Northeastern Next Podcast

Meet Byron Hurt, AMD'93! After starting his journalism career at The Patriot Ledger while at Northeastern, Byron transitioned to documentary filmmaking that focuses on hot-button topics. Byron's latest film, "Lee and Liza's Family Tree", traces the history of the Hurt family through various genealogical practices while using it as a vessel to explore a range of social issues. Learn more about Byron's Northeastern experience, his journalistic inspirations, and his upcoming projects! You can watch "NOVA: Lee and Liza's Family Tree" here.

Meet Meghan Phan, a graduate of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2022! While working toward her degree in philosophy, Meghan opened a bakery with her mother in 2018. Specializing in sweet treats, Vietnamese food, and coffee, Sweet Piglet Bakery offers something for everyone. Learn about starting a business as a student, balancing work with family, and this year's Northeastern Holiday Market! Follow Sweet Piglet Bakery on Instagram: @sweetpigletbakery

Meet Greg Lainas, a graduate of the D'Amore-McKim School of Business in 1978! Greg had a long and prolific career as a CPA—working for industry giants like Robert Half and ESPN. Now retired, Greg leads speaking engagements on networking, telling his story of how he was able to create connections that lead to jobs, leadership positions, and even his first co-op experience. Learn more about the power of networking, tips for making connections, and how his networking skills gave him a unique and interesting opportunity with a Northeastern professor! Follow and connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-lainas-52767621/

Meet Martell Mason, a graduate of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2007! Beginning as a Starbucks barista while taking classes at Northeastern, Martell fell in love with the coffee industry. After spending time working as a coffee importer/exporter in Turkey, Martell asked himself, "How can I make coffee more accessible to underrepresented communities?" In 2021, he returned to his native Detroit to start the Sepia Coffee Project and make an impact not only on his local community, but give representation to coffee roasters from around the world. Learn more about his long and diverse history in the coffee industry, the goals of the Sepia Coffee Project, and how you can help! Learn more about the Sepia Coffee Project: https://www.sepiacoffeeproject.com/ Support the Sepia Coffee Project: https://wefunder.com/sepiacoffeeproject Follow the Sepia Coffee Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scpdetroit/

Meet Kade Krichko, a graduate of the College of Arts, Media and Design in 2012! After graduating from Northeastern, Kade began pitching sports stories that touched on the human condition to media giants like the New York Times and ESPN. After building relationships in the industry and writing award-winning pieces, Kade now teaches a class on media literacy at Northeastern and is ready to launch a print-based travel magazine. Learn more about his exciting career in journalism, how he gives back to the Northeastern community, and his unique approach to storytelling! Subscribe and learn more about Kade's upcoming travel magazine on their website: https://ori-mag.com/ Follow Ori Magazine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ori_magazine/

Meet Rick Leary, a graduate of the D'Amore-McKim School of Business in 1989 and recipient of a Masters in Public Administration in 1992! Beginning his career in public transportation as a train attendant for Boston's famous Green Line, Rick ascended to becoming the chief operating officer of the MBTA in 2005. In 2014, Rick moved to Canada to work for the Toronto Transit Commission, where he now serves as the chief executive officer. Learn more about his Northeastern roots, climbing the ranks in your industry, and the Northeastern Toronto campus!

Rian Finnegan, a 2011 graduate of the College of Arts, Media and Design, returns to the Northeastern Next podcast with two years worth of stories and accomplishments. Currently the Head of Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing at Snap, Rian additionally runs the Little Loaf Bakeshop in Poughkeepsie, New York, a vegan bakery that moonlights as an independent music venue. Learn more about the state of the tech industry and how a small business can make a big impact on the local community! Learn more about the Little Loaf Bakeshop on their website: https://www.littleloafbakeshop.com/ Follow Rian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rianfinnegan/

