Summer 2024

News, Notes, and Nods: Graduates

A group of alumni pose for a wedding photo
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1975 

Aram Hintlian ’74, MBA’75: See Undergraduates, 1974 


1982 

David Briden ’79, MBA’82: See Undergraduates, 1979. 


1999 

Connie Askin MBA’99 recently was named the Small Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year in the Worcester Business Journal for her role as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest. Askin, who became CEO three years ago, has overseen major changes at the nonprofit, including a physical move to Chestnut Street in Worcester. The nonprofit has 15 employees and generates roughly $1.2 million in annual revenue, according to recent filings with the Internal Revenue Service. 


2003 

Havell Rodrigues MBA’03 recently finished the first close of his impact fund, New Majority Capital (NMC), an impact investing firm that provides training and non-extractive capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs to acquire and scale small businesses through entrepreneurship through acquisition. The first close of NMC Fund I means the company can continue its mission to close persistent wealth gaps in the United States. “This milestone is a testament to the opportunity to build wealth through small business asset ownership,” said Rodrigues, CEO and managing partner of New Majority Capital. 


2005

Jeni Wheeler MBA’05

Jeni Wheeler MBA’05 showed off her Babson pride during a recent safari trip in Kenya. Wheeler co-founded and directs the Family Table Collaborative in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, an organization devoted to increasing nutritional security. The organization has served more than 170,000 meals and is run with the help of more than 500 volunteers. 


2012

Niari Keverian MBA’12 and Richard Aurelio Jr.

Niari Keverian MBA’12 and Richard Aurelio Jr. were married May 11 at the Marriott Stellaris Resort & Casino in Aruba on Palm Beach. Surrounded by dozens of Babson alumni, Keverian and Aurelio enjoyed a weekend of snorkeling, exploring, and celebrating. At the welcome party, Keverian joked to guests that she was “so happy you are able to attend Babson Connect Aruba.” Alumni in attendance included Annie Asrari MBA’11, Matthew Paisner MBA’12, Alfonso Hernandez MBA’12, Kamaal Jarrett MBA’12, Nadia Kalkanci ’04, MBA’11, Elizabeth Lee MBA’12, Karim El-Gamal MBA’11, Hadi El Heneidi MBA’12, Caroline Swingly MBA’12, and Kerem Kalkanci MBA’11. (Photo: Stiven Sanchez Photography) 


2013

Samira Lawande MBA’13

Samira Lawande MBA’13 recently joined the board of directors at the Discovery Museum in Acton, Massachusetts. Lawande, who serves as a senior advisor at Global Health Labs, also lives in Acton. Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum that blends science, nature, and play, aimed at helping families to explore and learn together.


2017

Rishi Tandulwadkar MSEL’17

Rishi Tandulwadkar MSEL’17, founder of ALIV, recently won first prize for the Best Entrepreneur Pitch at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (YEA) summit held in Brazil. The G20 YEA is a global network that brings together young entrepreneurs from G20 countries. Tandulwadkar, representing India at the summit, was one of 500 delegates competing from around the world. ALIV offers state-of-the-art treatments and therapies for regenerative wellness, focusing on the natural healing process. 


2022

Connor Harbison MBA’22

Connor Harbison MBA’22, who opened Atlas Urban Farms in 2021, won the Mass Technology Leadership Council’s Startup of the Year award in February. The award recognizes the region’s tech companies, leaders, and technologies that have made a significant impact during the past year. Harbison, who created Atlas Urban Farms to help chefs grow the fresh herbs and greens they need in house, won the graduate track of the B.E.T.A. (Babson Entrepreneurial Thought & Action®) Challenge in 2022.


MORE NEWS, NOTES, AND NODS FROM THE SUMMER 2024 ISSUE:
Undergraduates »     In Memoriam »

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