As we continue to highlight inspiring women for Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting Kim Bisheff, an Assistant Professor of Media Innovation at Cal Poly. With a career that has taken her from reporting for the Los Angeles Times to writing feature stories for Outside magazine, Bisheff has dedicated herself to both journalism and the evolving landscape of media innovation. Now, she is shaping the next generation of journalists at Cal Poly, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate an ever-changing industry.

Bisheff’s love for journalism began in high school when her English teacher encouraged her to start a school newspaper. The thrill of reporting, collaborating with fellow students and meeting deadlines sparked a passion that would later define her career. Though she didn’t study journalism as an undergraduate, she found herself drawn to it through her college newspaper.

After earning her degree, Bisheff initially took a job at an investment firm—a position she quickly realized wasn’t for her. That realization pushed her to pursue journalism professionally, landing an internship and later a reporting job at the Los Angeles Times. She then pursued a master’s degree at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, where she fell in love with magazine feature writing. This path led her to Outside magazine, where she covered sustainability in adventure travel destinations, combining storytelling with environmental advocacy.

“It is such a privilege to help journalism students start their own careers, especially in a forward-thinking department that is committed to preparing them for jobs in an ever-changing industry,” Bisheff said.

Throughout her career, Bisheff has been shaped by the guidance of strong women mentors, including Mary Glick, a former Cal Poly journalism professor who introduced her to media innovation and entrepreneurship. She credits Lynn Metcalf and Karen Tillman for their support through the Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) and Teresa Allen who taught her to “not suffer fools.” 

Now, Bisheff takes great pride in mentoring her own students, helping them develop tech solutions for media challenges and navigate the evolving world of journalism. Her proudest moments come when former students reach out to tell her how they are using the skills they learned in her classes—whether it’s decoding city council reports, digging into public records, or fixing website glitches.

“It makes me so proud. I want to give them an A in life,” she said. 

Bisheff acknowledges that women in professional settings often walk a fine line in how they are perceived, balancing assertiveness with approachability. While she continues to overcome these challenges, she has found strength in working with colleagues who listen, validate experiences and advocate for one another. She emphasizes the importance of having female allies in the workplace and male colleagues who use their voices to support women.

For Bisheff, Women’s History Month is personal. She grew up watching her mother, a champion of women’s rights, break barriers in academia. Her mother pursued a master’s degree and doctorate while raising a family, eventually becoming a food science professor and department chair at CSU Northridge.

“When I was born, women still weren’t allowed to have their own bank accounts,” Bisheff said. “But my mom raised me to believe that girls could do anything while she fought to make that true. Women’s History Month honors the women like my mom who helped create an easier path for their daughters and granddaughters. At the same time, it reminds us that there is still a lot of work to do.”

As the CIE continues to highlight extraordinary women who are making an impact in the community in honor of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting Skye McLennan, a passionate advocate for cinema, storytelling and community. As the Executive Director of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, McLennan has dedicated her career to the power of film and its potential to foster community. 

Her journey into the film industry began at just 18 years old, when she started working in film festivals simply as a way to be around what she loved most—movies. Over time, that passion evolved into a deep appreciation for the unique experiences film festivals provide.

“I really believe in the transformative power of cinema and connection and cultivating community,” McLennan said.

Her career has taken her to some of the world’s most renowned film festivals, including Sydney Film Festival, Sundance and Tribeca, before bringing her back to her home to San Luis Obispo. Now, she is shaping the local film scene and expanding its reach through year-round programming.

One of McLennan’s proudest career moments was the establishment of the SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre, a cherished local venue. “It’s a place I treasure near and dear to my heart, and I hope that our vision helps ensure its future for many years to come,” she said.

Like many industries, the film world comes with its challenges, particularly for women.

“I think not only just as a woman but as a younger woman, people judge you on your appearance and have certain expectations of you,” McLennan shared. “There is this constant feeling that you have more to prove and that you also need to be ‘nice’ so you don’t come off the wrong way.”

