Congratulations to the 180DC team who presented at Data Science at Vanderbilt University’s AI Days 2025!
What a way to kick off the month at Vanderbilt—feeling so grateful and energized after three big firsts! First up, the inaugural Convoy Conference. Over the past few months, I've had the privilege of collaborating with Baxter Webb, Dean Thomas Steenburgh, and the rest of the amazing team and students at Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management on bringing Vanderbilt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem together in a meaningful way. Vanderbilt already excels in virtually every industry—consulting, finance, medicine, and the sciences—but entrepreneurship was a missing link. Given our incredible alumni network in tech and startups, why not bring them home to Nashville? Convoy became Vanderbilt's first entrepreneurship conference, creating hundreds of meaningful collisions and inspiring the next generation of founders. From keynotes with Mark Cuban and Jeff Rothschild, dozens of breakout sessions, an awards gala, and intimate dinners across Nashville, it was amazing seeing students and alumni equally inspired by the conversations and community built this week. Can’t wait to help shape what’s next! Next, 180 Degrees Consulting @ Vanderbilt teamed up with Data Science at Vanderbilt University and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence of Middle TN to pilot an "AI for Nonprofits" initiative—aiming for broader impact through a train-the-trainer model. Huge thanks to Jesse Spencer-Smith, Meagan Flippin, and Hal Cato and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for their institutional support, and kudos to the stellar 180DC team (Ryan, Nolan, Leanne, Thomas, Kevin, and Francesca) for making this happen! Lastly, the Live. Learn. Lead. Academy Symposium was also an amazing time. With over 100 attendees and phenomenal speakers including our Chancellor and General Paul M. Nakasone on leadership, it was a privilege to be part of the planning team. Big thanks to Dr. Jill Stratton and the entire academy community for putting this together! Excited about what's ahead ??