Northeastern is driven by experience-powered learning. And what better way to learn about business than to launch and grow a venture? Throughout our ecosystem, Northeastern supports those interested in entrepreneurship and innovation by providing the infrastructure and resources to accelerate your ventures.


Northeastern was one of the first universities to create a formal entrepreneurship program, dating back to 1958. We continue to lead today. This year, we received the 2022 Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Award from the Deshpande Symposium. In 2020, the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers recognized us with their Outstanding Contributions to Venture Creation Award.


Hear from entrepreneurs from our graduate business programs and the staff members who support their learning, growth, and success.

Meet our panelists

  • Ben Brakenwagen, Joiner with Parallel Pipes, Mosaic Fellow, and Graduate Certificate in Business Administration student
  • Michelle Calderon, Founder of Addition Beauty and Full-Time MBA alum 2021
  • Wendy Eaton, Associate Director, Venture Mentoring Network
  • Tyler Farley, Founder of Better than Belts and Mosaic Program Manager
  • Antonio Lopez, Founder of Buzzzy and Part-Time MBA student

Join Mary

Mary McNamara

Mary McNamara is the Director of MBA Admissions. She enjoys leading prospective MBA students through their admissions journey. She also manages admissions and recruiting for the MS in Management and Graduate Certificate programs.

Mary has a passion for entrepreneurship and is a co-chair of the McCarthy(s) Venture Mentoring Network at Northeastern, a professional advisor at the MIT Trust Center for Entrepreneurship, and a MassChallenge HealthTech judge. She draws on her experience coaching and advising founders as she supports graduate business candidates pursuing their academic and professional goals.

Mary entered a career in higher education in 2019, serving on the MBA admissions committee at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. She continues to serve as managing director at Angel Healthcare Investors and was a founding member of the Angel Capital Association.

Previously, she was the COO of an early-stage digital health company and a marketing VP with Fidelity Investments. Early in her career, Mary held roles in software development at John Hancock, NYNEX, Computer Sciences Corporation, and Bankers Trust Company.