From Pitch to Ecosystem: A Drexel Alumna Builds a Bridge for Philly’s Founders
When Lasya Tarini ‘25 wrote for the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship’s Starter’s Review blog as an undergraduate, she was sharing tactical advice on how to navigate Drexel University’s co-op system. Today, she is sitting on the other side of the table, not just securing her own career, but designing the very ecosystem where other founders will thrive.
“People respect hustle,” says Tarini. “The percentage of you actually getting somewhere goes up the more places you can be, and as many times as you can be there.”
That philosophy led Tarini to her current role as engagement manager at United Effects Ventures (UEV), a Philadelphia-based venture studio. But the job didn’t come through a traditional application - it was pitched into existence.
The Power of the Pivot
In October 2025, Tarini attended the AI Open Innovation Tournament in Philadelphia. Despite not having a technical background, she leaned into the “entrepreneurial toolkit” she developed at Drexel.
“I didn’t really feel like attending because I have no technical experience,” she admits. “But we ended up making it to the finals. Our pitch was: we’re not looking for investment in our company, but we are looking for experience.”
That transparency resonated. After messaging the investors involved in the tournament, she connected with Frank Shultz from UEV. Within a day, they were on a call discussing a role that would leverage a unique blend of entrepreneurship, social strategy, and event production.
Building an Intentional Ecosystem
Now, Tarini is tasked with increasing UEV’s brand presence and creating “intentional, high-energy spaces” for Philadelphia founders. At the heart of this is Ground Floor, a monthly event series where founders give one-to-two-minute pitches to a room of peers and investors.
“I think community has to come first,” Tarini says. “A lot of people say ‘build in public’ - show people and bring them along that process when it isn’t perfect. That’s what people relate to.”
Her mission is larger than just hosting events; it’s about retention. She notes that a common trend in Philadelphia is for founders to leave for larger hubs like New York City when they want to scale.
“We’re trying to change that culture and bring capital to the startup community here because there is so much great talent coming out of Drexel, UPenn, and Temple,” she says. “Philly is at that perfect level where you can continue to grow your network, and it’s not so small that you feel alone.”
A Global Mindset
Tarini’s work isn’t limited to the Philadelphia area. She is currently a mentor in the HER Lab, an economic empowerment incubator that connects Drexel students with young women in West Pokot, Kenya. Teaching business fundamentals like the Business Model Canvas across a 7,000-mile distance has sharpened her own professional edge.
“It makes me think about my communication. We’ve had a learning curve with practicing speaking slower and more coherently,” she says. “Since I started the program, my communication has become clearer. I think it’s helped in my role at UEV, too.”
For Tarini, HER Lab keeps her grounded. “I realized that this is a journey that we all go on. I’m somewhere on that journey, and teaching keeps me focused on my goals.”
The Drexel Differentiator
As a recent graduate, Tarini is already “paying it forward,” making introductions for students even while navigating her own career.
“Whenever I come to the Close School to talk to students, I tell them that the number one thing is just put yourself out there,” she says. “I had someone go out of their way to reach out and help me, and that completely changed the trajectory of being at Drexel.”
She views her entrepreneurship and innovation degree as the ultimate “Career Insurance,” a term often championed by the Close School. It allowed her to pivot from social media into venture building without losing momentum.
“I loved being an entrepreneurship major because it allowed me to pivot,” she says. “Learning how to talk in front of a crowd will help you no matter what you go into, whether that’s an interview or a pitch. Don’t forget about giving a hand to others, because you never know where that’s going to lead you.”