Meet Ioana Good, a 2000 graduate from the College of Arts, Media, and Design and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Bianca Vranceanu, a 2022 graduate of the College of Arts, Media and Design! After founding the PR and Branding Agency, Promova, Ioana wanted to give back to her alma mater, to which she accredits much of her success. In early 2020, Ioana started offering co-op positions, and Bianca joined as the first intern for a position in PR & Marketing. Since then, Bianca has transitioned into a full-time role and Promova has launched an innovative new software, Find A Rainmaker, that helps companies quickly identify PR and BD leaders and form impactful teams. Learn about the growth of Promova, the benefits of the co-op program from the student and employer perspective, and Bianca's special talent! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioanagood/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-vranceanu-97ab901b8/ Website: https://getpromova.com/ https://findarainmaker.com/

Meet Dave Fatula, a 2001 D’Amore-McKim School of Business graduate and founder of a one-of-a-kind guided hiking business! After 20 years behind a desk, Dave gave up his career in the world of real estate finance to launch his own business and pursue his passion for the great outdoors. As the owner and operator of Guineafowl Adventure Company, Dave seeks to remove the obstacles one faces when looking to explore nature. How do I get to the mountains? What kind of shoes do I need? What gear is required for a successful hike? Dave and his team of experienced, safety-trained guides can answer all of these questions, plus many more! To book a hike with Guineafowl Adventure Company today, visit Guineafowladventure.com. www.guineafowladventure.com Instagram: Guineafowl_Adventure_Co Facebook: Guineafowl Adventure Company LinkedIn: Guineafowl Adventure Company

Meet Dr. Nash Hernandez, GC’07, MSc’07, PhD’09! With a career spanning nearly three decades, Dr. Nash is currently a member of the board of directors for GloboScience, a pharmaceutical and medical technology consultancy. Focusing on rare diseases, gene therapy, cell therapy, and advanced tissue products, Dr. Nash has utilized his unique background of marketing and biology to bring health products from a mere idea to an entrepreneurial reality. Learn more about Dr. Nash’s Northeastern journey as a triple husky and how he plans to expand his business by creating health products using new technology like Artificial Intelligence. Website: https://globoscience.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelh/

Meet Rishya Narayanan, MS’19! With a passion for environmental science and fighting climate change, she is currently the climate change communications strategist for the Conservation Law Foundation nonprofit in Boston. Pivoting from her initial career aspirations of becoming a therapist, Rishya has spent time advocating for environmental nonprofits like the New England Aquarium and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, all without losing sight of her professional goal to help others. Learn about Rishya’s love for the Northeastern graduate program, as well as the issues our climate is facing today and how we can use our voices to solve them. Links: [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/professionals-of-color-in-the-environment-pocie/

Meet Michelle Calderon, MBA’21! A winner of the Northeastern Women Who Empower Innovator awards in 2021, Michelle has recently soft launched her company Addition Beauty, a makeup brand that uses high-quality formulations that are safe and free of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. With the introduction of three new shades of lipstick and a roadmap to expand product offerings, Michelle is ready to make her mark in a multi-billion-dollar industry while simultaneously making contributions to women’s health. Learn about Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey, including when she decided it was time to leave her job behind to become a full-time entrepreneur! Website: additionbeauty.com Instagram: @addition.beauty TikTok: @additionbeauty LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/addition-beauty/

Meet CJ Grasso, B.A.’16, M.S.’17, MBA’22. CJ began his journey at Northeastern as a business major. However, during his first co-op at a small law firm, he realized the need for change and found a new passion in community resilience and homeland security. A triple husky, CJ stays in touch with his co-op coordinator and continues to visit the university—he acts as a resource to co-op students by providing advice on topics such as effective interviewing and workplace leadership. Learn more about CJ’s experiences throughout his time at Northeastern and how they’ve positioned him for success within his current role at the management consulting and leadership development firm McChrystal Group. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophergrasso/ If you’re interested in becoming a co-op employer, email [email protected] to get started.