Though Women’s History Month is an important time to reflect on the achievements of women throughout history, McLennan believes in celebrating those contributions every single day.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks and support one another. I believe in the power of collaboration and a team of peers that uplift each other. Identify the people that support you and hold onto them.”

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience and contributions of women who have shaped history and continue to pave the way for future generations. 

Here at the CIE, we are proud to spotlight inspiring women who are making an impact in the field of entrepreneurship and beyond. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing the stories of incredible women who are driving innovation and empowering others to follow their dreams.

Our first spotlight shines on Mayela Fernandez, Cal Poly MBA student and co-founder of Ecoplasticity, a startup committed to revolutionizing sustainability in the food industry.

Fernandez witnessed firsthand how sustainability was no longer just a trend, but rather an essential part of business. This propelled her to take action and create Ecoplasticity’s first product, a biodegradable seaweed-based coating that could replace plastic. 

Fernandez and her business partner, Michelle Cullen (materials engineering, ‘24), developed the perfect formula for their sustainable coating. “That breakthrough validated months of research, problem-solving, and persistence,” she explained. “It was a powerful reminder that women can drive innovation and create meaningful change when they pursue their passions with determination.”

Fernandez is familiar with the challenges that come with working in an industry that is often shaped by male-driven perspectives. She noticed that many leadership strategies and negotiation tactics were framed through a male lens, which initially made it difficult to find her own footing. 

“One of my personal challenges has been redefining what success looks like for me as a woman in this space. I’ve learned to prioritize my well-being, set boundaries, and embrace a more balanced approach to leadership,” she said. 

Fernandez credits her success to the strong women who have guided and supported her. Her mother and sister have been her greatest role models, while the women leaders in her father’s company reinforced her belief in the power of women’s leadership.

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women who have paved the way for us,” she said. “For me, it’s an opportunity to amplify women’s voices, support one another, and inspire the next generation to dream big and break barriers.”

In honor of Black History Month, we’re excited to spotlight Hush Harbor Artisan Bakery & Café, a beloved staple in Atascadero that’s been bringing delicious, handcrafted bread and baked goods to the Central Coast for over two decades. Founded by Donnie Monroe and Penni Monroe, this Black-owned bakery has become a true gem for locals and visitors alike.

Donnie Monroe, with a background in aerospace, discovered his passion for European-style bread later in life. After years in the aerospace industry, he shifted gears and pursued his dream of opening a bakery. He attended the San Francisco Baking Institute and honed his skills working at Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro in Riverside before launching Hush Harbor in 2003.

Penni Monroe passed away in 2021, but her impact on the community remains. Their family faced challenges as one of the only Black-owned businesses in Atascadero, but the support from loyal customers and the local community helped them persevere, especially during difficult times such as the pandemic and social unrest.

Hush Harbor is named after the secret “hush harbors,” where enslaved African Americans gathered in private to practice their faith and build community, free from the oversight of enslavers.

The bakery specializes in artisanal bread, made from scratch pastries and other comforting meals. Every loaf is crafted by hand, with no machines or automation, but simply years of expertise and patience. The Monroes’ commitment to quality is clear, and their customers rave about the textures, flavors and beauty of their baked goods. Some of the most popular items include the morning glory muffins, chocolate chip cookies and the seasonal sweet potato pies, all made with fresh ingredients and prepared daily.

Support Hush Harbor by stopping by for breakfast, lunch or a freshly baked loaf. Visit them at 5735 El Camino Real in Atascadero.

Alcohol misuse costs U.S. employers an estimated $249 billion per year in lost productivity, healthcare expenses and workplace incidents. Owen Works, founder and CEO of Horizen Tech, is on a mission to help individuals and companies make more informed health choices regarding alcohol use. Horizen Tech provides corporate wellness solutions focused on alcohol accountability and behavior change, helping businesses reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and support employee well-being.

His entrepreneurial journey began in 2022 when Works saw a flyer for an Elevator Pitch Competition hosted by the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), and decided to try his luck.

Brainstorming an idea that could be presented at the competition and possibly carried on afterward, Works took inspiration from his own experiences and identified a growing movement: sober curiosity. He wanted to develop a solution that supports individuals looking to build healthier drinking habits and explore a lifestyle with less alcohol.

