Elizabeth Doyle sought opportunities in something that would provide her with networking opportunities while enhancing her business knowledge and skills. Due to her major, she couldn’t fit business classes into her schedule, so she explored other avenues. At the annual EXCITE! Event at the Student Innovation Center, she met Jim Groepper, director of the Change-Maker Academy, who introduced her to the program within Start Something CALS. Since then, Doyle has actively participated in the Change-Maker Academy, attending numerous events, touring companies, and networking with students and industry professionals.  

Doyle, a senior majoring in Dietetics from Naperville, Illinois is involved in the Food Science Club as the vice president, a member of the Diabetes Club, and a club member of SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers). She is interested is starting her own business and wanted to gain knowledge and exposure while still in college.  

“Value is funding your education which is what the scholarship portion of the Change-Maker Academy allows me and other students to do. On top of that, you get to talk to industry professionals and professors who have firsthand knowledge of all things business-related,” Doyle said when asked why she joined the Change-Maker Academy. She appreciates the flexible structure of the Change-Maker Academy and the opportunity to learn about business and entrepreneurship in a fun, exciting way. Doyle has an ambitious spirit and is always looking for ways to expand her knowledge.