Improv isn’t just for SNL actors. The same skills that go into making your favorite comedy skits have been used for decades inside of companies and teams to foster creativity, innovation, and resilience. Together, in this one-hour workshop, we will learn the history, rules, and benefits of Improv. Then, we will explore why having a sense of humor is a powerful tool for inclusive teams. Jessica Halem, MBA, trained at Second City Theater in Chicago and went on to lead a successful career as a stand-up comic. She toured nationally opening for Lady Gaga at NYC Pride, sharing the stage with Margaret Cho, and has been featured in Fast Company and The Wall Street Journal for her ability to bring improv skills to the workplace. Today, she deploys her diverse experiences in healthcare, higher ed, and start-ups to her new role as Senior Director of The Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania.

Register Here

Join the Venture Lab team in a session with Zofia Wosinska WG'14, Co-Founder ÉSTAINE, to hear about her journey as a socially-conscious entrepreneur as part of the Retail Lab Founder Forum.

Dr. Zofia Wosinska spent much of her career in cancer research and developing tissue dye-based solutions used in cancer diagnosis. Zofia not only studied the effects of cancer from a molecular level but also how emotional well-being impacts prognosis. Zofia imagined the beautiful colors and patterns of the stained cells gracing flowing dresses and fabrics-- telling the story of a survivor. Over the following years, Zofia grew passionate about fashion as a medium for cancer education and patient support. Out of this passion, ÉSTAINE was born. While ÉSTAINE is about extraordinary fashion, it is ultimately so much more — the one-of-a-kind designs tell not only of science but also the stories of survivors, inviting questions that lead to awareness. Educational information about dyes, diagnosis and design accompanies all ÉSTAINE products. Each item sold on the ÉSTAINE website supports a beneficiary focused on fighting the war against cancer.

Register Here

Arina is a corporate and securities lawyer with extensive experience representing startups and emerging growth companies from formation through initial rounds of financing and beyond, ensuring that the companies are well protected and enabled to grow and succeed. She also advises angel investors and venture capital funds in making investments.

For her clients in the technology space, Arina drafts and negotiates complex software license agreements, master services agreements, support level agreements, software escrow agreements, purchase orders, and terms of use for technology company clients.

In addition, Arina advises on the current legal framework relating to equity crowdfunding and security and utility token issuances in the United States.

As a native Russian speaker, Arina works to enable Russian-speaking founders and investors to conduct and expand their business in the United States or to get venture financing for an exit transaction.

Arina is active in the New York City startup community and is a member of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance. She is an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School, where she teaches Entrepreneurial Law.

Arina received a BA from Mount Holyoke College and her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.


Register Here for 1-on-1 session

Richard Cohen, W'92
Partner, Duane Morris

Richard L. Cohen concentrates his practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, securities, venture capital/emerging companies, private equity, general corporate law and business counseling. His client base includes a broad range of business entities, both public and private, including biotechnology and technology companies, telecommunications companies, energy companies, manufacturing companies, insurance companies and venture capital firms. He is a 1995 graduate of New York University School of Law and a graduate of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the firm's governing Partners Board.

Register for a 1:1 session

Register for group Lunch and Learn

After working in the pharmacy world for 14 years, Josh left his 9-to-5 and joined World Central Kitchen where he worked as the Director of Relief Operations. He spearheaded setting up kitchens in areas that have been destroyed by hurricanes or are struggling with political violence.