“I think I was terrified because deep down, I knew this is something I really wanted to do, and I was worried I was going to screw it up. But it’s better to try it and possibly screw it up than to never try at all,” Works reminisced.

At the time, public speaking was not a strong suit for Works, but he pitched his idea for an alcohol-detection patch. He won first place in the competition and the grand prize of $1,000. 

Following the momentum from his successful elevator pitch, Works participated in Startup Launch Weekend, an event where entrepreneurial students work for an entire weekend to advance and develop a tangible business.

That following spring, Horizen joined Innovation Quest, an innovation-centered showcase for Cal Poly entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas and gain funding.

As a fifth-year Cal Poly Industrial Engineer minoring in entrepreneurship, Works was able to leverage his academic network and resources. Horizen has collaborated with students across both the business and engineering colleges, working with over 30 student interns to develop the product and refine the business model. These students have played a critical role in research, product design, and software development, helping drive the startup forward.

Horizen Tech was accepted into the 2023 Summer Accelerator, a 12-week intensive program where Cal Poly students and recent graduates transform their business ideas into startups with the help of a $10,000 in seed funding and local resources.

Upon the conclusion of the Accelerator, Horizen Tech joined the CIE Incubator Program in November 2023, a 2-year full-time program that provides resources in all aspects of early-stage companies to develop into high-growth enterprises; including a dedicated desk in the CIE HotHouse coworking space in downtown San Luis Obispo. Works spotlights the importance of this, mentioning the significance of a sense of community in the field of entrepreneurship, which can be so isolating for founders.

 “When we were in the Accelerator, we knew for sure that the Incubator was the place that we wanted to go after that,” Works adds.

In May 2024, Horizen Tech was one of six startups to pitch at AngelCon, an event hosted by the Cal Poly CIE Small Business Development Center (SBDC) that brings together tech-based startups who receive training and mentorship from expert business advisors and a group of dedicated angel investors.

Works remarked that during AngelCon, “the access to consultants and mentors in different areas, whether that be customer development, finance or marketing, has been instrumental.”

Horizen Tech’s first product, Pulse, is an app designed to support sober-curious individuals by providing accountability, connection and resources. The app pairs with the Pulse Patch, a wearable device that detects alcohol levels in sweat, helping users track their drinking habits and make informed health decisions.

Over time, the wearable patch has evolved into a continuous monitoring device, much like a glucose monitor, that enables individuals to make informed choices about their health. Through Pulse, users can share achievements and goals with their trusted inner circles, providing viable proof of abstinence to sponsors, family or employers.

Eventually, Horizen Tech intends to integrate data with Fitbit and Apple Health, allowing users to correlate their lifestyle choices with well-being practices, such as quality of sleep and impacts of caffeine intake.

In January 2025, Horizen Tech hosted its first-ever SLO Dry January Challenge, attracting over 100 participants. The initiative encouraged community members to abstain from alcohol for the entire month, offering incentives such as cash prizes, yoga sessions and gifts from local businesses. The impact was significant: 97% of participants rated the challenge as successful or very successful, with 69% stating they would participate in a future challenge. Most participants successfully completed the month, reinforcing the effectiveness of structured accountability in fostering healthier habits. 

Works has organized this event to “encourage better health decisions in the community and really make it a fun experience. It is kind of like a preview of what’s to come with our challenges that will be part of the platform.”

With the Pulse Patch now in manufacturing and software development accelerating, Horizen Tech is expanding its corporate wellness offerings. The startup is focused on helping individuals and businesses create healthier environments around alcohol consumption and is on track to make a lasting impact on workplace wellness and personal health.

In honor of Black History Month, the CIE is spotlighting Black-owned businesses across San Luis Obispo county that brings creativity and community to the Central Coast. This week, we are celebrating A Satellite of Love, a vibrant space where art, music and culture intersect. 

Owned and operated by Malik Miko Thorne, the boutique offers an eclectic mix of vintage clothing, vinyl records, books, artisanal decor and handmade goods. Beyond its curated selection, A Satellite of Love also serves as a gathering place that fosters connection, reflecting Thorne’s deep commitment to community. 

