Past Events

Past Events: 2024

Tuesday, April 9: Virtual Fireside Chat with Amy Cayne Schwartz C’00

Meet Amy Cayne Schwartz C’00, the Co-Founder, COO and CBO of Pearl Bio, a company which leverages the power of proprietary technology to unite the precision of biology with the diversity of chemistry to create new biologics. Amy is currently raising a Series A funding round and just announced that Merck has signed up to Pearl Bio’s synthetic biology platform and under the agreement, “Pearl is eligible to receive payments totaling up to $1B across upfront, option and milestone payments in addition to potential royalties on sales of approved products derived from the collaboration.”

Amy studied political science at Penn as an undergrad and also attended the London School of Economics (LSE). She earned a JD at Fordham University School of Law and before her career shift to life sciences, Amy was an attorney at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft and Nixon Peabody.

Tuesday, March 26th: A Fireside Chat with Julia Boorstin

Please join WAFFA on Tuesday, March 26th at 5:30pm for an in-person fireside chat with Julia Boorstin at Luminary during Women’s History Month. We will have a candid conversation about Julia’s recent book When Women Lead, which brings together the stories of over sixty female CEOs and leaders, and dozens of new studies.

The fireside chat will be followed by audience Q&A and networking with light bites. Every attendee will receive a hardcover copy of Julia’s book and have the opportunity to get their book signed.

Julia’s combination of narrative and research reveals how once-underestimated characteristics, from vulnerability and gratitude to divergent thinking, can be vital superpowers—and that anyone can work these approaches to their advantage. Featuring new interviews with Katrina Lake, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jenn Hyman, Whitney Wolfe Herd, Lena Waithe, Shivani Siroya, Julia Collins, and more, When Women Lead is a radical blueprint for the future of business, and our world at large.

Julia Boorstin is CNBC’s Senior Media & Tech Correspondent and has been an on-air reporter for the network since 2006. She also plays a central role on CNBC’s bicoastal tech-focused program “TechCheck” delivering reporting, analysis, and CEO interviews with a focus on social media and the intersection of media and technology. In 2013, Boorstin created and launched the CNBC Disruptor 50, an annual list she oversees, highlighting private companies transforming the economy and challenging companies in established industries. She also helped launch the network’s ‘Closing the Gap’ initiative covering the people and companies closing gender and diversity gaps. A graduate of Princeton University, she has been a reporter for Fortune magazine, as well as a contributor to CNN and CNN Headline News. She also was an intern for Vice President Gore’s domestic policy office. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons.

SAN FRANCISCO MEETUP – Tuesday February 6th 5:30pm

Calling all SF/Bay Area members! Join our WAFFA San Francisco meetup tonight! In person: Tuesday February 6th, 5:30pm at the Grove Yerba Buena (690 Mission Street). This will be WAFFA’s first in person event of 2024.

Stop by our casual happy hour, meet phenomenal Penn/Wharton Women, and share not just stories but triumphs! Our fantastic hosts for the evening are none other than Co-President Kaitlyn Qin, former Co-President Caroline Dahllof, and our Executive Team Member Amy Peppers.

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SUNDAY TEA – January 28 at 4pm PT // 7pm ET
Navigating Your Next Move: Insights for Founders on Exiting or Evolving

We kick off our first Sunday Tea of 2024 on January 28th and we’d love to see you there. We’ll be focusing the conversation around founders who may be contemplating their next strategic move – exploring potential exits or transitions from their businesses. Gain valuable insights from entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated this path, as they share their personal experiences and practical advice.

Hosted by WAFFA Leadership Team member Vivian Chen, the event will include a guided discussion on key aspects of planning an exit or a strategic shift, followed by a Q&A, offering you a unique opportunity to address your specific questions and concerns. 

