Distinguished alumni award: Humboldt state university, ellie cachette (class of 2006)

This April it was an honor to accept Humboldt State's Distinguished Alumni Award. It was such a flattering experience and something that has been a goal of mine for some time and much earlier in life than expected. 

Back in 2012 Humboldt announced I was under review for the award and in early 2013 officially announced myself as a recipient. (read more here: Humboldt State Distinguished Alumni Award: Ellie Cachette 2006 Alum). The whole experience has made me proud of my alma mater and of the things I have worked most hard at. 

Below is my acceptance award speech given April 20th 2013 at Humboldt State University. 

---

President Richmond and Ellie Cachette (2013)

HSU Awards Ceremony

INNOVATION AND ACCEPTANCE

Every time a friend of mine made chicken he cut the corners funny before putting it in the baking dish. One day I asked him, why? Why do you cut the corners like that? He said he didn’t know, just thats how his grandmother did it. A few years later I had the pleasure of meeting the grandmother and asked her why she cut the corners of her chicken funny and she laughed, asking who wanted to know. When I told her it was her grandson she laughed even harder.

“That’s silly, I used to cut the corners like that because it was the only way to fit it in my oven dish!”

Technology and Development is exactly the same. We do things over and over again out of habit, not innovation, but at the same time tradition soothes our soul. Sometimes its the need to know that our hearts beat the same and for the same reason. We all seek for meaning, we all want to make a difference but sometimes we merely want to belong.

Humboldt State is a place that loves it tradition; its coastal treasures, delicious redwoods and community spirit. Its also a place where innovation can flourish. Where we don’t have to cut a chicken the same way (or gluten free vegan tofu alternative) “Just because” Humboldt encourages questioning of why we do things.

I am honored and flattered today to be here at Humboldt State. In my seven years since graduating I have seen the world, started an eCommerce protection company and helped numerous product recalls minimize their risk.

• I’ve rang the Nasdaq Bell
  
  
• Been stuck in the snow with 30 entrepreneurs
  
  
• Been listed as one of the top 6 entrepreneurs to watch
  
  
• Participated in many accelerators
  
  
• and started companies dedicated to health
  

...And since most of you may of heard, I help with recalls.

They happen more than most people know.

So without further ado, I’m going to list recalls that recently happened.

Recalls that happened not last year, not last month, but in the last WEEK:

• Acura     
  
• Honda
  
• Infant Dungarees
  
• Salmon 
  
• Herring
  
• Yoga Pants
• Childrens Puzzles
• Johnson and Johnson
• Cat food
• Dog food
• Bird food
• Birth control pills
• Glucose meters
• 468,000 lbs of meat. (Thousands)
• Toyota
• Theraflu
• Apple Juice
• Granola

There has been over 30,000 recalls since I left Humboldt, affecting hundreds of thousands of retailers and consumers. Every week there is another recall putting consumers at risk and I have helping saving your life without you even knowing it. You're welcome.

We’re not just talking about public health but running a successful, profitable business as well.

My father was infected with HIV from a recalled product in a space that need disruption. In other words I couldn’t keep cutting the chicken the same way and Humboldt helped encourage me to do just that: innovate.

Thank you.

presentation: my experience

While on campus I was given the opportunity to talk about my past experience and time at Humboldt. 

awards speech in pdf

Feel free to download here: