Betsy Johnson, 27, started working for Boeing as an intern in 2006 while attending the University of Puget Sound in Washington. After graduating in 2007, she was selected to enter the company's BCFP (Business Career Foundation Program) in Philadelphia. Four years later, she decided it was time to leave her day job. Although her job offered her a steady paycheck, the opportunity to travel abroad, mentorship, and even a pension, she realized that working hard to climb the corporate ladder was getting her nowhere.
She ended up at Disney in a new position right after quitting Boeing, but she grew frustrated with legacy processes and systems. She lasted at Disney for two months before deciding that it was time to start her own company, SwimZip.
SwimZip sells UV 50 swimwear for babies, toddlers, and children. The idea came to Johnson after she was diagnosed with skin cancer. SwimZip is currently in its business development stage but is forecasting a profit for this year.
Editor's note: A previous version of this slide incorrectly stated that Betsy Johnson attended Washington State University. Johnson attended the University of Puget Sound.
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