Past Events: 2021 – 2023

Past Events: 2019-2020

• Small Group Discussions — Nov-Dec, 2020
  WAFFA is piloting a peer community of female founders, investors and industry leaders to share best practices, challenges and advice. This will be peer driven so please bring your questions and there will be facilitators present. These round tables will be kept intentionally small to foster community and we will cap participation at ~10. If… Read more: Small Group Discussions — Nov-Dec, 2020
• WAFFA & Boss Women Collective Present: How She Got There – Venture Capital | November 16, 2020
  https://youtu.be/lcnfIZSh6Rg Join WAFFA and Boss Women Collective for an exciting conversation with a panel of leaders in the Venture Capital industry. These inspirational womxn will share their stories on how they got to where they are today, key skills needed to be successful in a venture-focused role, how to break into a role focused on… Read more: WAFFA & Boss Women Collective Present: How She Got There – Venture Capital | November 16, 2020
• Roundtable: Starting a Business in a New Environment — October 22, 2020
  In today’s changing climate, entrepreneurs, communities, and markets across the globe are redefining the way they work, build relationships, and bring ideas to life. Whether you are entering a new physical environment or — like the rest of the world — are learning to navigate this new, increasingly digital environment, it is helpful to hear… Read more: Roundtable: Starting a Business in a New Environment — October 22, 2020
• An introduction to government contracting and government financing — Oct 8, 2020
  Join us to explore ways that Government and emerging and small businesses can work together and benefit each other. Think of government and innovation, government and small businesses as diametrically opposite? Think it again!  Join me to explore ways that Government and emerging and small businesses can work together and benefit each other, by a fireside… Read more: An introduction to government contracting and government financing — Oct 8, 2020
• A dialogue with Elaine Pofeldt about creating a business that you love — Sept 24, 2020
  Please join us to have a dialogue with Elaine Pofeldt, the author of “The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business,” to explore how existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, esp. women, can find and create a business that you love, is profitable, and offers the freedom and flexibility to take care of other aspects of your life! The talk will… Read more: A dialogue with Elaine Pofeldt about creating a business that you love — Sept 24, 2020
• When a Moment Sparks a Movement — Sept 23, 2020
  Human and climate health are deemed the great equalizers, but Ita Ekpoudom and Davida Herzl highlight the racial disparities in both. After the devastating murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many others, Ita Ekpoudom, #WhartonWoman and Partner at GingerBread Capital, wrote a deeply personal and moving essay about what happens when systematic racial… Read more: When a Moment Sparks a Movement — Sept 23, 2020
• Unapologetically Shellye: A Candid Discussion on Advancing Your Career – September 9, 2020
  https://youtu.be/8vCRGp4kz7I Join WAFFA for a discussion with Shellye Archambeau, a #WhartonWoman and one of tech’s first Black female CEOs, on her new book Unapologetically Ambitious. Growing up, Shellye faced more hurdles than most as she managed her personal and professional responsibilities while climbing the ranks at IBM and in her subsequent roles as President of… Read more: Unapologetically Shellye: A Candid Discussion on Advancing Your Career – September 9, 2020
• WAFFA SHOPPING LIVESTREAM – BUY & SUPPORT FEMALE-FOUNDED BRANDS — August 20, 2020
  Join WAFFA and the greater Penn/Wharton community to support and buy from Wharton female-founded brands. Want to support Wharton alumni-founded businesses but don’t know how?  Tune in with WAFFA and the broader Penn/Wharton community for an exciting livestream shopping event featuring some of our favorite Wharton female-founded brands. See the latest products, hear from the founders themselves,… Read more: WAFFA SHOPPING LIVESTREAM – BUY & SUPPORT FEMALE-FOUNDED BRANDS — August 20, 2020
