About the Program
The WEI Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program, a pioneering initiative at Stanislaus State, is designed as an interdisciplinary endeavor with a core objective: achieving convergence. This convergence signifies a deeply collaborative fusion of disciplines aimed at catalyzing a transformational, positive regional impact in entrepreneurial and innovative spaces. Our EIRs are committed to providing advisory support to faculty and students embarking on journeys in entrepreneurship and innovation.
The WEI EIR Program welcomes three seasoned entrepreneurial leaders to campus annually. Their mission is to offer mentorship and counsel to the Stan State community in various areas, including market dynamics, social impact, business strategy, and design. Additionally, they facilitate connections between investors, executives, students, and researchers, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration. The EIR program serves as a platform for convening experts in entrepreneurship and innovation, organizing seminars, workshops, and conferences to share invaluable real-world insights and cultivate engagement opportunities with key stakeholders.
Speaker Series
We invite accomplished executives and entrepreneurs from thriving startups to share their insights, to respond to inquiries about their endeavors, and to share the stories of their journeys with our students, faculty, and the community.
One-on-One Mentoring
Tailored one-on-one mentoring to members of the Stanislaus State community in nurturing novel concepts and kickstarting innovative endeavors, with a specific emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation within the Central Valley and beyond.
Meet the 2024 Entrepreneurs in Residence
Elliot Begoun
Elliot Begoun is a 30-year CPG industry veteran, author, podcast host, founder of TIG Brands, and champion of Tardigrades. TIG Brands supports a community of entrepreneurs interested in building nimble, capital-efficient, resilient brands that become Tardigrades, not Unicorns. Learn more about TIG Brands’ programs and catch Elliot at FoodBytes, the Hirshberg Entrepreneurship Institute, and the Natural Products Business School. Tune into the TIG Talks podcast and find Elliot’s articles in publications such as The Huffington Post, SmartBrief, and New Hope.
Larry Rivera
Larry Rivera, a beacon of success in the business world, emerges from humble beginnings in a rough neighborhood. At the age of 42, he stands as a testament to resilience and determination, breaking barriers with a Bachelor's degree in English and a graduate of Stanford University's LBAN program.
As the founder and owner of Mango Crazy Inc., Larry defies odds and stereotypes. His journey, rooted in humble beginnings, reflects his unwavering commitment to rise above challenges. Larry's success story is a tribute to hard work, grit, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
Larry's early experiences shaped his character and instilled in him the values of perseverance and humility. It's from these roots that he cultivated his passion for literature, eventually earning a Bachelor's degree in English. The transformative LBAN program at Stanford University further equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the complex business landscape.
Not only is Larry a dedicated business owner, but he is also an avid sports enthusiast. This passion serves as a bridge between his past and present, embodying the determination and teamwork he learned in his early days.
Larry Rivera is not just a professional; he's a symbol of triumph over adversity. His journey from a challenging neighborhood to the helm of a successful business exemplifies the power of education, hard work, and a tenacious spirit. Larry continues to inspire those around him, proving that with determination, one can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary achievements.
Meet the 2023 Entrepreneur in Residence
AhnViet “Charlie” Nguyen
Since graduating with his BSc in Biochemistry from UC Davis, Charlie has embarked upon a diverse career journey. With entrepreneurial and innovative experience in hospitality and travel, technology, production, media, and real estate, Charlie is CEO of the Chalkwild Therapeutic Art Program to children in the US and worldwide. Drawing from his own personal struggles, Charlie’s mission is to provide young minds build resilience, self-esteem, and confidence through artistic expression.
Updated: April 15, 2024