A dedicated member of the Horn Entrepreneurship community, Cate Leidich, class of 2026, continuously challenged herself while building a path that reflects her passions and goals. Throughout her time at Horn, Cate found more than just academic opportunities, she found a community that encouraged her growth in all aspects.Post graduation, Cate is preparing for an exciting next chapter after UD. Through the connections and experiences she gained at Horn, along with her determination throughout a rigorous interview process, she secured a position in sales at Toast, a role that combines her passion for hospitality and working with people. Cate is leaving behind a lasting impact on the Horn community through her passion and contributions as she takes on this exciting next chapter after graduation.
What has your journey with Horn Entrepreneurship looked like?
As a freshman on the field hockey team, I first heard about Horn Entrepreneurship through a senior on the team who was involved in the program. I originally came to UD as an engineering major, but I realized pretty quickly that I did not really know where I wanted to end up. Because of that, I switched to undecided so I could take the time to figure out what I was actually passionate about. During the first semester of my sophomore year, I took Intro to Entrepreneurship with Dr. Dan Lee, and I immediately connected with the program. It was the first time I felt challenged in a way that went beyond academics. It really pushed me to grow in terms of my character, confidence, and personal development. After learning more about Horn and the Venture Development Center, I decided to stop by and ask about getting involved. Even though there were usually limited spots available, one had just opened up, and it honestly felt like the perfect opportunity for me to become part of the Horn community.
How has Horn changed your college experience or shaped your path?
One of the most pivotal experiences I had during my time at Horn was taking ENTR 160. Many of the workshops in that class encouraged us to rediscover passions we had as kids and really reflect on what excited us growing up. Through that experience, I remembered how much I loved entertaining, cooking, and pretending to own a restaurant when I was younger. That passion continued to stay with me throughout my time at Horn, especially later during my senior year when I took Vince DiFelice’s Startup Experience course. One of the biggest takeaways from that class was the idea that if you are not going to start your own company right away, you should work for a company you are genuinely passionate about. That advice ultimately led me to discover Toast, where I accepted a sales position after graduation
How did your experiences at Horn help prepare you for your role at Toast, and what are your plans after graduation?
Horn taught me how to set intentions and approach opportunities with purpose. One of the first things you learn when joining Horn is to always carry around the notebook that every student receives. At first it seems simple, but it really represents being intentional, taking initiative, and making sure the work you are doing has meaning behind it. That mindset helped me the most during my interviews with Toast because I was able to show that I was genuinely passionate about the role and the company. During one of my interviews, I was asked how I would handle repetition in a sales role. I explained that I learned at Horn how important it is to shift your mindset and intentions in order to stay motivated and continue growing. I think that perspective really helped set me apart from other candidates.
Have there been any mentors at UD or within Horn Entrepreneurship who have had a lasting impact on you?
One of the most influential people throughout my college experience and one of my biggest mentors at UD has definitely been Ted Foltyn. It was not just because of the classes I took with him, but because of the genuine relationship and guidance he gave me outside of the classroom as well. Ted played a huge role in helping me prepare for interviews and build confidence professionally. Beyond that, the entire Horn community has always felt approachable and supportive throughout my time here. Someone like Miss Kay, for example, always made students feel welcomed and supported the moment they walked through the doors. One of the most special parts about Horn is being surrounded by people who genuinely care about students’ growth and success, both personally and professionally.
What has been one of the most defining moments during your college experience?
Studying abroad during my junior year was one of the most memorable experiences of my college career. At the same time, when I came back to campus, I realized I felt disconnected from Horn and wanted to find a way to fully immerse myself in the community again. That ultimately led me to become a Horn Ambassador. Even though I was already a senior, I knew it was the best opportunity for me to get involved again and reconnect with everything Horn had to offer. One of the experiences I have grown to appreciate the most has been attending the Horn advisory lunches. After consistently showing up to events, meeting people, and putting myself out there, I started to realize that I had truly earned my place in those rooms. It became a really defining moment for me because I saw myself building relationships with hardworking and inspiring people around me while also becoming part of an incredible professional network.
What has been your favorite UD experience?
Joining the club field hockey team completely changed my college experience. I joined during the first two weeks of my freshman year, and some of my closest friends today are the people I met through that team. It really gave me a sense of community at UD, and even many of the friendships I built outside of field hockey somehow connected back to it in one way or another. Joining the team also pushed me outside of my comfort zone very early on in college, which ended up shaping so much of my experience at UD. Looking back, many of my favorite moments came from taking chances on myself, whether that was joining a club sport, switching majors, or showing up to Horn events even when I felt nervous. Putting myself into those new environments ultimately led me to the friendships, opportunities, and community that defined my college experience.
About Horn
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the US, Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
