Colgate’s annual QueerFest kicks off tonight, with a keynote speech by Mia McKenzie, a writer, blogger, speaker, and performer whose work touches on intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality. McKenzie’s blog, Black Girl Dangerous, has received national and international recognition. She takes the stage tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Love Auditorium.
The conversation continues tomorrow at the Body Shame and Pride Brownbag, during which Vermont-based activist and teacher Eli Clare will discuss body politics, identity, and the role of shame through his experience. The conversation starts at 11:30 a.m. in the Center for Women’s Studies.
At the end of this week, celebrate entrepreneurial spirit with the world’s most innovative business leaders during a panel discussion on Friday at 5:00 p.m. at Cotterell Court. The panel, moderated by Colgate trustee and Chegg! CEO Dan Rosensweig P’15’17, will feature: Jessica Alba, founder of The Honest Company; Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and CEO of Warby Parker; Greg Coleman, president of Buzzfeed; serial entrepreneur and entertainer MC Hammer; and Rent the Runway co-founder and CEO Jennifer Hyman.
After the keynote event, several Colgate students will pitch their ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition. The Colgate University Alumni Council will give out this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year award to Ello Chief Operating Officer Pete Sheinbaum ’92 and Patagonia Sur Chief Executive Officer Warren Adams ’88.
Also that night, there will be a Konosioni Senior Honor Society Charity Auction to raise funds for local not-for-profit organizations at 8:00 p.m. in the Hall of Presidents. The event will include a cocktail reception and a live auction. Bidding starts at 8:30 p.m., and live auction starts at 9:00 p.m.
On Saturday, Entrepreneur Weekend will continue with Thought Into Action (TIA) Student Venture Demos and Lunch, where student entrepreneurs showcase their ventures. The Entrepreneur Fund award will also be presented during a brief program.
From 3:00 p.m. onward, learn more about the TIA program during an open reception celebrating the achievements of the past year’s student entrepreneurs at the TIA Open House.
To see more events on campus and in the community, check out the Colgate calendar.