WISE summit inspires female entrepreneurs to rise above challenges
The summit on Northeastern University’s Boston campus welcomed 200 participants for networking, workshops, inspiring speakers and more.
Mar 31, 2026
News and Stories
Innovator Award recipients are filling health care and marketing gaps
Northeastern alums and entrepreneurs Cynthia Orofo and Adebukola Ajao spoke about their academic journeys and careers in a moderated discussion at the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute.
How WISE helps students build confidence and startups
From first idea to funded startup, WISE empowers Northeastern students to build ventures, confidence and community through entrepreneurship.
Leading Scientific Innovation: A Conversation with Kimberly Budil, PhD, Lawrence Livermore Lab
Kimberly Budil, PhD, director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, discussed her career path as the lab’s first woman director, highlighted the lab’s impact, and shared insights about the lab’s historic 60-year journey to fusion ignition.
Industry Panel: Making a Difference in Nonprofits
Accomplished Mills College and Northeastern alumni shared their experiences of building and navigating meaningful careers in the nonprofit world.
From Northeastern student to coffee executive and social impact leader
When Helen Russell, DMSB’88, studied in Snell Library nearly four decades ago, she never imagined she’d one day return as the co-founder of a $35 million coffee empire, or that she’d be fueling the entrepreneurial dreams of future students. But that’s the full-circle story unfolding through her company’s Legacy Blend partnership and Brewing Connections, a global initiative connecting entrepreneurs across the university’s network.
These women show ‘superpowers’ through courage, curiosity and bold ideas
The 2025 Women Who Empower Summit on November 13 honored 31 innovators, celebrating human leadership, resilience and community in an AI-driven era.
She’s turning her family’s ranching legacy into a force for sustainable change
Bella Wood, MPA'26, chose her family’s New Mexico cattle ranch over diplomacy and is now reimagining the future of American agriculture.
Mindfulness changed her life. Now she’s changing classrooms
From personal healing to purpose, Lee Sowles, Marymount'06, MPH'13, Roux Founder Residency'25, launched Kind Mind to bring mindfulness and wellbeing practices to children, teachers and families.