UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Invent Penn State has launched the Penn State Alumni Entrepreneurs Network, a vibrant community designed to empower the entrepreneurial spirit among alumni. The network serves as a hub for meetups, virtual events, and valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and socializing with fellow Penn Staters.
With active chapters in New York City, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, alumni are encouraged to join a local chapter or start one in their area.
Interested alumni who live in a region with an established network can email the network to receive a link to join a private LinkedIn group. Information about starting a new chapter is available on the Penn State Alumni Entrepreneurs Network website.
Rebecca Friese, co-founder of workplace consulting firm FLYN and vice president of people at Zenni Optical, serves as a San Francisco city ambassador. Friese, a Penn State graduate with a degree in advertising, emphasizes the value of leveraging the Penn State connection to grow professionally.
“The more we expand our networks, the better it is for all of our businesses,” Friese said. “Having that common Penn State bond makes that initial connection easier.”
Inspired by the positive connections she made at the first social gathering she attended in the Bay Area, Friese said she became one of the San Francisco city ambassadors to grow the regional chapter, particularly among women entrepreneurs.
“It’s an added layer of difficulty for women entrepreneurs to establish those networks and get the connections we need,” Friese said. “Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely endeavor, but through the Penn State network, we can support each other with advice, connections, and resources.”
Friese encourages Penn State alumni to connect with their local chapter or collaborate with Invent Penn State to start one.
“If you need connections, resources, or advice, we’re here," Friese said. “All you have to do is show up, and you’ll be introduced to a wealth of Penn State entrepreneurs who are crushing it and all willing to help a fellow Penn Stater.”