Kent School welcomed Erin Reilly ’08 to campus on Tuesday, April 29, as the inaugural speaker of the Seto Family Inspiration Speaker Series. Reilly, who co-founded Pop! Promos with her Kent classmate, Sterling Wilson ’08, and later served as its CEO, addressed students, faculty, and staff, sharing her experiences as an entrepreneur and reflecting on how her time at Kent shaped her mindset and career path.

Before her talk, Reilly joined members of the Investment Club for dinner, giving students a chance to ask questions and engage in conversation. Her presentation, centered around her journey from college startup founder to leading a nationally recognized merchandise company, offered practical advice and encouragement about pursuing meaningful work and staying grounded in your values.

She spoke about how the many roles she took on at Kent—as Case Dorm Prefect, Editor-in-Chief of The Kent News, President of Model UN, peer tutor, and tour guide—helped shape her leadership skills and adaptability. “The vast array of experiences I had at Kent helped me become comfortable moving between different subjects and challenges, Reilly explained. "And I learned early on at Kent how fun and rewarding it is to lead a team or organization to a successful outcome.”

Reilly also emphasized the importance of kindness and strong relationships, highlighting the long-term benefits of treating people well and how connections built through genuine interactions can open doors years later. The foundation for these values was laid early at Kent, where attending chapel three times a week provided “consistent, meaningful, and authentic moral guidance.” She added, “Our faculty at Kent always demonstrated compassion and a genuine desire to help us grow and improve—that was so impactful on my development. I have tried to emulate that style when working with and mentoring team members.”

Another takeaway from her talk was the idea that early career risks often carry more potential than downside. Reilly encouraged students to embrace uncertainty and explore bold ideas. She also emphasized that starting something new, whether a job or a business, doesn’t require knowing everything in advance. What matters more is being self-aware, willing to learn, and confident enough to seek help when needed.

Student organizers Roberto J. ’25 and Jude P. ’26 said they invited Reilly because her story felt both inspiring and relevant to today’s Kent students. “Erin’s journey from Kent student to successful entrepreneur is incredibly inspiring,” said Jude. “We hoped students would see how ambition, creativity, and perseverance can lead to real-world success.”

Roberto added, “We hoped the audience took away the idea that Kent prepares you well for the future. Her message relates to Kent’s motto in her directness of purpose and commitment to her goals.”

Reilly closed her talk with encouragement for students to focus on doing one thing well, rather than trying to do everything at once, and reminded them that there’s room in any industry for thoughtful, dedicated people who bring their own approach.

The Seto Family Inspiration Speaker Series was created to connect Kent students with alumni whose stories can spark ideas and broaden perspectives. Erin Reilly’s visit marked a strong and meaningful beginning to this new tradition.