Unconventional Students at Rice: Cassandra Wagoner fuses engineering and entrepreneurship

Cassandra Wagoner is a senior at Rice University, hailing from El Paso, Texas. She is pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in entrepreneurship and a certificate in Engineering Leadership. Wagoner appreciates Rice's beautiful campus and its tight-knit community, which fosters a supportive and non-competitive environment. Initially drawn to engineering, she discovered a passion for entrepreneurship during her sophomore year through a design thinking class at Lilie, Rice's entrepreneurship program. This combination has allowed Wagoner to meld analytical skills with creative problem-solving.
For her capstone project in entrepreneurship, Wagoner co-founded Women's Wave, a community initiative designed to connect women in Houston through tailored events and conversation starters, aimed at forging genuine friendships. The project, which has already hosted five events and garnered paying customers, is a testament to the opportunities Rice offers its students, including national competition participation and mentorship from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
Rice University and its supportive departments, including the Lilie Lab, have been instrumental in Wagoner's educational and entrepreneurial journey, offering unparalleled access to mentorship and professional growth opportunities.