Thorne took full ownership of the shop after buying out his friends and has since used his background in the arts to shape A Satellite of Love into a space that goes beyond retail. Before the pandemic, the shop regularly hosted music nights, movie screenings in collaboration with Arts Obispo and small performances from local and traveling musicians. It was one of the few places in downtown San Luis Obispo where people could experience live entertainment outside of the typical bar scene.

Born in Hawaii to a Black and Indigenous father and an Indian mother, Thorne spent much of his early life moving between Georgia and the Bay Area before attending Cal Poly. His passion for music led him to KCPR, Cal Poly’s college radio station, where he discovered a welcoming and creative community that solidified his love for San Luis Obispo.

His love for music later led him to host a soul show on KCBX, San Luis Obispo’s public radio station, and eventually into a career as a DJ for weddings and events for over 15 years. His experience in radio, music and event production continues to shape the vision for A Satellite of Love as a dynamic space that bridges the gap between retail and expression.

A Satellite of Love is a reflection of Thorne’s dedication to fostering independent business, artistic expression and meaningful connections. You can visit A Satellite of Love at 1335 Walker St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or check out their online store here.

This Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black-owned businesses that are making an impact in San Luis Obispo. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Ebony SLO, the first Ethiopian restaurant in the area, founded by sisters Helen Abraha and Martha Taezaz. With a deep passion for cooking and a mission to bring authentic Ethiopian flavors to the Central Coast, Ebony is more than just a restaurant — it’s a celebration of culture and community. 

Growing up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Abraha and Taezaz learned the art of cooking from their mother, who instilled in them the value of patience, love and tradition in the kitchen. Abraha’s passion led her to earn a Culinary Arts degree, while Taezaz pursued formal training at Ethiopia’s Catering and Tourism Training Institute. 

Together, they’ve combined their expertise and lifelong love of food to create Ebony SLO, a restaurant that honors their roots while introducing Ethiopian cuisine to a new audience.

Since opening in December 2023, Ebony has quickly gained a loyal following, offering an entirely organic, vegan, and gluten-free menu. Staples like misir wot (a flavorful red lentil stew), shiro (a rich chickpea dish) and freshly made injera (a traditional fermented flatbread) transport customers to the heart of Ethiopia with every bite. 

Beyond the food, Ebony introduces an essential part of Ethiopian culture: the tradition of sharing meals.

“In Ethiopia, food is always about sharing,” Taezaz explained in an interview with Mustang News. “We eat together from one big plate, and that’s what makes it special.”

For many customers, Ebony has become a place to experience not only new flavors but also the warmth and hospitality that define Ethiopian dining. Regulars have praised the restaurant not just for its incredible food, but for the dedication and heart that Abraha and Taezaz put into every dish.

Abraha and Taezaz’s journey reflects the resilience, passion and dedication of Black entrepreneurs in San Luis Obispo. While Black History Month serves as a time to recognize and uplift Black-owned businesses, support shouldn’t stop when February ends.

As the sisters continue to introduce more people to the beauty of Ethiopian food, the best way to support them is simple: show up, spread the word and celebrate the diversity that makes San Luis Obispo a richer place to live.

Visit Ebony SLO at 778 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or visit their website. 

To kick off Black History Month, we’re spotlighting Thrifty Beaches, a unique vintage clothing and furniture shop in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo. Founded by Adam Kemp, MBA student from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), Thrifty Beaches is a testament to resilience, sustainability and entrepreneurship. 

The inspiration to start Thrifty Beaches began both financial and practical. “Not having money inspired me. I needed to make more, and once I got more, it turned into a passion for sustainability and wanting to give clothing a second or third or fourth life,” Kemp explained. 

What began with a chance discovery of vintage dining chairs at a Goodwill Outlet quickly grew into a thriving business, with over 15,000 pieces sold and a loyal clientele of more than 3,000 people in San Luis Obispo alone. But, the journey hasn’t been easy. 