• Update from Wharton Campus: Introducing Venture Lab!– July 23, 2020
  Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship is expanding and rebranding as Venture Lab! Join us to learn about the resources available to alums. Event Video Presentation About this Event Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship is re-branding as Venture Lab! Hear an update from the leaders of this program on campus. They’ll discuss the vision for supporting entrepreneurship on campus, including… Read more: Update from Wharton Campus: Introducing Venture Lab!– July 23, 2020
• Lo Toney: I am a VC and a Black Man in America — June 24, 2020
  Join us for a conversation with Lo Toney, Founding Managing Partner at Plexo Capital, where we’ll discuss his recent medium post, “I am a VC But Still a Black Man in America”. After the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others, there have been protests across the US and the world,… Read more: Lo Toney: I am a VC and a Black Man in America — June 24, 2020
• Video: New Startup Mindset with Sandra Shpilberg , WG
  Our exclusive conversation with Sandra Shpilberg Founder and CEO of Seeker Health, Wharton alumnae, and author of New Startup Mindset. She shared how she started, built, and exited her digital health startup, all while not following the Silicon Valley formula. (Video from event dated 7/16/20.) Event Video About Sandra Shpilberg Sandra Shpilberg was the founder… Read more: Video: New Startup Mindset with Sandra Shpilberg , WG
• The Art of Angel Investing with Angela Lee (37Angels) — June 25, 2020
  Angela Lee, founder of 37 Angels, joins WAFFA for a discussion on the Art of Angel Investing. About this Event Angela Lee, founder of 37 Angels, joins WAFFA for a primer on the Art of Angel Investing. She will be covering how investors diligence early stage companies and questions to ask yourself before investing in startups.… Read more: The Art of Angel Investing with Angela Lee (37Angels) — June 25, 2020
• Startups and product management with Ha Nguyen, Partner at Spero Ventures — June 11, 2020
  Join WAFFA for a conversation with Ha Nguyen, Partner at Spero, Board VP of Women In Product, former PM, and Wharton grad. We will discuss what frameworks founders should learn from product management and ask Ha to share what she sees as the difference between a CEO and PM at an early startup. We will… Read more: Startups and product management with Ha Nguyen, Partner at Spero Ventures — June 11, 2020
• Voice of an Angel: A candid conversation about early-stage investing — June 17, 2020
  COVID is having a profound impact on the fundraising landscape. Join Carol Curley for a conversation on the future of early-stage investing! COVID-19 is having a profound impact on the fundraising landscape for startup founders. Fundraising is a daunting proposition without an economy-altering pandemic; now it’s even more challenging. Carol Curley joins WAFFA to demystify… Read more: Voice of an Angel: A candid conversation about early-stage investing — June 17, 2020
• Do what matters with Kobi Yamada — June 6, 2020
  Join WAFFA for this incredible parent/kid event with the New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada. Kobi is the author of many inspirational books such as What to do with an idea? and What to do with a chance?. The event will start with Kobi reading one of his books followed by a lot of… Read more: Do what matters with Kobi Yamada — June 6, 2020
• How to navigate a change environment with Steve Blank — May 25, 2020
  Join WAFFA for a conversation with Steve Blank, the father of Modern Entrepreneurship and the Lean Startup movement. We will discuss what startups should do to keep themselves alive in these uncertain times and how to conduct customer discovery in today’s new environment. We will also talk about how uncertain times bring enormous opportunities to create value… Read more: How to navigate a change environment with Steve Blank — May 25, 2020
• Future Of Work– May 20, 2020
  Join WAFFA on May 20th @5pm PT/ 8pm ET to discuss how the Future Of Work would look like, in a post COVID world. Topics covered: + How COVID-19 is impacting (executive) placement + How tech companies are planning “back to work” + How digital services are changing the way we work + New Definition… Read more: Future Of Work– May 20, 2020
