Bozhena Kulchyckyj ’22: Artist, computer scientist, creator of lasting good

Meet Bozhena Kulchyckyj ’22, Studio Art major, Information Systems and Marketing minor, Start@Shea co-president and two-time Case Competition winner. And if that wasn't remarkable enough, she did it all while raising money for Ukrainian charities.

Two years after graduating from Boston College, she returned to take a post as the Shea Center's Entrepreneur in Residence. We asked this amazing alum to share her thoughts on what drives her, how the Shea Center shaped her undergrad years, and what she’s discovered since her BC days. Her outlook on time might surprise you.

As a Ukrainian immigrant, your whole world turned upside-down in 2022. Yet you managed to stay focused on your studies, and this year you returned to BC as a Shea Center's Entrepreneur in Residence. Tell us about what drives you, why you took this post and what it means to you at this point in your life.

Kulchyckyj: My life took a full 360 in 2022. All of my professional and personal work instinctively became humanitarian-focused as I was driven by what mattered most – supporting my family and my culture. It's fascinating how instincts kick in during times of crisis. You don't have enough time to think, so you do. I try to hold gratitude at the root of it all. Knowing I have gotten to where I am because of my parents' hard work drives me to give back to all the communities I have been a part of. This is why I am always so eager to give back to the Shea Center. It encompassed so much of my time at BC, and I always knew I would continue to be a part of it even after graduating.

What does a day in the life of a Shea Center Entrepreneur in Residence look like?

Kulchyckyj: I hold office hours every week to meet with students and advise them on career, life, and startup expertise. These conversations vary from helping with Y Combinator applications, fundraising goals, connecting them with engineers, and doing crash courses about "What is Venture Capital" to "Should I Be an Entrepreneur." Students come to me with a variety of questions seeking career and personal advice, and I'm happy to be a helping hand on their journey. I also work closely with the student board on any events or workshops that need further assistance throughout the year. 

You’ve already accomplished so much in your young life. What professional or academic experiences stand out for you in the context of where you are now?

Kulchyckyj: I have worked in and around startups and venture capital since high school, and yet the experience that stands out the most for me was my time volunteering on the border of Eastern Poland and Western Ukraine. This was one of the biggest pivots and decisions I've made in my life and an experience that weighs heavier than any other. Deciding to reroute my life and focus on humanitarian aid and volunteering for a year has grounded my values and morals in everything I have pursued since then.

How did your undergrad years at Boston College and the Shea Center shape your career path?

Kulchyckyj: The Shea Center was the best thing that could have happened to me in my undergrad years. It shaped my personal and professional experiences. My internships at startups and venture capital funds sprouted from early conversations with founders and the network I was able to build through the center. All the hard work put into running events and working with speakers pays off in the long term. One conversation I had with a keynote speaker my freshman year turned into an internship I held from my sophomore to senior year, and the founder is now a close friend of mine. The relationships I built at the Shea Center were the beginning of not just a phenomenal network, but lifelong friends. 

What do you know now that you couldn’t have imagined when you were at BC?

Kulchyckyj: We have more time than we think. There is so much time to achieve everything we want to accomplish. We don't need to rush into everything and move on from one project to the next. Take time to enjoy your day-to-day, enjoy time with friends and family, and take breaks. If we don't stop and reflect on what we've done, then what's the point of constantly keeping busy?

What’s special about Boston College and what advice do you have for BC students interested in becoming entrepreneurs?

Kulchyckyj: Boston College, as a Jesuit University, holds reflection and empathy at its core. When you're looking to build something of your own, or grow a company, one of the most important characteristics is your persistence. BC is a community more than willing to help grow ideas and innovations. The Shea Center, specifically, has an unlimited number of resources to help young minds achieve the craziest ideas and is the perfect starting point for anyone curious or wanting to learn more. 

What do you dream of doing someday, or are you already doing it?

Kulchyckyj: I don't know if I will ever be satisfied by anything I am doing – and whether that is a good or bad thing – I have yet to discover. I dream of making an impact, as everyone does. I genuinely want to create lasting good in this world for future generations. I have a secret passion for art, and I hope to integrate creativity and art into everything I do. Whether it's building a foundation and working in philanthropy, or using my venture capital career to invest in future generations, I dream of making a positive and lasting impact.

Editorial Note: This interview was edited for length.