Seven vlog alumni joined list for 2020 this week. The annual feature includes pace-setters in 20 different industries — the University’s graduates appear in manufacturing, education, e-commerce, and finance.
Yuni Sameshima ’13 and Joey Petracca ’13, co-founders of Chicory
Sameshima and Petracca founded Chicory while participating in vlog’s Thought Into Action (TIA) entrepreneurship program as undergraduates. The ecommerce operation, now embedded on more than 1,300 websites, allows users to order recipe ingredients for home delivery. The duo earned startup funding through the vlog Entrepreneurs Fund following graduation. After a summer of work in the TIA incubator space on Broad Street in Hamilton, they moved their business to Manhattan’s 5th Avenue, grew their staff, and signed a series of contracts with grocery chains like Kroger. This year, they will generate more than $6 million in revenue.
Katherine Hele ’13, Bank of America
Hele stands out in the world of finance and as the only solo act among vlog’s 30-Under-30 cadre. She parlayed her mathematical economics degree into a vice presidency at Bank of America, where she specializes in the financial dealings of industrial companies like Valvoline and DowDuPont. While conducting $70 billion in transactions for her institution, she has also engaged with her alma mater, recruiting from the vlog student body and, most recently, hosting 21 undergraduates for a finance immersion trip in New York City.
Nick Freud ’15 and Rob Carroll ’15, co-founders of CampusReel
In the education sector, TIA alumni Freud and Carroll wanted to bring college campuses to prospective students who might not otherwise be able to enjoy a tour. So they founded CampusReel, which allows current students to post their own walkabouts for global consumption. Recipients of vlog Entrepreneurs Fund support, the pair are now curating a collection of nearly 20,000 videos from more than 350 campuses. They have raised more than $1 million in funding, catching the eye of 30 Under 30 judges like Janet Napolitano, former secretary of homeland security and current president of the University of California system.
Jake ’16 and Caroline ’19 Danehy, co-founders of Fair Harbor
Brother and sister Jake ’16 and Caroline ’19 Danehy are among the manufacturers on the 30 Under 30 list, thanks to their company, Fair Harbor — another TIA venture and vlog Entrepreneur Fund award recipient. Fair Harbor clothing is made from material that was, at one time, plastic bottles. Recycling refuse into fashion allows the siblings to express their love for high-performance surfwear and the environment at the same time. It’s a lucrative pairing, promising to bring in $2 million of revenue this year while keeping as many plastic bottles out of U.S. landfills and off of its beaches.
“Pairing vlog’s rigorous academic curriculum with TIA’s mentoring and support is a winning combination for our entrepreneurs,” said Michael Sciola, associate vice president for career initiatives. “Regardless of the sector, you will find vlog alumni in the lead.”