Opening a storefront in the center of Downtown SLO came with unexpected challenges, including fines and code enforcement issues. Despite these hurdles, Kemp pushed forward, fueled by a commitment to his community. 

“I could’ve stopped there and said screw it, I can’t do anything. But I kept trying. That stems from having influential people in the back of my mind that pushed through so much adversity in their lives.” 

Kemp drew inspiration from figures like Langston Hughes and Malcom X. 

“Langston Hughes was one of my favorite Black icons as a kid. Malcom X reminds me to be strong in the face of adversity, and to not allow a door closing to stop me,” Kemp said. 

Kemp also sees Thrifty Beaches as part of a larger mission to bring diversity to San Luis Obispo. “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” he explained, encouraging other entrepreneurs of color to pursue their dreams in San Luis Obispo. He believes the city needs more diversity and urges the community to show support not just during Black History Month, but year-round. 

To support Thrifty Beaches Headquarters, visit them downtown at 876 Higuera Street or check them out on Instagram @thrifty.beaches.

On January 30th of every year, we celebrate National Croissant Day, honoring the buttery, flaky pastry that is beloved worldwide. The holiday itself was established in 2006, but the pastry’s origins trace back centuries.

In 1863, during the siege of Vienna by the Turkish Empire, bakers who worked in basement storerooms heard the sounds of underground tunneling. Their timely alert allowed the city’s army to end the attack. To commemorate this victory, the bakers crafted a crescent-shaped pastry symbolizing the Ottoman Empire’s crescent moon. 

Once the Turks were defeated, it became tradition to serve this crescent-shaped pastry with morning coffee. Though many people believe croissants come from France, its journey began in Austria before French bakeries altered the recipe to use puff pastry. 

In honor of this holiday, we’re taking a delicious journey through San Luis Obispo County and beyond to highlight some of our favorite bakeries in the area: 

• Back Porch Bakery, founded by Dan and Caroline Berkeland, began as a back porch operation in 2011, sharing freshly baked bread with friends and neighbors in San Luis Obispo. Their passion for community and quality grew into a business that now serves over 120 local establishments. The bakery remains rooted in fostering connections through their artisanal breads and pastries. Back Porch Bakery is located at 289 Prado Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. 
• Bijou Bakery, located in Cayucos, California, was created by Jeniece Grimshaw, who is a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with over a decade of professional baking experience. After moving to San Luis Obispo County in 2015 and finding success in the local wedding industry, Grimshaw launched Bijou Bakery in June of 2020. The bakery offers high-quality, French-inspired pastries, quickly becoming a central coast gem. Visit Bijou Bakery at 149 Cayucos Dr., Cayucos, CA 93430. 
• Bread Bike is a small organic bakery in San Luis Obispo that specializes in 100% organic, naturally leavened bread and California-style pastries made with whole grains and locally-sourced ingredients. Bread Bike is unique in that they deliver to community supported bakery members by bicycle. The bakery values their food, farmers, planet and community. Bread Bike can be visited at 2060 Parker St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. 
• Budget Café has been a cherished local spot since the mid-1980s, offering a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with affordable meals. This classic diner-style café serves breakfast and lunch all day made with quality ingredients. Budget Café has a welcoming vibe and commitment to creating a home away from home for locals and newcomers. Budget Café is located at 3121 S. Higuera St. #J, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. 
• Buttercup Bakery & Cafe offers a variety of products from daily-made pastries and freshly baked bread to breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and hand-crafted drinks. With a focus on healthier options, Buttercup Bakery & Cafe enhances traditional recipes by reducing sugar, incorporating whole wheat flour and using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Buttercup Bakery & Cafe is located at 430 Morro Bay Blvd, Morro Bay, CA 93442. 
• Drizzle Bakery LLC, a women-owned and Latin-owned bakery, was created by Trina Galvan who is a passionate baker with deep roots in the Central Coast’s farming community. Drizzle Bakery started as a cottage kitchen and expanded in March 2023, offering a range of delectable baked goods, including vegan and gluten-free options. Galvan’s artisanal cakes and pastries are made with attention to detail and personalized service. The bakery is located at The Kitchen Terminal at 4750 Allene Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. To place an order, visit Facebook or Instagram @drizzle_bakery_llc.
• Sally Loo’s Wholesome Café, established in 2009, has become a beloved San Luis Obispo spot in the Railroad District. The cafe is dedicated to supporting local farmers and artisans, and crafts house-made recipes and baked goods using locally-sourced ingredients. Their dedication to the art and science of quality coffee, partnering with Cacti Coffee Roasters, provides an extra special coffee experience. Sally Loo’s is located at 1804 Osos St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. 
• Tiny Café is a unique art project focused on sustainability, striving to maintain eco-friendly practices within municipal regulations. They compost coffee grounds, encourage customers to avoid disposables and source single-use products from environmentally conscious providers. With a thoughtful approach to every aspect of their service, Tiny Café prioritizes the planet while delivering delicious products! Tiny Café is located at 496 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.