• SURVIVING AND THRIVING AS A DTC BUSINESS DURING COVID-19 — May 13, 2020
  COVID-19 is having a profound impact on all types of DTC businesses – from affecting multiple parts of the supply chain to changing consumer behavior. Join us for a panel moderated by Jason Stoffer (WG’05), Partner at Maveron to hear how these outstanding founders are navigating this new climate. Featuring: Rachel Cohen (WG’12), co-founder and… Read more: SURVIVING AND THRIVING AS A DTC BUSINESS DURING COVID-19 — May 13, 2020
• Love in the Time of Corona w/Arum Kang, CEO & Co-Founder of Coffee Meets Bagel — April 30, 2020
  Join us for a tactical discussion on navigating love in a Covid-19 world with Co-Founder & CEO of Coffee Meets Bagel, Arum Kang (W’04). Join Wharton Alumnae Founders and Funders Association and Arum Kang W’04, Co-Founder & CEO of Coffee Meets Bagel for a “Quarantalk” on love in the time of coronavirus. Across industry, user numbers are slightly down… Read more: Love in the Time of Corona w/Arum Kang, CEO & Co-Founder of Coffee Meets Bagel — April 30, 2020
• Andy Rachleff: How to find product-market fit in a changing market?
  In May 2020, we had a very interesting discussion with Andy Rachleff, co-founder and CEO of Wealthfront, co-founder of Benchmark Capital, and a Penn alumnus. We explored some of the most important questions a founder needs to answer: How do you find product-market fit? How do you know when your company has found it? And,… Read more: Andy Rachleff: How to find product-market fit in a changing market?
• Intelligent Growth in a Down Market with Iris Choi, Partner, Floodgate — April 23, 2020
  Iris Choi, WG’04, is a Partner at Floodgate, an early-stage VC. She’ll share her perspective on how startups can navigate a down market Join Floodgate Partner Iris Choi, WG’04, to discuss what founders should strive for in a down market. She’ll explain Floodgate’s approach to Intelligent Growth and what VCs are looking for in this environment. Date: April 23rd,… Read more: Intelligent Growth in a Down Market with Iris Choi, Partner, Floodgate — April 23, 2020
• Brand Strategy AMA with Superkin & Bartlett Brands — April 10, 2020
  Join Superkin Co-founders Miriam Williams (C’04 WG’15) and Tara Elwell Henning and their award-winning agency, Bartlett Brands. Superkin founders, Tara Elwell Henning and Wharton grad Miriam Williams, share their recent rebrand journey and reveal their brand superpowers in this fun-not-stuffy 60min zoominar. Hear why they decided to rebrand, how they came to select Bartlett Brands,… Read more: Brand Strategy AMA with Superkin & Bartlett Brands — April 10, 2020
• 60 min break with WAFFA — March 27, 2020
  Join us for 60 min for our first online event. Take a break from this madness and meet other incredible women and men at this casual yet intimate event.  Date: March 27thTime: 5:30PM PSTLocation: onlineCost: FREE About WAFFA The Wharton Alumnae Founders & Funders Association (WAFFA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to… Read more: 60 min break with WAFFA — March 27, 2020
• Navigating the CARES Act: A tactical discussion of the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans with CEO and attorney Amy Shah — April 8, 2020
  Join us for a tactical discussion on navigating the Covid-19 stimulus bill with CEO and attorney Amy Shah. We will dive into detail for founders, CEOs, and contractors on how to navigate various sources of capital available through the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans to bridge funding gaps. WAFFA’s Marina Glazman will… Read more: Navigating the CARES Act: A tactical discussion of the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans with CEO and attorney Amy Shah — April 8, 2020
• Startups and Downs with Mona Bijoor — February 26, 2020
  The public imagination is captivated by stories about entrepreneurs–from wild successes to public failures. Founders like Richard Branson and Sara Blakely have become household names. However, the early days in an entrepreneur’s journey happen out of the public eye. In this period, founders struggle with failures and challenges both personal and professional. In her new… Read more: Startups and Downs with Mona Bijoor — February 26, 2020
