Suzanne Matthews

The Secret Behind Women in Power? They Don't Make Excuses—They Take Chances.

Posted by Suzanne Matthews | Sep 22, 2014

When I first got involved with entrepreneurship at NC State, I quickly noticed the shortage of women. I was presenting my startup idea to boards and rooms full of men. In the campus co-working space, I felt like guys were looking at me as if I was lost. I was overwhelmed by men (and specifically male engineers), because they seemed to be everywhere. The feeling was so strong that I wondered if I could really be comfortable as I tried to find my place in the entrepreneurial world. My fears have subsided and my excitement has grown over the...

The Secret Behind Women in Power? They Don’t Make Excuses—They Take Chances.

Posted by Suzanne Matthews | Sep 22, 2014

When I first got involved with entrepreneurship at NC State, I quickly noticed the shortage of women. I was presenting my startup idea to boards and rooms full of men. In the campus co-working space, I felt like guys were looking at me as if I was lost. I was overwhelmed by men (and specifically male engineers), because they seemed to be everywhere. The feeling was so strong that I wondered if I could really be comfortable as I tried to find my place in the entrepreneurial world. My fears have subsided and my excitement has grown over the...

First-person: I skipped law school and a publishing career to start a company

Posted by Suzanne Matthews | Sep 22, 2014

Editor’s note: Suzanne Matthews, a correspondent for ExitEvent, writes about reaching her decision to become an entrepreneur and launch a company. “The universe said I was there to discover my dream,” she writes after signing up for a class on entrepreneurship at N.C. State. ExitEvent is a news partner of WRAL TechWire. RALEIGH, N.C. – When you are young and starting out on your own, you think that the days of calling your parents and crying are far behind you. But when I was 20, I found myself lying on a bench in the middle of the NC State...

I Skipped Law School and a Publishing Career to Start a Company

Posted by Suzanne Matthews | Sep 18, 2014

When you are young and starting out on your own, you think that the days of calling your parents and crying are far behind you. But when I was 20, I found myself lying on a bench in the middle of the NC State campus on the phone with my dad, and I was bawling. I had started my college career with a plan. I was going to major in political science then go to Duke for law school. Somewhere in transition, my plan had lost its appeal, and I was no longer happy. A few days later I...

NCSU opens new home for student entrepreneurship

Posted by Suzanne Matthews | Sep 2, 2014

Starting a company out of a dorm room may seem a little outdated these days, but what about starting one in an entire residence hall? For students at NC State University, this could be a reality. On September 2, the Entrepreneurship Initiative will host the grand opening of Innovation Hall, a new residence hall, which is part of Wolf Ridge on Centennial Campus. It is the new home of the EI offices, the Andy and Jane Albright Entrepreneurs Living and Learning Village and my personal favorite workspace, the EI Garage. The vision for Innovation Hall is to be the...

A New Home for Student Entrepreneurship

Posted by Suzanne Matthews | Aug 29, 2014

Starting a company out of a dorm room may seem a little outdated these days, but what about starting one in an entire residence hall? For students at NC State University, this could be a reality. On September 2, the Entrepreneurship Initiative will host the grand opening of Innovation Hall, a new residence hall, which is part of Wolf Ridge on Centennial Campus. It is the new home of the EI offices, the Andy and Jane Albright Entrepreneurs Living and Learning Village and my personal favorite workspace, the EI Garage. The vision for Innovation Hall is to be the...