Jennifer and Brian
Alumni
Elizabeth Singleton 2008 | Nick Pearson 2008 | Silvia Lacayo 2009 | Brad Kittredge 2009
Elizabeth Singleton 2008
“I am currently living in Midland, MI where I work for The Dow Chemical Company’s Sustainability group. I am the program manager for Dow’s 2015 Sustainability Goal: Breakthroughs to World Challenges. I have been developing strategy for the company to engage its various businesses and functions in meeting the goal of achieving at least three breakthroughs that will significantly improve the world’s ability to solve the challenges of: affordable and adequate food supply; affordable housing; sustainable water supplies; alternative energy and climate change; or improved health. In addition to working on the strategy for the goal, I have been working closely with Dow’s Ventures & Business Development group on specific projects that have the potential to contribute to the Breakthroughs goal. These dual responsibilities are pushing me to leverage business skills and market forces to bring solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Receiving the Maxwell Fellowship affirmed and furthered my commitment to using innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit to bring about positive social change. Getting to know the Maxwells has shown me what can be accomplished with commitment and perseverance. Jennifer and Brian Maxwell are two fine examples of the kind of extraordinary people that make me believe that change is possible.”
Elizabeth received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School for Public and International Affairs, where she earned certificates in African studies and environmental studies.
Nick Pearson 2008
“I am living in Nairobi, helping identify and invest in entrepreneurs that provide water and sanitation solutions to the poor in East Africa. I work for an organization called the Acumen Fund, a venture capital fund that invests in international businesses in the fields of health, water, housing and energy. Whether looking at pay-per-use toilet facilities in slums or water treatment plants in rural areas, I get to use my business experience from Haas to help Kenyan entrepreneurs build viable business models and direct Acumen's capital toward sustainable ventures. My goal is to start a business like the ones I am investing in now, that generates income and social services for the people who need them most. For me, the Brian Maxwell fellowship was an opportunity to get to know Brian and Jennifer, and draw inspiration from their courage, dedication and community-mindedness. The experience emboldened me to take these first steps toward becoming an entrepreneur.”
Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Carleton College.
Silvia Lacayo 2009
“Recently transplanted to the East Coast, I’m currently working in Brand Management at Unilever, a global consumer packaged goods company. In this field I get to use my business management training and past experiences to contribute to the growth of one of many brands that aim to meet the everyday needs of people around the world. Motivated by Unilever’s focus on adding vitality to life and creating products that contribute to a better quality of life, I am excited to make my mark within this organization.
As a marketing professional, I draw inspiration from Jennifer and Brian’s dedication to creating a successful and honest brand like PowerBar. As an alum of the Brian Maxwell Fellows program, I look forward to staying connected to the diverse and talented community of Maxwell Fellows.”
Silvia holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and mass communications from UC Berkeley.
Brad Kittredge 2009
"Prior to Haas, I was a Senior Consultant at Deloitte Consulting and following graduation I accepted a position in Corporate Strategy at McKesson Corporation, the largest health care services provider in the U.S. My interest is in using innovative technology to empower doctors and patients by improving cost, quality and access in health care. While at Haas, I worked to start ComplexDx, a Web-based service to connect patients facing complex and difficult diagnoses with the doctors who have the expertise, insight and incentive to correctly diagnose them. Being a Brian Maxwell Fellow inspires me to take chances to use entrepreneurship as a catalyst for positive change. The relationships that I have developed with the other Fellows and with Scott Sowry and Jennifer Maxwell will last a lifetime."
Brad received an MPH from the School of Public Health at UC Berkeley in 2009. Brad holds a BA from UC Berkeley, where he received All-American honors in water polo and swimming, and holds a master's degree in international affairs from UC San Diego.