• LA Chapter Launch — February 26, 2020
  What better way to learn about entrepreneurship than first-hand from female founders who built their ventures from the ground up? Join Wharton Alumnae Founders and Funders Association (WAFFA) for an opportunity to connect with women professionals in Los Angeles. During the panel, you will hear from female founders about everything that happens behind the scenes and what… Read more: LA Chapter Launch — February 26, 2020
• Sex, Love and Leadership Workshop with Michele Taipale — February 13, 2020
  WAFFA Valentine’s Special: we are inviting female founders, funders, as well as supporters to join a 21st Century Workshop for success and fulfillment in the bedroom and the boardroom. Date: Thursday, Feb 13, 2020Time: 5:30pm – 6:00pm Check In & Mingle, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Interactive Session TimeLocation: CANOPY Jackson Square – 595 Pacific Ave, 4th FloorCost: WCNC Members: $15; Non- WCNC… Read more: Sex, Love and Leadership Workshop with Michele Taipale — February 13, 2020
• From URL to IRL: Building Community as a digitally native brand — March 5, 2020
  Hosted by Boss Women Collective & Wharton Alumnae Founders and Funders Association Join BWC and WAFFA for a panel discussion on how to power digitally native brands in a new retail landscape. On March 5, we’ll hear from incredible leaders at Google Shopping, Rocksbox, Part & Parcel, Birdies, and Re:store about how they form a… Read more: From URL to IRL: Building Community as a digitally native brand — March 5, 2020
• Annual Dinner –December 3rd, 2019
  2019 Annual Celebration Dinner Let’s celebrate the year over cocktails, dinner, and fireside chats with: Tina Sharkey, co-founder of Brandless and Penn alumna, and  Grace Erickson, C0-Author of the Table Stakes Study and leader of Carta’s Table Stakes iniatitive Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2019 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Get your ticket here
• How She Built This with Hayley Leibson, Lunchclub—November 12, 2019
  HOW SHE BUILT THIS Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Please join Wharton Alumni Founders & Funders Association (WAFFA) for breakfast and conversation with Hayley Leibson, co-founder & COO of Lunchclub. Lunchclub is an AI superconnector that makes introductions for 1:1 lunch and coffee meetings. Lunchclub’s mission is to power a future of work where making new connections is easy,… Read more: How She Built This with Hayley Leibson, Lunchclub—November 12, 2019
• Saturday Park Walk — November 2, 2019
  Join WAFFA for one of our favorite the women-only picnic and walk at Glen Park. Meet other incredible women at this casual yet intimate event. We will gather at a picnic table by the Glen Park Recreation Center for some food and great conversations. We hope to see you all there. Register Online Date: Saturday,… Read more: Saturday Park Walk — November 2, 2019
• In New York City! The Business of Building a Brand—October, 3rd, 2019 in NYC
  It’s our first WAFFA event in the Big Apple! Join us for a panel discussion on the Business of Building a Brand with Wharton alumnae founders and funders! Thursday, October 3, 2019 6pm – 7:30pm Dorie Smith (WG’13), Co-Founder, Of Mercer Erum Hasnain (WG’13), Partner, Idea Farm Ventures Melissa Mash (WG’12), Founder & CEO, Dagne… Read more: In New York City! The Business of Building a Brand—October, 3rd, 2019 in NYC
• Han Shen, Founding Partner at iFly.vc — October 2nd, 2019
  Join WAFFA for an evening with Han Shen WG’09, Founding Partner at iFly.vc. This talk is part of our series “Know Your Numbers”. Han will share his journey founding iFly.vc, a thesis-driven fund focused on early-stage investment. Together with Han, we will explore the lessons learned both as a founder and a funder. We will… Read more: Han Shen, Founding Partner at iFly.vc — October 2nd, 2019
• Phin Barnes, Partner at First Round Capital — September 17, 2019
  Join WAFFA for a conversation with Phin Barnes, a Partner at First Round Capital, a sneakerhead and an WG’09. This talk is part of our series on “Know Your Numbers”. We will discuss everything from what numbers are interesting to VCs to how to create the right company culture. We will explore how to get… Read more: Phin Barnes, Partner at First Round Capital — September 17, 2019
