Amherst Innovative Living Supports the Future of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
AMHERST, Mass. – Amherst Innovative Living is pleased to support UMass Amherst’s Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at the Isenberg School of Management with a $25,000 endowment to broaden innovation and programming for students across all schools and departments. Alex Laguerra Sierra, CAPS, Director of Property Management at Amherst Innovative Living, was inspired to create the endowment after serving as a judge for the Center’s Minute Pitch Competition.
The $25,000 gift will support new and expanded entrepreneurship initiatives, including specialized workshops, mentorship programs, and access to industry experts. Funds may also be allocated toward scholarships for student‑led ventures, interdisciplinary networking events, and the launch of a new bootcamp series featuring intensive pitch‑development workshops, hands‑on sessions, and expert‑led coaching to sharpen students’ presentation and startup‑launch skills.
“Amherst Innovative Living is proud to support the future of innovation and entrepreneurship at UMass Amherst through the creation of an endowment benefiting the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship,” shared Laguerra Sierra. “This contribution reflects our deep commitment to the university and its students, helping to foster bold ideas, nurture student ventures, and expand opportunities across disciplines. We believe in investing in the next generation of leaders, and we’re honored to play a role in advancing the Center’s mission to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem at UMass.”
Gregory S. Thomas, director of the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship, expressed his gratitude for the gift: “This generous gift from Amherst Innovative Living will allow us to expand our bootcamp offerings and support even more students from every corner of campus. We’re grateful for their commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and look forward to the positive ripple effects across UMass Amherst and beyond.”
About Amherst Innovative Living
Amherst Innovative Living’s mission is simple: to ensure that every resident truly loves where they live. Headquartered in downtown Amherst, AIL is part of a vibrant community shaped by world‑class colleges, universities, businesses, restaurants, and hotels—an environment that embodies diversity, innovation, and excellence. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, AIL creates living environments that inspire collaboration, creativity, and well‑being, supporting educational initiatives, sustainable development, and social innovation across the Amherst region.
About the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship
The Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management provides students from all schools and disciplines with experiential learning opportunities through mentorship, workshops, competitions, and networking events, helping them cultivate entrepreneurial skills and mindsets that drive economic growth and social impact.
Media Contact:
Amy McLain
Associate Director of External Relations, Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship
Amy.LeClair@umass.edu
(413) 555‑1234