News release from Sacred Heart University:
More than a dozen Sacred Heart University students have been gaining valuable real-world experience helping a safety startup company prepare for an upcoming product launch.
Since last fall, WeSkreech, a tech startup company offering a pioneering personal safety deterrent, has been working with SHU students on marketing, sales and operations. Founded by Shana Moore, WeSkreech offers a powerful personal safety alarm that uses patent pending sonic technology to disorient and deter a threat.
Since the company’s inception, Moore and Larry Lopata, chief technical officer, have spent time on SHU’s West Campus, collaborating and providing an immersive learning experience for interested students.
In addition to the practical business experience, the partnership gives students a chance to contribute to a cause that is important to the University: community safety. SHU students often work with the Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport, which provides services to victims of domestic violence and abuse and offers education to prevent violence and promote safety.
“Our mission is profit with a purpose,” Lopata said. “We’ve been lucky to work with such great students who are so passionate about keeping their community safe.”
Moore shares Lopata’s appreciation for the partnership with SHU students. “As two professionals from a different generation, we’ve learned just as many lessons as the students have since we began working together,” Moore said. “It’s truly a great experience being able to work with so many talented young professionals.”
As for the students involved, they’ve been able to partner with a company that provides tangible experience in the fields they’re hoping to break into.
Hailey Filera, a senior studying strategic communication, public relations & advertising, has gained experience developing the brand’s social media strategy. “I’ve loved being able to create content and apply what I’ve learned so far for a brand that’s just as committed to personal and community safety as I am,” Filera said.
Sophomore Jeremy Knobel, a double finance and business economics major who has his own business, has helped Moore and Lopata create a sales structure. “As someone with his own business, continuing to find new ways to learn about sales and operations has been great,” said Knobel. “I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and grow as WeSkreech does the same.”
Nick Milidantri, a senior psychology major with minors in human resource management and global business management, was one of the first students to connect with Moore and Lopata. He now oversees the company’s day-to-day operations.
“Being a part of WeSkreech is the best experience any business student could ask for,” Milidantri said. “We’re getting hands-on experience with networking, goal setting and entrepreneurship.”
