Written by Brad Seehausen
Marketing and Communications Intern, Lacy School of Business ’26
In a world full of labels, it is easy to be boxed into one area of expertise. For Kate Parisi, her competitive drive does not allow for this. From a foray into the allergy-free food business through the Lacy School of Business entrepreneurship program to competing on Butler’s club swim team, the finance and marketing double major is elevating her game on all levels.
Kate came into the college searching process with one word on her mind: Versatility. What program could allow her to transform her existing business skills into becoming a professional powerhouse.
“I remember I came to the Lacy Business Scholars Day and it was an automatic yes,” Kate says.
The Mount Prospect, Illinois native cites the emphasis of hands-on experiences through Lacy as being the driving force behind her decision. Now, well into her third year at LSB, Kate has taken full advantage of the promises that Lacy made.
Entering college, Kate had been a member of the high school level of DECA, a renowned business competition organization. During her time, her team placed in the top 10 of 200 teams in the country during a Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making competition. While unsure whether business was for her or not, Kate’s experience in DECA had effectively convinced her that the domain was in her future.
Now, three years later, Kate has served as the Vice President of DECA at Butler, and currently holds the title of VP of Career Development. Through this role, she ensures that all competing members are prepared to go head-to-head with their spreadsheets and slidedecks. She calls them “competition bootcamps,” effectively preparing individuals for DECA’s International Career Development Conferences, located all across the country.
When Kate isn’t leading in DECA, she is engineering her most recent entrepreneurship venture, Balls, No Nuts, a nut-allergen free protein ball. Her team spends their time packaging, producing, and selling their food, all facilitated through Lacy’s entrepreneurship program.
“I had no intention of starting a business. I’m not even an entrepreneurship major. I really just wanted to take a class with Nick Smarelli, who is a great resource for students,” Kate offers.
However, after discovering a shared passion among her classmates for creating an allergen-free alternative for protein balls, Balls No Nuts was born.
“I had no idea that entrepreneurship was something that I was interested in until I fully immersed myself in it this year.”
Kate’s competitive spirit extends outside of the classroom and business world, as she actively competes on Butler’s club swim team.
“I grew up swimming and doing track and field. I’ve continued swimming through the club team at Butler. I’ve served on the executive board for the last two years, so it’s been a large part of my college experience,” Kate says.
Although self-sufficient, Kate attributes much of her guidance and mentorship to Nick Smarelli, a Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Director of Butler Entrepreneurship.
“Nick has connections to everybody. Need a production person? Nick has a guy. Manufacturing? He has a guy. He’s also just a great mentor in general,” Kate says.
In addition, Kate shouts out the career mentor program within Lacy, as well. She cites her mentor. Randy Brown, as an inspiration for her addition of a finance double major.
“I talked to him and he showed me that adding finance could open up additional opportunities and pathways in my career,” Kate says.
Although a few semesters away from graduating and entering the workforce, Kate has already experienced a great deal of real world experience. Over the summer, she had the opportunity to study abroad in London, in which she completed an 11 week internship at a small accounting firm.
Not one to limit herself, Kate will venture onto the other end of the business spectrum this summer. At Health Care Service Corporation, Kate will fulfill her second internship as a procurement intern.
“Do as many internships and clubs as you can. Getting as much experience as possible is so important to figure out what your strengths are, what your weaknesses are, what you like, and what you don’t like,” Kate advises.
Although she maintains a busy schedule, Kate says she pursues everything in her life with passion and love, and she offers new students to do the same.
“Put yourself out there and find what you love. And then, stick with it.”