HOW GROOVE STARTED
Groove began in a Jepson Business School classroom at Gonzaga University. A group of sustainably-minded gals decided to take on a grand task- fight greenwashing and product misinformation. We wanted an easy way to see a product’s environmental impact and have more sustainable options. With this in mind, Groove was born. We danced our way through projects, pivots, and pixels before finally landing on what you see today.
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THE GROOVY GALS
Get to Know Us
STELLA BEEMER
Database Programming and Engineer
The coder of all coders, Stella Beemer, grew up near Seattle, WA. From a young age, Stella was interested in gaming and the process behind it. Flash forward a few years and Stella has coded her own chrome extension. Cautious of falling into the sketchy tech world, Stella jumped at the opportunity to create Groove. When she isn’t busy studying computer science or entrepreneurial leadership, Stella is fighting styrofoam. She cannot stand the sound it makes or its negative impact on the environment.
ABBY DODD
Operations, Finances, Startup School
An established businesswoman, Abby Dodd has created, owned, and continues to run Flair- a four years old online and in-store jewelry operation. When she’s not making jewelry, you can find Abby skiing and climbing mountains in her home state of Alaska. Motivated by the beauty of her state, Abby works on sustainability projects in her community and the Gonzaga campus. Abby is currently studying environmental science and has a minor in sustainable businesses and entrepreneurial leadership.
GRACE TORLAI
Partnerships and Sales
Growing up on a small farm located outside Seattle, WA, Grace was influenced by both the countryside and the city. She was very involved in sports and other scholastic activities until taking a step back to focus on her dance career during her high school years. As a business major studying finance and economics with a minor in entrepreneurial leadership and a focus in international business, she revels in her moments outdoors. “Experiencing the culture and seeing the world has really become a huge part of my life’s purpose. The most beautiful places, people, and things are highlighted by their uniqueness and connection. We need to protect the world so that we may all have the opportunity to know it.” - Grace Torlai
EMMY WAGNER
Marketing, Design, Social Media
Raised in Austin, TX, Emmy has always enjoyed spending time outdoors. She is a business major with a marketing concentration and has a minor in the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. At Gonzaga, Emmy is on the executive board for Gonzaga Environmental Organization and Rethink Waste. She has also recently joined the Student Sustainability Leadership Program. In her past time, Emmy enjoys playing games and is oddly good at Battleship.