Meet Elke Thoms, a graduate of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2018 and currently a stand-up comedian and writer based in Los Angeles. Elke's comedic journey began during her time at Northeastern after taking classes at Improv Boston, igniting a passion for the art of comedy. With a captivating stage presence, Elke has been performing standup all over the country at venues including The Comedy Store, Second City, Laugh Factory, and Boston Improv. Her creative expression also extends to the realm of poetry, with a selection of her poems having been published in esteemed Boston-based publications. Learn more as we dive into Elke’s journey from a tour guide at Northeastern University to an exciting career in stand-up comedy, while hearing her take on the Hollywood writer’s strike as it extends well into its second month. Website: Elkethoms.com Instagram: @elkethoms Tiktok: @elkethoms YouTube: @Elkethoms

Meet Donna Halper, LA’69, MEd’70, MA’73! A remarkable trailblazer in the world of radio and music, Donna made Northeastern history in 1968 as the first female DJ of WRBB. One of Donna's most significant contributions came in the early 1970s when she played a vital role in discovering the legendary rock band Rush. Recognizing their immense talent, Donna championed their music and gave them their initial airtime on US radio waves. Donna's passion for music and broadcasting led her to work as a DJ across the United States, music director, radio consultant, and media historian. Learn more about how this future Massachusetts Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame Pioneer Award-winner utilized her experiences learned early-on at Northeastern to help shape her journey as a pioneer for women on the radio, and how she’s continuing to amplify the voices of women in media today. Image courtesy of Lesley University

Meet Hannah Ung, DMSB’23! The founder of one of Boston’s most innovative startup companies, Boxy, Hannah has been helping college students find storage through a host’s underutilized space since 2022. With the support of Northeastern’s entrepreneurial network, Hannah has grown Boxy through market research and building a rapport with customers in the area, all of which helped her win a Women Who Empower Innovator Award this year. Learn more about her entrepreneurial journey, the impact of her Northeastern experience, and the exciting future of Boxy. Website: www.storewithboxy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahung/

Meet Mike Troxell, DMSB‘10, Principal and Founder of Modern Financial Planning. After working in finance and wealth management, Mike opened a financial planning business in 2018 that serves millennials and Gen X in the tech industry. He completed two co-ops throughout his time at Northeastern, including one at Merrill Lynch on Wall Street during the peak of the 2008 financial crisis. Mike talks about the impression Merrill Lynch’s then-CEO made on him while on co-op and how that impression has stuck with him today. His work has garnered a lot of attention from the industry, including being named a Top 100 Financial Advisor of 2022 by Investopedia. Listen as Mike discusses the importance of compound interest, diversifying your portfolio, and establishing cash reserves. Modern Financial Planning: https://www.modernfp.com/ Mike Troxell (podcast & more): https://www.MikeTroxell.com Newsletter: https://www.TheWeeklyVest.com

Meet Gina V. Dunn, CSSH'06, CPS'13! A double-husky, Gina lives by the philosophy of to not just learn for school, but for life. Being a self-described lifelong learner, Gina has an eclectic resume and diverse career history—from surviving the 2008 recession to writing Paris Possibilities, her new innovative and informative guidebook for those visiting the city for the first time. Learn how Gina used her Northeastern experience as a vessel for different career paths. Paris Possibilities: ParisPossiblities.com Instagram: @the_paris_connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginavdunn/

On this special episode of Northeastern Next, meet three entrepreneurs with exciting side hustles! Our first guest, Ben Brakenwagon, transcends the typical entrepreneur convention through his own personal side hustle selling rock climbing equipment, his work at a tech startup, and everything in between. Following Ben, current Northeastern student Bella D'Ascoli celebrates the legacy of her late friend Samantha Hemphill by offering an opportunity to purchase Sam’s exemplary artwork, with all profits donated to a charitable foundation started by her family in her honor. Finally, meet our third guest, Ye Tian, the founder of Crafts Zone Studio. Tian has his very own brick and mortar craft studio in Brookline, MA where you can create personalized, one-of-a-kind gifts with your loved ones. Learn about how he uses Northeastern’s vast alumni network to grow his business. Ledge Climbing: https://ledgeclimbing.com/ SamScribbler: https://samscribbler.com/ Crafts Zone Studio: https://www.crafts.zone/ See what Northeastern students have been up to and support their projects with HuskyStarter.

