Alumni Professional Networks

The Business of Government: Growing Your Small Business

The Federal Government is the largest business in the country. With more than 11M contracts signed a year—including contracts designated for small and medium-sized businesses—one can effectively start and grow their own business through government contracting. Join our panel of alumni experts for an in-depth conversation about how to win your first contract, navigate the bid process, overcome challenges, and quickly build out your team.

Panelists:

Schedule of Events:

Main Session (2:00-3:00 p.m. ET)

  • Welcome
  • Panel Discussion
  • Q&A

Optional Networking Session (3:00-3:30 p.m. ET)

  • 3 sessions, 10 minutes each
  • Focus is on connecting and networking with fellow alumni attending the online event

Empowering the Future: How Finance and Tech are Opening Doors

Join Black Alumni Weekend and the UVA Alumni Association’s Alumni Professional Networks for an interactive alumni panel.

By educating one, you can impact many. UVA alumnae are investing in future generations by sharing their expertise in tech, mentorship, and DE&I. With a common mission of empowering others through education, they are shaping lives, communities, and the workforce. Join our panel of experts for an in-depth conversation about the missions behind their organizations, their impact on the workforce, and what’s next for future generations.

Moderator

Panelists

Schedule of Events

Main Session (2:00-3:00 p.m. ET)

  • Welcome
  • Panel Discussion
  • Q&A

Optional Networking Session (3:00-3:30 p.m. ET)

  • 3 sessions, 10 minutes each
  • Focus is on connecting and networking with fellow alumni attending the online event

Investing in UVA’s Startup Community with CAV Angels: New Milestones and Continued Growth

CAV Angels started with a simple mission: grow the UVA entrepreneurial ecosystem by investing in University-affiliated entrepreneurs and ideas. 2021 brought new milestones in membership and investments; with 100+ full members (accredited investors qualified to invest) and now approaching $12MM invested in UVA-affiliated startups, 2022 promises more exciting growth and ventures. Join the leadership team from CAV Angels and hear pitches from three early-stage companies in which the group invested.

Companies:

CAV Angels Leadership Team:

Schedule of Events:

Main Session (2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET)

  • Welcome
  • Company Pitches
  • Q&A

Optional Networking Session (3:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET)

  • 3 sessions / 10 minutes each
  • Focus is on connecting and networking with fellow alumni attending the online event

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Leveraging the Power of Your Organizational Culture

Organizations worldwide continue to focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and it is now vital to workplace culture and the recruitment and retention of employees. There is still a lot to learn around how organizations can improve program effectiveness. Join our panel of alumni experts for a conversation about defining success, avoidable mistakes, and practical steps you can take to begin and sustain this critical journey within your organization.

Moderator

Raabia Shafi (Col ’05), Founder & CEO, Raabia Shafi Consulting

Panelists

Schedule of Events:

Main Session (2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET)

  • Welcome
  • Panel Discussion
  • Q&A

Optional Networking Session (3:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET)

  • 3 sessions / 10 minutes each
  • Focus is on connecting and networking with fellow alumni attending the online event

Brought to you in partnership with the Jefferson Trust.

Blockchain and Crypto: Demystifying the space and identifying opportunities

The use cases for Blockchain technology continue to grow and the adoption of blockchain-based assets—like cryptocurrency—has garnered the attention of entrepreneurs, investors and regulators alike. Join our panel of alumni experts for a conversation about the most interesting blockchain use cases, identifying crypto investment opportunities, and navigating the regulatory environment.

Moderator:
Edgar Fernandez (Com ’07), Co-Founder, EOS Costa Rica

Panelists:

Schedule of Events:

Main Session (2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET)

  • Welcome
  • Panel Discussion
  • Q&A

Optional Networking Session (3:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET)

  • 3 sessions / 10 minutes each
  • Focus is on connecting and networking with fellow alumni attending the online event

Brought to you in partnership with the Jefferson Trust, where inspired ideas meet dedicated donors.

Women Investing in Tech

Women continue to make an immense impact in technology, and the opportunities to invest in the industry continue to grow. Whether investing in their own idea or that of someone else, UVA alumnae have a clear passion for launching the next great idea. Join our panel of experts for a conversation about what they look for in a new idea, opportunities for women investors, and how their experiences can be applied to your career.

Moderator

Christina Bui (Col ’88) – Chief Revenue Officer at Kranz

Panelists:

Why Not Now? Starting a Business in Times of Uncertainty

We are living in uncertain times, but you may see it as the perfect time to start your company. Whether you have had an idea for years or have new inspiration, you may be asking yourself, “Why not now?” Join our panel of UVA alumni experts for a conversation about starting companies in times of uncertainty, the internal and external factors they worked through during launch, and how their lessons learned can be applied today.

Panelists:

Moderator:

Bob Tinker (Engr ’92) – Investor | Startup and Public Company CEO | Author

Media & Entertainment: Creating New Opportunities in Times of Change

The Media & Entertainment industry has seen sweeping changes to normal work routines and processes due to the pandemic crisis. Join our panel of UVA alumni industry experts to learn how they are pivoting current work, generating new projects, and leveraging their experience to encourage others in the industry.

Moderator:

Whitney Fern (Com ’11), Producer / Host, Awards and Events, Whitney Lane Events

Panelists:

  • April Woodard (Col ’91), Award-Winning Host and Correspondent, CEO, Favor Multimedia
  • Jonathan Unger (Col ’03), CEO & Founder, Unger Media
  • Rhavynn Drummer (Col ’07), Casting Director, Tyler Perry Studios
  • Taylor “Tad” Stoermer (Grad ’10), Executive Producer & Director, Stormerlige Films

Crisis is the Mother of Innovation

Businesses have been forced to rapidly adapt and innovate to attract, develop, delight and retain their customers during the COVID-19 crisis. Many of those adaptations may not only save businesses but also open new paths for growth and innovation. Join our panel of UVA alumni experts for a conversation about how crisis is often the mother of innovation, and how they are learning from their customers to reinvent their products and services for future growth.

Moderator

Jen Miller (Col ’99), Founder, 9th House Studios

Panelists

  • Dave Sutton (Engr ’86 ), CEO, TopRight Partners
  • Natalie Foley (Darden ’11), CEO, Peer Insight
  • Scott Edington (Col ’99), CEO, Deep Labs