A Taste of Entrepreneurship: investing in yourself and creating your company in uncertain times
An event featuring a conversation with MS in Entrepreneurship Alumni Zachary Dodds and Keisha Credit, the progress of their startup, and insight from entrepreneurial leadership instructor Ken Myer
Join the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program at the Foster School of Business for the first online Taste of Entrepreneurship event as we seek to empower and inspire entrepreneurially-minded people to take the first step towards turning their business idea into a concrete reality.
Zachary Dodds started his “concrete” dream during the MS in Entrepreneurship program in 2019. Future business partner Keisha Credit – by then an alumna of the program’s first cohort the previous year – knew a good idea when she saw one and decided to join Zach to found Paca y Paca, a refillable artisan candle company that specializes in concrete candle holders and luxury scents. Zach and Keisha, who are still riding high after their recent funding success through the UW Jones + Foster Accelerator Program, will give the inside scoop on what it takes to really start a business and how they are navigating these uncertain times, leaving time for questions from participants at the end.
We are also excited to welcome Ken Myer, instructor of entrepreneurial leadership for the program, who will offer his insights and expertise. Ken will speak specifically to the challenges and opportunities of navigating a startup through times of crises.
Participants can submit questions in advance for Zachary, Keisha, and Ken through the online registration form, which is required to fill out to attend the event.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Zachary Dodds
Zachary Dodds is a recent graduate of the UW 2019 MS Entre cohort, and co-founder of refillable candle company, Paca y Paca. He has been a full-time entrepreneur since 2014 and has previous experience in the music industry, launching an online sticker company, and creating software to automate the production of infographic videos.
Keisha Credit
Keisha Credit graduated from the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program in 2018 as a member of the program’s first cohort. Prior to joining the program, she worked at Microsoft as a marketing manager but left her corporate role after 3 years to follow her passion of being an entrepreneur. She hasn’t looked back since! She has launched several companies, including co-founding Paca y Paca with fellow alum Zachary Dodds, has sold one company, and is the owner of Lucke by Keisha, a 7-figure business that specializes in custom wigs.
Ken Myer
Ken Myer is an interim executive, leadership and management lecturer, and Faculty Director of the Masters in Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
Ken has led companies or business units ranging in size from startups to Fortune 100 and currently serves as an interim executive to companies going through leadership transitions. Recent interim roles include CEO of Vivid Robotics, General Manager of HydraMaster, CEO of Yapta, and General Manager of Data I/O.
Ken has taught a variety of courses at the UW Foster School including Technology Commercialization, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Leading & Managing Teams and Organizations, and Leading High-Performance Organizations. Ken is also a Commercialization Advisor at the UW CoMotion (Innovation) office working with UW researchers to commercialize their innovations. He has been recognized three times for building a “best company to work for” and in 2009 was recognized as one of Seattle’s most influential business leaders.
Ken holds an MBA and M.A. from the University of Washington and is on the board of directors of AnswerDash and the Washington Trails Association. He is an avid hiker and backpacker.
Ready to learn more about the MS Entre program and join our network? Contact us today!
ABOUT THE MS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
The 12-month Master of Science in Entrepreneurship degree program was built for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs. As rigorous as an MBA, our program follows the same path as a startup—with a curriculum designed to guide you through a real-world entrepreneurial process used to develop new companies.
It’s the one-year launchpad that will make the most difference in your business, by equipping you with the tools, skills, and connections to confidently lead your next company to success.
We consider Seattle to be a global innovation hub and the ideal place to gain the confidence, competence, and community to launch and grow your new venture! Get in touch to learn more about the program, to set up a phone call with an admissions representative, to speak to a student ambassador, or to arrange a (virtual) class visit. No GMAT or GRE exam is required to apply.