Meet Kate Weiler, CPS ‘13! Co-founder of the beverage company Drink Simple, she is a hardworking and motivated entrepreneur with a passion for nutrition and sustainability. Using Northeastern's IDEA program to build the framework of her business, Weiler launched the Drink Simple brand to critical acclaim. Learn about her entrepreneurial journey to bring maple water to the masses! Drink Simple: https://bit.ly/3yVFXKc Instagram: @drinksimple See what Northeastern students have been up to and support their projects with HuskyStarter.

Meet Valerie Robert, Khoury'23, CSSH'23! A Women Who Empower Innovator award winner in 2022, it's no secret that Valerie is an incredibly motivated individual—from holding a variety of leadership positions on campus to having aspirations of starting intersectional businesses, it's clear she is on a path towards success. Learn about her entrepreneurial journey and her post-graduation plans. Instagram: @valerie.robert Northeastern WISE: @northeasternwise The Circuit: @thecircuited See what Northeastern students have been up to and support their projects with HuskyStarter.

This Northeastern Next bonus episode is the culmination of five women’s quest to change the way the world perceives their strength. During her co-op in Northeastern’s Advancement division, student athlete and aspiring journalist, Madison Neuner, AMD’24 examines ways in which women own their right to influence social change for themselves and others. From advocating in office spaces to cheering on the track, learn how these alumnae and students are paving the way to overcome disparities and biases in our communities and beyond. Ally Legend, AMD’14, Senior Director of Equality Engagement at Salesforce Michelle Satter, LA'74, Founding Senior Director of Artist Programs at Sundance Institute Ahndraea Allen, AS'05, MS’09, Senior Training Specialist for Sales Academy UAE at Adidas Darrel Schreiner, MS’22, & Dominique Schreiner, MS’22, Co-Founders of CAKE DENIM

While TV medical dramas have ruled entertainment for decades, Dr. Washington, AS’05, was putting in the real work. She received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and was the first Black woman to be admitted into the residency program. From a private practice in Texas to a prestigious surgery fellowship in Oregon, Dr. Washington is a lifelong learner, now specializing in liver and pancreatic procedures. In this episode, she speaks about her experience as a Black woman in medicine—from her undergraduate days at Northeastern’s John D. O’Bryant African American Institute to the podcast she started with her two sisters called “The Drs. Washington.” Not only a healthcare hero, she is building a platform to mentor students, discuss medicine, and highlight African American physicians who are making an impact in the field. Check out The Drs. Washington Podcast

Northeastern alumni can be found around the world—there over 275,000 people who are connected by one global university. Every day our alumni volunteers give their time and talent to make the Northeastern network even stronger. In this episode, Ilana Gensler, assistant director of alumni engagement, will speak with a few of our volunteers from San Francisco to Thailand. Volunteers: Rachel Rappe, DMSB’15, Chicago Community Volunteer, Young Alumni Advisory Board Member, Women Who Empower Mentor Ezgi Kosereisoglu, E’14, Chicago Community Volunteer, Young Alumni Advisory Board Chair, NUCEAO President Emerita Kim Tran, E’17, Alumni Co-op Mentor in San Francisco Dave Wedge, AS’00, Northeastern Rugby Club Alumni President Sureena Sachdev, DMSB’19, Alumni Community Leader in Thailand Hear what volunteering is all about and why they give back. Visit alumni.northeastern.edu/volunteer to learn more.

“The Breakfast Club with murder” is how Karen McManus, MA’04, describes her first novel, "One of Us is Lying." Now with four books published and more on the way, this New York Times Bestselling author has made writing her full-time career. Karen started in PR and Marketing, but realized it was never too late to make a switch. In this episode she shares how a familiar '80s song inspired her writing and gives updates on the forthcoming TV adaptation of her first book. Visit karenmcmanus.com and follow @writerkmc on Instagram This episode was recorded in collaboration with the Northeastern Women who Empower Initiative.

Pandemic pivots became a priority for many entrepreneurs in early 2020, but a variety of factors can influence a product change. In this episode, you’ll hear from two business leaders: Yewande Masi, CJ’09, founder of Ornami skincare and Glen Giovanucci, DMSB’83, CEO at G-Form. This episode features a pre-recorded interview from our virtual entrepreneurship event in November. It’s moderated by Katie Hemphill, MS'19, Associate Director of the McCarthy(s) Venture Mentoring Network (VMN). This university wide resource pairs student, faculty, and alumni-owned ventures with experienced mentors to help with business challenges.

