Mellisa Schipke is the founder of ‘Tassl,’ named after that symbolic knotted cord on your graduation cap.

“We wanted to come up with something that signified the change from being a student to being an alum,” Schipke said

Her company creates networks for communities and produces statistics on the engagement.

Take alumni for example, it can collect data on the group’s interests and send that information to the university to keep them in the loop.

“Create a safe place where people can get involved in ways outside of just donating money,” Schipke said.

Schipke is a 2009 Penn State graduate and said speaking for Penn State Startup Week is an opportunity to remind students that college is a major tool.

“The value is not just the education in the classroom, it’s also the value of the network that you’re in for a lifetime,” Schipke said.

The event features 50 speakers, 35 of which graduated from Penn State and it’s intended to show future graduates what’s possible outside of school.

Jordan Ford, Director of Marketing for PSU IST, said “we try and encourage them, if they have an idea to just get started in pursuing it.”

And Schipke hopes she can inspire female students especially.

“A job is posted and there’s ten requirements, women aren’t going to apply until they  meet all ten, but men might apply when they meet four,” Schipke said.

She said the tech business is a supportive community but their could be a stronger female presence.

“Definitely a need for more women to take the risk to get here,” Schipke said.

But ultimately, success for anyone starts with taking initiative.

“The support and the network and the resources are there for you, you just have to go out and get it,” Schipke said.

For a list of the speakers or to livestream the event, click here.