Read. See. Hear.

We All Have Belly Buttons

Patrick Ballantine '90

UD School of Law alumnus Patrick Ballantine ’90 had never seen an umbilical cord until the birth of his daughter. Then, he had a thought. This literal lifeline connection between mother and child is something all humans share — the formation of a belly button. After stuffing a draft of his children’s book, We All Have Belly Buttons, in a folder for a decade, he wiped the dust off and published it last year. Ballantine wrote the book to show that although the world might seem divided at times, we are all the same, no matter our differences or backgrounds. Ballantine said, “The message is to be kind, smile and love one another.”

InnovateHERs: Why Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurial Women Rise to the Top

Kathy Hurley '67

Kathy Hurley ’67 co-wrote a new book that shares the stories of how 29 of today’s top-performing women leaders in the for-profit, nonprofit and public sectors leverage their entrepreneurial mindsets to not only “do well” in their respective careers, but also to “do good.” Published last spring, InnovateHERs provides practical advice and insider anecdotes for entry-level professionals, entrepreneurs and seasoned managers to support their personalities, skills and backgrounds to excel in purpose-driven organizations. Hurley is the co-founder of the international nonprofit organization Girls Thinking Global.

 The Give Back Model

Christine Petrella '06

Last spring, Christine Petrella ’06 decided to start a new venture — launching a podcast, The Give Back Model. In its first year of production, Petrella has hosted entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs in discussions about how their companies have a model of giving back at their core. With more than 30 episodes under her belt, she has featured the CEO of the Newman’s Own Foundation, the president of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and the founders of Two Blind Brothers, the last of which was highlighted on Ellen. Petrella aims to educate consumers on the “give back” journey that many businesses have traveled, allowing them to make more informed buying decisions.