San Luis Obispo County offers a variety of exceptional bakeries that capture the specialty of the croissant and so much more. This National Croissant Day, the CIE encourages you to explore these local gems, support their passion for quality and community and savor every flaky bite. Happy National Croissant Day!

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About the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

The CIE opens a world of entrepreneurial opportunities to Cal Poly students, faculty and community members and promotes entrepreneurial activity and dialogue across the university and throughout San Luis Obispo County. For more information, visit https://cie.calpoly.edu/.

Mense is a period product company with a mission to provide a comfortable, safe and working solution for people with periods. Founded in 2022 by California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) biomedical engineering graduate McCall Brinskele, Mense aims to destigmatize menstruation and elevate the conversation surrounding this essential aspect of reproductive health.

While Brinskele was taking a course at Cal Poly focusing on biomedical engineering in women’s health, her sister was diagnosed with endometriosis and uterine fibroids. The reality of female reproductive health conditions and Brinskele’s learning of the lack of coverage in the women’s health space inspired Brinskele to create a platform addressing this underrecognized topic.

“I first began working on this company as part of my interdisciplinary senior design project, which was a wonderful experience,” says Brinskele. “It’s awesome that Cal Poly has the ability for students to work with other disciplines outside of their major.”

Mense quickly earned a spot in the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s (CIE) 2022 Summer Accelerator, a 12-week intensive program where Cal Poly students and recent graduates transform their business ideas into startups with the help of a $10,000 seed fund and local resources.

After completing the Summer Accelerator, Mense joined the Cal Poly CIE Incubator program,which helps early-stage startups develop into financially secure and scalable enterprises providing entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding opportunities and other resources over two years.

“The Incubator is the next step of growth for companies that are moving from just an idea and a product to incorporating and taking on investment,” says Brinskele.

The program has connected Mense to business professionals in various fields, including Novocuff, a graduated Incubator company also focused on female reproductive health, which has been an asset for Mense.

“Dr. Christopher Heylman is a personal mentor to our company. His advice has been absolutely crucial when it comes to our prototyping and securing non-dilutive funding. Kelly Sooter is another wonderful marketing consultant that we work with,” says Brinskele. 

In May 2024, Brinskele brought Mense to the seventh annual AngelCon competition, where six tech startups compete for over $100,000 in equity funding. After pitching to an audience of 250 attendees and over 20 angel investors, Mense received a $50,000 investment. 

Photo by Ruby Wallau for SBDC

“The Incubator played a crucial role in helping us prepare for AngelCon,” remarks Brinskele. “We heavily leaned on all of our consultants when it came to pitch prep and making sure everything was together, and the boot camp was an absolutely amazing experience.”

As an entrepreneur who has utilized several programs offered by Cal Poly and the CIE, including lecturing for classes in the Orfalea College of Business, Brinskele is always looking for growth. She encourages new entrepreneurs to do the same, by being unafraid to ask questions and never fear failure.

“For anyone who’s applying to the Incubator program, I would say go for it. Lean into your connections. You never know who’s going to be helping you in the future.”

Mense is currently working with manufacturers on a final design for their menstrual cup and applicator product and will graduate from the Incubator program in 202