18 billion pounds of plastic enter our oceans each year, a harrowing fact that only accounts for a portion of our planet's pollution crisis. Northeastern innovators are tackling this problem to create sustainable solutions for cleaner oceans. Bureo, an emerging B-Corp, has created a program to recycle fishing nets into a NetPlus™ material, used in products by Patagonia and other partner companies. Join the conversation to fight plastic pollution with Ben Kneppers, E'07, co-founder and COO of Bureo Inc., and Maarten Eenkema van Dijk, E'14, MS'15, operations manager for Van Dyk Recycling Solutions. This interview was recorded at a virtual event hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations.

Successful CEOs are not born overnight. Ryan Drexler, AS’93, grew up as the shy kid and lacked confidence in public speaking, but like every Northeastern student, he focused on finding his career path. Ryan majored in theatre, a unique choice at the time, but one that brought him outside his comfort zone to develop essential leadership skills. Fast forward to the present, Ryan is now CEO and president of MusclePharm, a publicly traded sports nutrition company, and shares his advice on leading teams, overcoming challenges, and reaching the top.

Creativity. Diversity. Changemakers. What do these buzz words really mean? Vallabhi Singh, DMSB’17, has been chasing that answer and her own curiosity since she graduated. Unexpectedly, she left her promising career in New York City to return to her home country of India, but she brought with her a deep passion for entrepreneurship, collaboration, and connection. She focused her energy and founded Creatives Around The World (CATW), in the midst of the global pandemic, to bring diverse minds together and #NetworksForGood. Hosting several virtual roundtables since May, the CATW network is growing, pushing boundaries on how we approach problems and define creativity. Find Creatives Around The World on Instagram and YouTube

An American passport changed her life. Alexandra Tarzikhan was born in the United States to her American mom and Syrian dad. She grew up in the city of Aleppo, returning to Boston to attend Northeastern. But in 2011 at the start of the Syrian civil war, Alexandra could easily hop on a plane thanks to her passport. Her lived experience became drastically different than the refugees struggling for safety and asylum in Europe. Instead, she experienced the migrant crisis in Lesvos as a volunteer. Alexandra received a JD/MPH dual degree and is passionate about pursuing a legal career in human rights and humanitarian operations with a focus on migration and health. Her Instagram account @meetarefugee helps share stories and bring attention and awareness to the refugee crisis.

What do the Beanpot and Chicken Lou’s have in common? They are both beloved Northeastern traditions, and Men’s Hockey Head Coach Jim Madigan speaks fondly of both. Coach Madigan set foot on campus for the first time in 1981 as a first-year student. Graduating in 1986, he landed his first assistant coaching job at Northeastern, and 34 years later, hasn’t looked back. Coach Madigan is a six-time Beanpot champion and has held roles in athletics, facilities, and advancement, proudly serving the university as an alumnus, staff, coach, and parent. However, the soul of Northeastern goes beyond academics and athletics, and Coach Madigan remembers a special friend and campus icon, Lou Ferretti, the late founder of Chicken Lou’s, a little sandwich shop on Forsyth St. Chicken Lou’s closed in 2020 after 30 years of bringing joy through food to the campus community and in this episode, Coach recounts where it all began. To pre-order a commemorative Chicken Lou's plate visit: giving.northeastern.edu

If sports journalism makes you think of box scores and game recaps, you are only scratching the surface. Kade Krichko, AMD'12, is a freelance writer, editor, and photojournalist who makes a living traveling the world and chasing stories. Covering skateboarding in Cuba, and the history of skiing in China, he writes with a unique lens at the intersection of sports and culture and is published in The New York Times, ESPN, Outside Online and more. Kade is also an editor for Northeastern’s Game Plan, a student-run publication exploring the future of sports journalism. During the pandemic, we have seen live sports grind to a halt, and while fans have to adapt, so does the journalism industry. Listen to hear Kade’s experience living in Spain when COVID-19 hit Europe and what he is working on next. Visit: kadekrichko.com Twitter: @caskade88

