackson\, a Double Jumbo (ENT minor + MSIM)\, invests in robotics and AI at Cybernetix Ventures. Khat\, an MIT alumna\, co-founded a mental health startup at MIT Sloan and now invests in early stage ventures. \nLearn what investors look for and how today’s fundraising landscape works. \nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Elaine Chen at Tufts\, who teaches ENT101 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/earlystagevc-jackson-khat/
LOCATION:Nelson 112
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-04-07-EarlyStageVC-jackson-and-khat.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20260329T192143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T192143Z
UID:15805-1775746800-1775750400@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Legal Essentials For Founders with Michael Douglas
DESCRIPTION:We’re pleased to welcome Michael Douglas\, Partner at Gennari Aronson\, LLP and a trusted advisor to founders\, growth‑stage companies\, and investors. A Tufts graduate with a B.A. in Psychology; Michael went on to earn his J.D. from Boston College Law School before building a career in corporate and transactional law. With deep experience in mergers and acquisitions\, securities\, and venture financing\, he brings a practical\, founder‑focused perspective to the legal challenges of starting and scaling a business. Our fireside chat will explore his path from Tufts to corporate attorney and the legal insights every entrepreneur should understand. \nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Moneer Azzam\, who teaches ENT101 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning at Tufts University.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/legal-michaeldouglas/
LOCATION:JCC 170\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-04-09-MichaelDouglas-ENTLawv2.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T161500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20260202T035430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T192856Z
UID:15374-1775746800-1775751300@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Leading through Influence: A Product Manager's Playbook
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fireside chat with Nick Katis\, a veteran product leader\, as he shares how product managers create impact through influence\, not authority. \nNick will unpack what it really means to be the “glue” of a product team — aligning engineering\, design\, sales\, marketing\, customer support\, and other stakeholders — and how this plays out across big and small companies\, in both hardware and software. You’ll hear real-world stories and walk away with actionable insights on leading cross-functional product teams\, building trust\, and driving results without formal power. \nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Elaine Chen\, who teaches ENT162 Bringing Product to Market at Tufts University.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/leadbyinfluence/
LOCATION:JCC 180\, 177 College Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-04-09-Nick-Katis.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T161500
DTSTAMP:20260405T075337
CREATED:20260223T174140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T174140Z
UID:15585-1776351600-1776356100@derbyecenter.tufts.edu
SUMMARY:Fireside Chat with Mike Curry\, Co-founder\, Life After Prison
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fireside chat with Mike Curry\, Co-founder and Executive Director\, Life After Prison. \nMike Curry\, a native of the Dorchester section of Boston\, has always had a natural talent for writing. He is the author of the compelling “3 Pounds of Pressure” series\, which vividly portrays life growing up in the inner-city of Boston. \nIn addition to his writing career\, Mike is also a dedicated business mentor and coach. He thrives off of organizing\, strategic planning and executing. However\, his true passion lies in helping individuals who have been incarcerated to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. He firmly believes in providing support and guidance to returning citizens\, allowing them to regain their footing and create a brighter future. \nThis is an Inside the Classroom event hosted by Professor Moneer Azzam at Tufts\, who teaches ENT100 Entrepreneurship and Business Planning.
URL:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/event/fireside-chat-mike-curry/
CATEGORIES:Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://derbyecenter.tufts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-04-16-Mike-Curry.jpg
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