Name: Andy Chatham
Hometown: Wickford, RI
University: Cornell 12
Major: Policy Analysis and Management, Consumer and Regulatory Policy Concentration
What led you to apply for Venture for America?
The incredible opportunity it presented for me to learn and be supported within an environment that is typically inaccessible for recent college graduates. After hearing Andrew Yang speak at an information session I immediately went home and wrote my application start to finish. It was the easiest application I wrote because I meant everything I said the same cannot be said for all of the cover letters I wrote for banks and consulting firms.
What were you doing when you found out you were accepted?
At the exact moment, I was reading my email. Shortly after, I was celebrating with my friends.
Now that youre a fellow, what are you most excited about with regard to VFA? What do you hope to accomplish?
I am most excited about the network that surrounds the program and the ability for me to be exposed to so many like (and differently) minded people in such a supportive environment.
My goal is to develop into a strong leader within an exciting and high growth business. Ill leave it at that for now.
If you had to live one place for the rest of your life, where would you choose?
Wickford, Rhode Island.
Best thing about Cornell: Incredible depth and breadth of the culture and tradition.
Favorite Book: Currently Life of Pi by Yann Martel or Boomerang by Michael Lewis. It changes a lot.
Favorite childhood TV show: The Simpsons
Favorite meal: Fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs
Role model: George Washington
Favorite holiday: 4th of July
Best class you’ve ever taken: Tie: Social & Political Philosophy / Creative Writing
Favorite movie quote: Sounds like a case of the Mondays.
Favorite thing to do on Sunday: Play Basketball.
Favorite entrepreneur or start-up: Entrepreneur: Dietrich Mateschitz (Red Bull)
Company: Whichever company I am placed in.
Favorite cereal: Captain Crunch
Most worn article of clothing: My Grandfather’s watch
Favorite sports team: Boston Red Sox
Best trip you’ve ever been on: Guatemala, both the highlands and the jungle.
Favorite historical figure: George Washington.
Accomplishment you’re most proud of: Anything that makes my Mom proud of me.