What's "African fashion?" Audrey Lang, DMSB’15, finds it almost impossible to define for the most culturally diverse continent in the world. Born in France to two Cameroonian immigrants, she has lived in the US since she was three with the goal to work in Africa after her Northeastern experience. Having built a career in retail and e-commerce, Audrey landed an opportunity in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire at the largest marketplace for African-inspired goods. The market is complex, and faces unique challenges. She is also a freelance writer for Okay Africa, Travel Noire, and Afriquette, capturing authentic travel diaries and photographs of beautiful, historic places. Hear from Audrey about how the pandemic has impacted her work, industry, and future travel plans. View Audrey's Instagram takeover at @northeastern_alumni and follow her personal account @audreymejou. Read Audrey's Travel Diary: Côte d'Ivoire on Okay Africa.

What is the “heart” of your ideal workplace? Who are the people, the values, and the shared goals? The answers to these questions help define an "employer brand"—the look, feel, and voice of a company. Employer branding and recruitment marketing are growing fields in the modern work landscape, where talent acquisition is competitive and employees are expecting more. Rian Finnegan, AMD'11 is a champion for the employee experience and followed a passion for creating engaging and inclusive company cultures. Rian’s experience spans diverse companies like Twitter, Pandora, Squarespace, and now, Instacart. Hear the latest trends in recruitment, and how a strong and authentic employer brand can attract and retain top talent. As many of us are working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rian also shares some tips to stay connected in a remote working environment. Find Rian on LinkedIn

Simply making it to Shark Tank might be the ultimate dream for an entrepreneur. But, last year, Jamie Ratner, MS’01, founder and CEO of CertifiKID, closed a deal with Mr. Wonderful himself, for her discount website for family-friendly activities. Before starting CertifiKID, Jamie worked in security for almost a decade after receiving her master’s in criminal justice at Northeastern. But, as a parent and self-proclaimed deal-finder, Jamie and her husband saw a gap in the market for kid-friendly events, offering amusement parks and birthday parties instead of spas and restaurants. Their solution—Certifikid. However, like many others, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Jamie's business, forcing her to pivot and offer awareness and discounts for virtual kid programming. Today, she's working hard to stay resilient, and is ready to share the lessons she's learned from navigating through the unique circumstances. Visit certifikid.com

There are five times as many books about trucks than there are about any children of color. When Sailaja Joshi, DMSB’06 was searching for authentic and appropriate stories of Indian culture for her own children, she found a huge diversity gap in children’s literature. So, she decided to solve the problem, and launched Mango and Marigold Press, an award winning independent publishing house focusing on the South Asian experience. Serving as the CEO and founder, today the press has over a dozen titles, and recently launched the #1001DiverseBooks initiative, with the goal to bridge the accessibility gap, and raise money to donate diverse children’s literature to underserved communities. Northeastern’s IDEA venture accelerator gave this alumna a leg up, and she later utilized SCOUT, the student-led design studio, for her company’s rebrand. Visit: mangoandmarigoldpress.com Follow: @mangoandmarigoldpress on Instagram

We might love the sun, but it is also very harmful to our largest organ—the skin. Lauren Rampello, DMSB’11 is the founder of Pure Glow—a company dedicated to bringing an organic and sunless tanning solution to Boston. Lauren built her business on knowledge and transparency, focusing on natural ingredients, while prioritizing health and the unique client experience. And, Lauren has leveraged Northeastern resources to give her a boost. Northeastern has a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and offers support to both students and alumni. Lauren was matched with a mentor in the McCarthy(s) Venture Mentoring Network, setting her company up for growth and continued success. Visit: pureglow.com Follow on Instagram: @pureglowtanning

Students who like biology often go the pre-med route, but what if being a doctor isn’t the right fit for you? Navigating the medical career landscape can be daunting, but Katie Lemons, MS’19 found a way to combine her passions and carve a unique path. Recently earning her Physician Assistant degree and license from Northeastern, she also has a master’s degree in nutrition and manages a popular blog called, “Twist of Lemons” with over 118,000 followers on Instagram. Katie is a lover of all things wellness and uses her platform to provide easy recipes, and accessible and realistic health tips, backed by science. Visit: twistoflemons.com Follow on Instagram: @twistoflemons

