A Glimpse into National Security: Michael G. Vickers at Western Michigan University
October 31, 2024
Evelyn Ortiz-Martinez – Reflections
December 4, 2024
Our recent expedition to the West Coast proved to be an exhilarating and enlightening experience for our team, opening new doors and shaping future trajectories. This week-long adventure was packed with academic rigor, industry insights, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Silicon Valley Immersion
We kicked off our journey with a visit to Lonergan Partners, where we delved into the rich history of Silicon Valley. Mark Lonergan’s wisdom on finding value in every interaction set the tone for our trip. Our next stop at Intuitive showcased the power of innovation in creating life-changing products. The day concluded with Hitesh Shah’s inspiring talk at BDO San Jose, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and lifelong learning.
Venture Capital and Startup Exploration
Our venture capital and startup tour was a highlight, exposing us to cutting-edge technologies and industry trends:
- IQT (In-Q-Tel): We gained insights into power trends and the future of nuclear energy.
- Censys: The team shared their work on Internet of Things security, with our students surprising CEO Brad Brooks by showcasing their exploration of the company’s API and GPT.
- Plaid: Lindsey Hoyem and Adity T. enlightened us about the tools driving fintech innovation and the growing demand for personalized products.
- Twelve Labs: CEO Jae Lee discussed their groundbreaking work in combining video and language technologies, addressing the data shortage problem by making video content searchable.
Cultural Enrichment
Our journey wasn’t limited to tech companies. Students had the opportunity to tour the Legion of Honor, gaining a unique perspective on technology and innovation in art, thanks to David McKay.
Alumni Connections
The trip featured our traditional alumni networking event, enhanced by in-depth sessions with two exceptional alumni. Kelsey (Sheehan) Anderson and Shane Gamelin generously shared their experiences and wisdom about starting a career in the West.
A Tapestry of Opportunities
Each visit on our journey was a thread in a rich tapestry of insights and opportunities for our students. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants whose efforts made this unique experience possible, shaping the future of our aspiring professionals.