• Brian Weisfeld author of The Startup Squad — August 27th, 2019
  Kids and adults join WAFFA for an evening with Brian Weisfeld, founder and author of The Startup Squad, and a Wharton grad. The Startup Squad, is a multi-platform dedicated to empower girls to realize their dreams. Brian will be signing copies of the recently released first book in The Startup Squad series, which has been… Read more: Brian Weisfeld author of The Startup Squad — August 27th, 2019
• Sandra Shpilberg, Founder & CEO of Seeker Health – July 18, 2019
  Sandra will talk at this session about the state of the healthcare industry, which broadly encompasses any tool, service or product with which a patient may interact to seek a diagnosis or treatment, and the opportunity exists to bring technologies that are currently in adoption mode in other industries (tech, gaming) into healthcare. Healthcare follows… Read more: Sandra Shpilberg, Founder & CEO of Seeker Health – July 18, 2019
• Fireside Chat & Happy Hour at Women’s Fund, AVG – April 2nd, 2019
  Join us April 2nd at the Alumni Ventures Group office in San Francisco for a special fireside chat and happy hour with Gail Gilbert Ball, Senior Partner of the new Women’s Fund and Managing Director of Chestnut Street Ventures. Gail will speak about her journey to venture and the new AVG Women’s Fund. Don’t miss this opportunity to… Read more: Fireside Chat & Happy Hour at Women’s Fund, AVG – April 2nd, 2019
• The New Old Fashioned -Smitten Ice Cream Founder Robyn Sue Fisher is Not Your Typical Silicon Valley Startup and is on a Mission to Make The World’s Best Ice Cream – April 30, 2019
  Balancing technology and old time ways, join Shannon Grant, Founder of Deus Capital and Robyn Sue Fisher, Founder of Smitten Ice Cream as she shares her story and her mission to make the absolute best ice cream. Breakfast will include ice-cream sampling, with a discussion on fundraising and Robyn’s journey on bringing a healthy, freshly… Read more: The New Old Fashioned -Smitten Ice Cream Founder Robyn Sue Fisher is Not Your Typical Silicon Valley Startup and is on a Mission to Make The World’s Best Ice Cream – April 30, 2019
• Earliest Lessons in Perseverance with Oatly Co-founder Bjorn Oste – June 25th, 2019
  Enjoy breakfast and a discussion with Bjorn Oste, co-founder of oat milk brand Oatly and a leading ‘man in the movement’ on his unlikely path to creating the plant-based milk of the moment and on his way to building a billion dollar business. Register Online  Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2019 (previously scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2019) Time: … Read more: Earliest Lessons in Perseverance with Oatly Co-founder Bjorn Oste – June 25th, 2019
• Know Your Numbers With Eurie Kim, Partner, Forerunner Ventures – June 6th, 2019
  Join WAFFA as we host an inspired happy hour with Forerunner Ventures Partner Eurie Kim, WG’09. Common advice for female founders is “Know Your Numbers.” Over the past 15+ years, Eurie has evaluated, invested in, and advised a breadth of companies in their quest to define business models, identify target markets, understand consumer behavior, and… Read more: Know Your Numbers With Eurie Kim, Partner, Forerunner Ventures – June 6th, 2019
• Alternative Sources of Capital Panel Discussion – June 27th, 2019
  Venture capital funding is not the only option to fuel the growth of your startup and for most startups is not the right option. This panel will explore alternative sources of capital and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses. Melinda Moore and Shruti Shah together with Shannon Grant will share how they are disrupting the… Read more: Alternative Sources of Capital Panel Discussion – June 27th, 2019
• Know Your Numbers With Storm Ventures – May 14th, 2019
  A common piece of advice for female founders is “know your numbers.” Gain confidence in the metrics you need to know with this new WAFFA speaker series featuring top VCs. In May, hear from investors at Storm Ventures. Storm invests in enterprise powerhouses like Marketo, Workato, and Mobile Iron. They’re experts in GTM, sales, and… Read more: Know Your Numbers With Storm Ventures – May 14th, 2019