Propel x NYC 2024

This year, students involved in Propel, The Garage’s award-winning program providing networking and mentorship to women founders, had the opportunity to spend four days in New York City. Ten women from all different corners of Northwestern came together to learn about the entrepreneurship scene in New York. They also had the opportunity to create deep connections with each other.

Each quarter, Propel selects eight women to participate in an eight week long program. Through this, women are provided with weekly lessons, mentorship, a stipend to put towards their company goals, and a community of female founders to lean on as they continue working on their projects. The entrepreneurs chosen to accompany The Garage to New York are from a variety of cohorts and represent a diverse group of majors and schools.

“The opportunity to meet with so many incredible female visionaries, creators, and entrepreneurs on the NYC trip truly encapsulated the empowerment that Propel represents as a program. After a weekend of honest conversations, connecting, and bonding with like-minded women, I feel beyond motivated in this next chapter of my young professional journey and know that I have affinity-based communities who will unequivocally support me in my endeavors.” - Anna Wittcoff

After arriving late Thursday night the group went to find authentic New York slices of pizza. The hole in the wall restaurant could not accommodate a party that size so they went back to the hotel for a chance to enjoy dinner and get to know everyone who would be on the trip.

The next morning, the group prepared for a day full of office visits. Starting at Reddit they had the opportunity to meet with Suchit Dash, VP of consumer product, and Amy Jeffrey, Group project manager. They shared valuable insights about how they use their experiences as founders in their work today.

Next, the group went to HearstLab and met with Eastin Rossell, Venture Director, Jamie Wishnick, HearstLab Scout, Lia Tavarez, Community Manager, HearstLab and Summer Delaney, CEO & Founder, CollabWork. At this meeting the women heard numerous perspectives of what it means to work with a Venture Capital firm.

Finally, the group went to visit Northwestern alum Brandon Snower at his showroom for fashion brand Le Alfré. The women appreciated the opportunity to see such an early stage startup and hear more about all Brandon has planned for his brand.

After some time to explore the city, the women participated in an alumni dinner. They had the chance to speak with recent alums of The Garage in all different careers about their time at Northwestern and current positions.

Getting to speak with people who range from those who are currently pursuing their startups to those who have transitioned to more traditional careers and work on the VC side has showed me that there are many ways to be an entrepreneur and that the skills that entrepreneurship teaches will serve as an advantage no matter where my career takes me.  - Annabel Cox

The next day, the women participated in a round table panel with alums of The Garage Ashley Sherman, Casey Qadir, Katie Hoffman, and Rachel Cantor. Each participant shared their story and answered the questions of all of the Propellers.

“I learned about the importance of taking risks when you are young. The inspiring stories from the entrepreneurs we met illustrated that even though taking risks may seem scary, there is no better time than your 20s to try to achieve what seems impossible.” - Sonali Chandra

The female founders arrived back in Evanston with new found friendship, mentorship, and excitement to dive back into their projects.

If you would like to learn more about the Propel program or how to apply, check it out here.