Translating DEI

When Natalie Egan (she/hers) ’08 MBA graduated from Villanova, she left with more than a diploma. In her new Villanova network were investors, advisors, and early employees that would help her launch not one, but eventually two venture capital backed technology start-ups. 

“One of my very first customers was a fellow student in the program,” said Natalie, CEO & Founder of Translator, Inc. “A whole ecosystem of Villanova people helped me launch my first company and my career as a tech CEO.”

Her newest company, Translator, Inc. is a “Live Learning Platform” that equips team leaders with anonymous tech tools to facilitate group trainings for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is designed to help people learn together. The platform does not require the host or facilitator to be a subject matter expert in DEI. Instead, it pairs the host with a pre-built curriculum delivered by a digital facilitator (avatar) to help lead and inform content and activities while the human facilitator handles the more interactive parts. In aggregate, the data from the anonymous exercises enable the company to take stock of the unique lived experiences, intersectional identities, and special needs of their employees. 

Villanova was an early testing ground for Translator during its development phase at the Villanova Women in Tech Conference in 2020. Now, the company boasts F500 clients like PNC Bank, Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS), Amgen, and Claire’s, as well as many other high-growth start-ups, academic institutions, and nonprofits.

But after graduating and exiting her first company, Natalie’s relationship with Villanova changed. “I never thought I would be welcome back at Villanova after I came out as a transgender woman in 2016.” she said, holding back tears.

At that 2020 visit back to Villanova, Natalie was formally presented with a new MBA diploma with her correct name “Natalie Jane Egan” from Dean Joyce E. A. Russell, PhD, of the Villanova School of Business in front of a standing ovation of students, faculty, and staff.

Natalie emphasizes the importance of representation in work, life, and beyond. “When I started the journey to becoming Natalie, I never expected to become involved in social justice work or be CEO again. I just wanted to live my life.” she said. “But when I realized what an impact I could have just by showing up, let alone building tech tools to help accelerate and measure the change… I knew what I had to do.”

Natalie wants others to hear her story and consider their own lived experience. How have you held yourself back? How have you unknowingly or intentionally conformed? Who are you today versus who you should have been?

“Growing up, everyone told me I could be whatever I wanted to be; but the incredible irony was that all I ever wanted was to be a stay-at-home mom. I spent 38 years of my life wasted trying to be what other people wanted me to be... but now I am finally living my ONE life.”