Columbia alumni, faculty, students, and friends returned to campus for an exuberant celebration at the CCW Signature Event on 3/25, which included experiencing a live pitch contest, a fireside chat with Kathleen King, the inspiring Founder of Tate’s Bake Shop of Southampton, NY, home of the legendary premium, thin and crispy chocolate chip homestyle cookie, and Nancy Pak CC’90 CBS'95, and a Columbia entrepreneur pop-ups reception.

FIRESIDE CHAT

CCW presented an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, success after earlier startup challenges and the significant choices facing female business owners. Nancy Pak CC’90, BUS’95, CEO of Walden Local Meat, a Boston-based innovative, sustainably raised meat company and the former CEO of Tate’s Bake Shop, hosted a conversation with Kathleen King, the founder of Tate’s Bake Shop and a cookbook author. Attendees learned about her journey as a humble and determined entrepreneur, including personal and professional highlights, teachable moments and the perseverance that helped get her to where she is today.

PITCH CONTEST

This rapid-fire pitch contest pitted Columbia entrepreneurs and their teams against each other as they faced off in the Lion’s Lair. The audience heard their pitches, learned from the panel of judges and cast live votes for the winner.

POP UP RECEPTION

Capping off the day of entrepreneurship, attendees enjoyed drinks and bites while browsing pop-up shops run by Columbia entrepreneurs. Attendees support innovation and entrepreneurship at Columbia while enjoying conversation with your fellow attendees, the panelists, judges and Lion’s Lair competitors

Check out the photo gallery here.