UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Invent Penn State has launched the Penn State Alumni Entrepreneurship Network, a vibrant community dedicated to strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit of alumni. This network serves as a hub for meetups, virtual events, and valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and connecting with fellow Pennsylvania residents.
With chapters in New York City, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Pittsburgh, alumni are encouraged to join or start a local chapter in their area.
Interested alumni who live in areas where the network is established can email the network to receive a link to join the private LinkedIn group. Information about starting a new chapter is available on the Penn State Alumni Entrepreneurship Network website.
Rebecca Friese, co-founder of workplace consulting firm FLYN and vice president of human resources at Zenni Optical, is an ambassador for the city of San Francisco. Freese, who graduated from Penn State with a degree in advertising, emphasizes the value of leveraging his connections to Penn State to grow professionally.
“The more we expand our network, the better it is for all businesses,” Friese says. “Having a common bond in Pennsylvania makes that initial connection easier.”
Friese said she was inspired by the positive connections she made at the first social gathering she attended in the Bay Area to become one of the city’s ambassadors, specifically to grow the local chapter of Women Entrepreneurs.
“For women entrepreneurs, it’s even more difficult to establish these networks and get the connections they need,” Friese says. “Becoming 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 local chapters or work with Invent Penn State to start a chapter.
“If you need connections, resources and advice, we’re here,” Friese said. This is to help my fellow Penn State students. ”
