An Inside Look: Boston College East Coast Technology and Entrepreneurship Council
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Karen Walker Beecher ’87, Advisor,
Miguel Galvez ’12, Co-founder and CEO,
Karen: I grew up in Michigan and, like a lot of Michiganders, I was destined for University of Michigan. But when my mom and I visited Boston College, I immediately knew it was where I belonged.Ìý
Miguel: I grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts, and I went to St. John’s Preparatory School. By the time I was a senior, everyone I knew wanted to go to òòò½Ö±²¥. It felt like òòò½Ö±²¥ was our destiny, and I was lucky enough to get in.
K: Early in my career, I realized that business majors from other schools often lacked the critical thinking and writing skills that my òòò½Ö±²¥ liberal arts curriculum gave me. òòò½Ö±²¥ grads really understand how to problem-solve and think critically. These skills helped propel my career out of accounting and enabled me to pursue broader business, operational, and leadership roles.Ìý ÌýÌý
M:ÌýI was a biology major and was considering dental school while at òòò½Ö±²¥. My best friend and roommate, Brian Sachetta ’12, was in the Tech Trek class, and he inspired my interests in entrepreneurship. Together, we built a company, Barmatch, which ultimately failed. But that experience led me to enter the Boston College Venture Capital competition where I met mentors Dave Anderson, PhD’73, and Jim Alvarez. They invested in my current business, NBD Nano, and Dave is still on the board. We remain great friends.
K: I’ve been attending òòò½Ö±²¥TEC events since the beginning of the council. Originally, the òòò½Ö±²¥TEC members were predominantly male, established business people. Now we have much more diversity across generations, gender, and ethnicity—in both the council, and on our executive committee. I’ve stayed involved for many reasons. I have always loved the energy of entrepreneurship and through òòò½Ö±²¥TEC, I’ve learned more about innovations like blockchain and solutions in the digital health industry. It has been a great way to learn from thought leaders; stay on top of new trends; connect with current students; and meet interesting, good people.
M:After starting my company, my classmate Tom Coburn and I started to specifically support òòò½Ö±²¥ startups. I got to know Popolo Family Executive Director of the Shea Center for Entrepreneurship, Jere Doyle ’87, P’15, ’21, through the Elevator Pitch Competition and through SSC. When Jere approached me to take on his leadership position on òòò½Ö±²¥TEC, I was truly honored. I want to continue to help people and give back, and òòò½Ö±²¥TEC helps me to do that.
K: In partnership with the Shea Center, òòò½Ö±²¥TEC offers opportunities to connect with current students who are exploring entrepreneurship and those who are actually going through the Shea Center programs. Alumni can also attend the Elevator Pitch Competitions and see what business ideas the students are coming up with. I wish we had had these programs when I was a student!
M: Alumni can also mentor students directly through , òòò½Ö±²¥â€™s newest online networking platform. I’d highly recommend signing up!
K: This year, Miguel hosted a fireside chat with Neil Blumenthal, the co-founder and CEO of Warby Parker. It was fascinating to hear how he built his company. Our Tech on Tap events are also fun and informal ways to meet people.
M: The fireside chat was an amazing event. My favorite thing about Neil was how down-to-earth he was. He’s very cool and collected, but he speaks with authority and precision. We’ve also featured two of the most influential business leaders in Boston, Brian Halligan, co-founder and CEO of HubSpot, and Neeraj Shah, co-founder and CEO of Wayfair, who spoke about their management styles and company growth.Ìý
K: Anyone who’s interested in being part of the tech and entrepreneurship ecosystem should definitelyÌýjoin. òòò½Ö±²¥TEC is a great way to meet people and learn about all the incredible innovation that’s happening now—it doesn’t matter what field you’re in. It’s also a great opportunity to be more engaged with the University, to know what's happening on campus, and work closely with the Shea Center.Ìý
M: The best reason toÌýjoin òòò½Ö±²¥TECÌýis to build friendships and provide opportunities for others. Also, if you are a recent graduate or are looking to switch careers, it is great for networking and building or growing your career.Ìý
K: Yes! I’ve met many interesting people with a variety of backgrounds, and I always learn something new at our events. And it’s been a great opportunity to give back to òòò½Ö±²¥ and help alumni and students.
M: I agree. I get a lot of satisfaction from networking, mentoring, and providing opportunities for others. My success with NBD Nano has been influenced by the òòò½Ö±²¥ alumni network—many have generously given me their time, advice, and mentorship. I feel like I owe it to them to be a resource for others and continue the cycle of giving back.Ìý
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