If you've been in Boston, you might recognize the classic pedicab—the three-wheeled bicycle pedaled by local college students who shuttle tourists and fans to Fenway Park. Ben Morris, DMSB’05, knew that a pedal-powered vehicle could go even farther. What started as a Boston-based fleet of five, today has grown into the largest pedicab company in the country, called Coaster Cycles. And Ben—now CEO and founder of Coaster Cycles—has no plans to stop. He's brought in Brian Schatz, DMSB’10, as VP of Sales and Solutions, and former Boston Pedicab driver to take their venture to the next level. Their journeys have intersected a number of times throughout their career, creating the perfect example of the power of the Northeastern network. Today, the two alumni are geared to take their concept to the rest of the globe. Visit: coastercycles.com Follow on Instagram: @coastercycles

Sweat. Inspire. Transform. Raise the Bar. You’ll find these words on the walls of The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio, founded by Jess Fracalossi, AS'10, in 2013, with a mission far beyond the bike. Six years later, she has four award-winning locations in Boston, loyal riders, and a brand centered around passion, community, and wellness. From angel investors and the brick and mortar real estate game, to hiring a strong team to support the business, Jess is an ambitious fitness entrepreneur. Her impact reaches farther than spin class, and her nonprofit branch, “Handle with Care” tackles stigma around mental illness through local community events. Visit: handlebarcycling.com Follow on Instagram: @the_handle_bar

In a world of Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and Under Armour, is it possible to break through and create a new and competitive sportswear brand? Jason Yau, DMSB’17, founder of Zyphr apparel, thinks so. Athletes in Hong Kong rely on foreign brands, and Jason saw a gap in the market for his homegrown premium sportswear company. With global fast fashion trends and low barriers to entry, Jason is setting his brand apart by focusing on the quality, and creating a perfect match between performance fabrics and fashion. Jason is also a member of the Young Global Leaders—alumni who help advance the international scope of the university. Visit: zyphrapparel.com Instagram: @zyphr_apparel Attend: Dream, Discover, Disrupt | Nov. 19 | A Celebration of Entrepreneurs at Northeastern

Crime thriller novels and TV shows have always been popular, but author Brian Shea, CJ’97 has literally been at the scene of the crime. After serving in the US Navy, Brian spent over 10 years in law enforcement as a detective, and now writes what he knows. What do a terrorist, human trafficker, and serial killer have in common? They’ve all been hunted by his leading character, FBI agent, Nick Lawrence. Brian has mastered the art of creating the suspenseful “page turner” and at Northeastern, when not in class, he was usually found with his nose in a book. His most recent crime thriller series is set in Boston, and the first book, Murder Board, hit the bestseller list on Amazon and held the #1 spot for New Release in the Mystery category. Visit: brianchristophershea.com Get Murder Board at Barnes & Noble or Amazon

Sophia Moon, MBA’13, is an artist, entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and community builder who has always followed passion in her career. Instead of a side hustle, she designed a life she loves with many major hustles, giving each her full attention. She now owns Essem Art Studio in Charlestown, MA, leading art and music labs for children. She is also the Boston Chapter host of Creative Mornings, a monthly lecture series and global movement of 206 chapters in 65 countries. With only 24 hours in a day, how did she do this? By networking! We all use the “networking” buzz word in the pursuit of career dreams, but Sophia gives real advice on how to create relationships that can help you succeed. Check out Creative Mornings and find a chapter near you: creativemornings.com Follow Sophia on Instagram @iamsophiamoon

When he was 11, Jonathan Ulman dreamed of playing drums with Pearl Jam. Fast forward to today, he is a three-time winner of the Boston Music Award's Session Musician of the Year, a teacher at the Berklee College of Music, and has over 20 years of experience playing in live concerts and on hundreds of records. Jonathan understands the hustle involved in making a music career a reality, but more importantly how to market yourself—a skill relevant in every industry. How do you become ready for your big break or dream job? How do you hone your craft and build the skills that will propel you past your goals while redefining new ones? Visit: jonathanulman.com Follow: @jmudrums on instagram and twitter Vote: bostonmusicawards.com/vote

