More than a dozen Sacred Heart University students have been gaining hands-on business experience while helping safety startup WeSkreech prepare for its upcoming product launch. The company, co-founded by Shana Moore and Chief Technical Officer Larry Lopata, has been collaborating with SHU students on marketing, sales and operations since last fall.
Source: Instagram, @weskreech
Moore, who serves as WeSkreech’s Chief Executive Officer, said the inspiration for the company came three years ago when she and Lopata were developing sonic defense technologies for large spaces. She noticed a growing trend in keychain safety alarms but found most were weak and ineffective.
WeSkreech, which develops the SKREECH, a personal safety alarm, was born from Lopata’s work designing sonic defense technologies for homes and businesses. Moore saw an opportunity to adapt this technology into a more effective keychain alarm.
Source: Instagram, @weskreech
“The SKREECH is a sonic punch that causes instant ‘brain pain’ but no lasting damage,” Moore said. Unlike traditional personal safety devices like pepper spray or tasers, SKREECH does not require physical contact or risk blowback.
Students have played a major role in shaping WeSkreech’s marketing development. They have been involved in market research, design input, social media management and marketing strategies. According to Moore, student contributions have had a direct impact on product development.
In addition to the practical business experience, the partnership gives students a chance to contribute to a cause that is important to the university: community safety. SHU students often work with the Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport, which provides services to victims of domestic violence and abuse and offers education to prevent violence and promote safety, according to the Sacred Heart website.
One of the most significant contributions from SHU students was a research project by interns.
“Our interns conducted and filmed more than 100 interviews, showing that our product, the SKREECH, outperforms the most popular keychain alarm 100% of the time,” Moore said. This is a promising result as the company prepares for its official launch.
WeSkreech is preparing for an early April pre- order campaign, resembling a Kickstarter launch. “In early April, a link to SHU friends and families will go out to preorder the SKREECH, and we will offer an initial run of 500 units to be delivered in early August. Any orders over 500 will be delivered on a set schedule thereafter,” said Moore.
For students, the partnership is viewed as more than just an internship; it’s their chance to gain entrepreneurial experience while contributing to a cause that matters.
Senior Nick Milidantri, a psychology major, was one of the first students to join WeSkreech. He now serves as the company’s chief operating officer (COO) and handles day-to-day operations.
“I wanted to help out with WeSkreech because of their mission,” said Milidantri. “Promoting community safety and, more specifically, women’s safety is something that I immediately wanted to be a part of. Giving back to my community and making the world a better place is a lifelong goal of mine.”
He credits his work with WeSkreech for enhancing his education beyond the classroom.
“The hands-on experience is one of a kind and has allowed me to become more professional,” said Milidantri. “Opportunities to collaborate and network with other companies and intelligent people has taught me numerous skills.”
Milidantri also encouraged other students to get involved.
“This student-led movement we are promoting on campus is something we want everyone to be a part of,” Milidantri said. “Safety is something people fear daily, and with our product and student support, we can work together to change that.”
