AlumNight Out: Networking for Alumni Business Owners

The Office of External Affairs held its inaugural AlumNight Out event on Wednesday, September 28. QCC alumni who own businesses enjoyed a night of networking, food, and music at Nuestra restaurant in Worcester. Director of Community Bridges Dr. Déborah González, planned the event as a way to continue supporting QCC alumni, build community, and support the local economy. 

Nuestra was a perfect setting for AlumNight Out as owner Natalie Rodriguez graduated from QCC in 2018. 

"Quinsig has been a huge stepping stone in my career and being able to tap into the resources there has been really good," Rodriguez said. "I had the best relationships with my professors Pat Hutchinson [Coordinator of the Hospitality & Recreation Management Program] and Mary Simone [Hospitality & Recreation Management faculty member]. With their support, I was able to finish my degree when I wanted to."

Worcester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Timothy Murray spoke to the crowd about the importance of small businesses in the Worcester community. According to Murray, the biggest concern that he's heard from businesses is finding employees.

"There is no institution that has more impact locally (on the workforce) than Quinsigamond Community College," Murray said.

Latin American Business Organization President Elizabeth Cruz also addressed some of the challenges of being a business owner and emphasized the work that LABO does to advocate for Latin and minority businesses.

"We are the go-to resource for these businesses. We focus on the three most important things for creating a business: education, access to capital, and legislative reform," Cruz. 

Emma Acevedo, QCC alum and owner of Sol of Mexico restaurant, spoke at AlumNight Out about the impact QCC had on her and how she likes to encourage younger people to follow their dreams.

"I came here 35 years ago and the first thing I thought was that I have to learn English. It's so nice to have a college that helps with this. People always ask how I started my business and I am more than happy to help them. I tell them that the best way is to start at QCC," she said.