Northeastern alumni programming spans the globe, serving more than 257,000 community members. Who makes it possible? Our volunteers! Hear from some our community leaders from France, Brazil, Spain, Greece, Singapore, the UK, and Boston, about why they choose to come back to serve their alma mater. If you are interested in getting involved, visit: alumni.northeastern.edu/leader Our featured leaders include: France - Fred Hoffman, BHS’79 Brazil - Gabriella Silva, CPS’20 and Rodrigo Vieira, DMSB’11 Singapore - Yuki Shuck, DMSB’17 United Kingdom - MJ Paradiso, DMSB’10 Spain - Elena Hernandez, CPS’02 Greece - Peter Contis, MBA’83, MS’86 Boston - Shaun Hamilton, DMSB’14 Office of Alumni Relations - Ilana Gensler, MA’19

What happens when you combine a love of craft beer with a passion to do good? You get Redemption Rock Brewing Co., led by alumni Dani Babineau, AS’10, and Dan Carlson, AS’10. Their brewing company is a registered benefit corporation—a for-profit organization that is legally bound to include positive social, community, or environmental impact. Redemption Rock brews for the community, focusing on local partnerships, corporate transparency, women in business and beer, and above all—good citizenship. So how did an architecture and journalism major end up creating a socially-conscious brewery? Listen to their story! Visit: redemptionrock.beer Follow: @rr_brewingco on Instagram

Sarah Stokey could be a Hollywood action hero. The Massachusetts native moved to Alaska after graduation, to pursue her dream of sled dog racing. In 2019, she finished her second Iditarod race—a grueling 1,000-mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. From an early age, Sarah discovered her love of dogs, and took a leap of faith in making it a full-time career. Sarah is both a musher and an entrepreneur and runs the Turning Heads Kennel with her partner, where they breed Alaskan huskies for racing. Sarah's company leads year-round sled dog and helicopter tours in Seward, Alaska, and was nominated by USA Today as a readers’ choice top helicopter tour in North America. Follow @turningheadskennel on instagram and @turningheadsAK on twitter Visit: turningheadskennel.com Vote for Seward Helicopter Tours: USA Today Readers' Choice

Daniel Clarke, DMSB’12, always had a passion for storytelling, entrepreneurship, and supporting wildlife. After graduating from Northeastern, he moved to Los Angeles to start a wildlife media company. In his podcast, "Escape the Zoo," Daniel interviews leading wildlife photographers, conservationists, and scientists to learn about the awe-inspiring species we share a planet with, revealing the beautiful and sometimes extreme stories from the wild. Daniel is also a documentary filmmaker, and is finishing a project uncovering the ethical dilemma of feral cats and the critically endangered native species of Hawaii. Visit: @escapethezoo on instagram Escapethezoo.tv feraldocumentary.com

As a people person who was looking to make an impact, Charles Cormier, BHS’17, spent his five years at Northeastern studying health sciences just to realize that he did not want to pursue healthcare as a career. In his final year, he found his passion for fundraising through Northeastern's Senior Legacy Committee—a senior-led, senior-focused student group that encourages giving. Starting at Harvard University, and recently returning to Northeastern, Charles has worked in higher education fundraising for almost two years, and currently oversees the same student group that he was a member of during his undergraduate. Visit: givingday.northeastern.edu Connect with Charles on NUsource, your new exclusive Northeastern networking platform.

Molly Beck, DMSB’09 is the founder of podcast creation site, Messy.fm, and author of Reach Out, a career advice guidebook published by McGraw-Hill. As a social media user and avid blogger turned podcaster, Molly identified a need for the “Wordpress of podcasting,” allowing users to have a one-stop-shop for recording, editing, and publishing. Before founding Messy.fm, she helped launch the Forbes Podcasts channel, and also worked in marketing at Hearst and Venmo. Connect with Molly Beck on all social platforms @MsMollyBeck Visit: www.messy.fm