The Garage x The School of Communication

The Garage is a community and physical space for every Northwestern student interested in entrepreneurship to learn, iterate, and grow. We offer students resources, programming, and mentorship designed to help build the skills and entrepreneurial mindset they need to succeed in any industry.

Students from across the University bring a wide range of diverse academic and personal experiences that enrich the entrepreneurial environment at The Garage through exposure to new ideas, ways of thinking and skill sets.

In winter 2022, there are 20 SoC students participating in programs at The Garage. Below are a few student stories.

Sherry Xue, SoC + McCormick ’23

Sherry is currently a participant in The Garage’s Residency program and X-Factor, The Garage’s revolutionary leadership development program. Sherry was also previously a participant in the Propel program, The Garage’s program for women entrepreneurs, and the Tinker program, where she developed her idea.

Major: Communication Studies
Minors: Entrepreneurship, French

Project / Company: Explorate strives to make international volunteering feel more at home through connecting travelers around the world and sharing transparent information about the programs.

  • “I was really fortunate to be part of the Propel program, where I was really able to gain confidence to work on my own idea and translate thoughts into actions. Despite having zero background in entrepreneurship, I was able to get support from my mentor and learn from others in my Propel huddle. Then, I became a Resident and have been able to try different ideas and remain iterative with the support of the ecosystem.”

Elam Blackwell, SoC ’22

Elam has participated in multiple programs at The Garage, including the Residency and Tinker programs where he developed his board game company and X-Factor, The Garage’s revolutionary leadership development program. Most recently, Elam was a participant in The Opportunity Fund and now serves as a mentor for other students in the program.

Major: Theater + Physics

Project / Company: Mark IV Games is a group of Northwestern students dedicated to designing and self-publishing engaging and fun board games.

  • “I’ve been a part of The Garage for over two years now, and over that time I’ve networked with other founders, used The Makerspace to create prototypes, received a grant to build my business, and found a place on campus that I can work in any time of the day or night.“

Anna Lise Ericson, SoC ’22

Anna Lise has been involved in several programs at The Garage including Propel and Residency. Most recently, she participated in the summer 2020 Jumpstart Pre-accelerator program and received $10,000 to work full-time on Cerer with fellow SoC student Katie Karmin ’21.

Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Environmental Policy + Entrepreneurship

Project / Company: Cerer, an e-commerce platform dedicated to revolutionizing the fashion industry and shifting it towards a more sustainable environmental and economic path.

  • “My communication studies classes have been vital in running my business. They have given me a different perspective on the media and exposure through different social channels.”

Lauren Washington, SoC ’22

Lauren participated in The Garage’s Jumpstart Pre-accelerator program during the summer of 2020 and received $10,000 to work on Project FILO with her co-founder (and brother), Brandon Washington, a student at Rockhurst University.

Major: Radio / TV / Film
Minor: Entrepreneurship

Project / Company: Project FILO, a creative based organization by artists and for artists that exceeds the vision of an artists future self.

  • “I’ve had numerous professors inspire my vision towards Project FILO, but in particular, my “One-Person Documentary” course with Professor Danielle Beverly really opened my eyes to realize how much us as artists can accomplish. Even if the odds may be against so many of us in these creative industries, there’s no reason not to try and build your own table.”

The Garage x SoC News

Adala Makhulo, SoC ’23 featured in Opportunity Fund Update

Jordyn Lemer, SoC ’23 selected as Little Joe Ventures Fellow

Northwestern startup Project FILO aims to redefine media industry

Mike Raab, SoC ’12 named associate director of The Garage

Propellers visit Stephanie March, SoC ’96 in NYC

Rachel Cantor, SoC ’20 reflects on her time at The Garage upon graduation

Questions?

Email us at thegarage@northwestern.edu