Pictured above: During her internship with Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center and GrowNYC, one of T'25 Erin Simmons's goals was to promote healthy eating habits by showing how farmers’ markets are accessible to everyone.
Over the summer, T’25s Erin Simmons and Eric Chen interned in the social impact sector, gaining experience at the Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center and the New Orleans Biofund. Thanks to the Tuck GIVES fund—a student-organized initiative supported by the Center for Business, Government & Society and Career Services—Simmons and Chen applied their business knowledge to help advance the missions of the non-profit organizations where they interned.
What project/meeting/experience from your internship was most impactful and why?
During my internship at Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center (BPMC) Inc., I focused on increasing patient retention and acquisition. To achieve this, I developed a growth strategy in partnership with GrowNYC, an environmental organization that provides sustainability services to NYC residents. This collaboration allowed us to address the leading chronic condition among our patients, obesity, by incentivizing appointments and new memberships with Greenmarket dollars for use at the farmers’ markets. Overall, we increased patient acquisition and retention by 6 percent. Through this initiative, I learned that many people in the neighboring area avoid visiting farmers’ markets because they perceive them as exclusive or expensive. My goal was to change these perceptions and show that farmers’ markets are accessible to everyone while promoting healthy eating habits.
Did your internship change or shape how you see your role as a future leader? Was there anything that surprised you about the social impact/nonprofit space?
My internship changed how I see myself as a future leader. This summer taught me that I enjoy building partnerships and having the opportunity to directly impact an organization and the people it serves. While I knew nonprofits generally have limited funding compared to private sector companies, I gained a deeper understanding of how crucial it is for them to have a strong network of organizations that can provide sponsorship and support to advance their mission.
Why do you feel Tuck was the right place to pursue your goals and interests? What were you doing prior to Tuck, and what do you hope to do after?
Tuck was the right place for me because of the immersive academic curriculum and the engaged alumni network. The first year at Tuck focused on providing a strong business foundation from the core courses, which was especially beneficial as a liberal arts undergraduate major. I knew I wanted to be in a collaborative environment with a low ego. Tuck checked all those boxes, and today, I feel supported in pursuing my interests and goals. Before Tuck, I worked in financial services in Charlotte, North Carolina. Post-Tuck, I hope to be in a role that mirrors my experience this summer, where I am at the forefront of building and scaling an organization to achieve its highest potential.
Tell us your best Tuck story so far or what’s something that's still on your Tuck/Hanover/Upper Valley bucket list?
I’ve made unforgettable memories through the connections and experiences I’ve gained at Tuck. My favorite Tuck story so far was being part of the inaugural cohort to travel to The Philippines for a GIX trip. The group I traveled with was amazing, and Professor Scott Anthony, who led the trip, is knowledgeable and a great professor and lecturer. I plan to take his class, Leading Disruptive Change, this year. For my final year at Tuck, my bucket list consists of getting better at skiing, planning a fabulous Tuck Winter Carnival, and hopefully indulging in a wonderful dining experience at the renowned Cloudland Farms.
Erin Simmons is a T’25 student with a passion for health, wellness, and nutrition. Prior to joining Tuck, she gained valuable experience in mortgage operations at Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina. Erin is actively involved in the Tuck community as co-chair of Tuck GIVES and Tuck Winter Carnival. She is also a fellow at the Center for Business, Government & Society and the Initiative on Workplace Inclusion. Erin earned her B.A. in International Studies, graduating magna cum laude from Spelman College in 2019.
Eric Chen T’25 (middle) during his internship at New Orleans Biofund
What project/meeting/experience from your internship was most impactful and why?
The most impactful experience during my internship at New Orleans Biofund was my cornerstone project, for which I wrote an investment memo for a medical device company. This project deepened my understanding of the medical device sector and the traits investors look for in startups. Over the summer, my responsibilities included conducting market research, analyzing competitive landscapes, and developing a comprehensive business plan. This experience enhanced my analytical and strategic thinking skills and gave me valuable insights into the health care industry. By the end, I clearly understood what makes a startup attractive to investors, including innovation, market potential, and a strong value proposition.
Did your internship change or shape how you see your role as a future leader? Was there anything that surprised you about the social impact/nonprofit space?
My internship profoundly shaped my perspective on leadership. I learned that effective leadership involves more than just making decisions; it also requires empowering others and fostering a collaborative environment. I was surprised to learn that there is a high level of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the social impact space. Initially, I assumed that non-profits might be more traditional, but I found them to be at the forefront of creative problem-solving and community engagement. Overall, this experience has inspired me to incorporate social responsibility into my future leadership roles and explore opportunities in the impact investing space!
Why do you feel Tuck was the right place to pursue your goals and interests? What were you doing prior to Tuck and what do you hope to do after?
I chose Tuck because of its strong emphasis on community and collaboration, which aligns perfectly with my values and career goals. Before Tuck, I worked at KPMG, serving financial institutions. After Tuck, I hope to leverage my skills and experiences to transition into a role focused on operations and strategy in corporate finance.
What’s still on your Tuck/Hanover/Upper Valley bucket list?
Row on the Connecticut River; become a pro skier!
I was born and raised in a small city near Beijing and pursued my undergraduate studies in Hong Kong. Before coming to Tuck, I spent four years at KPMG, where I developed a strong foundation in finance. Now, I'm looking to pivot into corporate finance after Tuck. Outside of work, I'm a passionate soccer fan, and I love immersing myself in classical music and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
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