Andrea Ippolito, executive director of the engineering management program and eLab instructor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, is launching a new program called W.E. (women entrepreneurs) Cornell. The program is designed to address the persistent underrepresentation of women entrepreneurs in STEM fields. Program participants will be provided with networking opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development.
“We’re hoping this program serves as an on-ramp so women can get excited about the field of entrepreneurship, try on some new skills for size, do a lot of learning by doing and also be part of a cohort so that they get to network with other women who have similar interests,” said Dr. Ippolito. Participation in the program is open to graduate women pursing a degree in STEM fields. It will run from November through April and will accept a first cohort of up to 10 students.
Dr. Ippolito holds a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering and a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Cornell University. She earned a master’s degree in engineering and management and a Ph.D. in engineering systems from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.