be innovative at BC

Kristin Groos Richmond '97 knows how to tackle a problem, and that skill has taken her from the Heights to Capitol Hill. Kristin's BC education, grounded in the core curriculum, not only prepared her for success in business, but also trained her to think critically about social problems. After earning a BS in finance and accounting, Kristin spent three years as an investment banker in New York, where she also volunteered as a tutor to city students.

In New York she discovered her talent for business and her passion for education, which led her to leave Wall Street to start a school in Nairobi. There she saw the undeniable link between malnutrition and poor school performance—an issue that parallels nutrition problems in U.S. schools where excess fat and sugar cause disadvantages to learning. Upon returning to the U.S., she set out to solve this problem. Today, Kristin is the co-founder and CEO of Revolution Foods. The company designs healthy school menus with student and parent input and prepares nearly 60,000 school meals daily using fresh fruits and vegetables, hormone-free milk, antibiotic-free meats, and no preservatives.

Recently, President Obama appointed her to the White House Council for Community Solutions because of her effectiveness in solving childhood nutrition problems. The secret to the success of the company, she says, is in "holding ourselves to an extremely high standard." Her advice to others with innovative ideas? "It sounds simple, but just go for it!"

What is the most satisfying moment in your professional life?
Seeing the impact of our programs at schools and building an amazing team at Revolution Foods.

In your personal life?
For my husband, Steve, and me, it was becoming parents.

What is your fondest BC memory?
Tailgating on Shea Field.

What is your next goal?
Steve and I are learning to surf and having a lot of fun in the process!

What is one thing everyone should do while at BC?
Take the Perspectives class…absolutely amazing!

How have you changed since graduation?
I’m the same person with the same values, but I've just learned so much!

Why did you decide to attend BC?
I fell in love with the people at BC when I visited.

What is the secret to success?
Go for it! I was trembling on my flight to Nairobi, but I'm so glad I went.

Where is your favorite spot on the Heights?
The Mods and O'Neill Library.

What would you do if you were BC president for a day?
I would find alumni who are applying traditional skills to socially impactful work and expose students to their ideas.

What was your first job?
Every year in high school and college I was a waitress at Cappy's in San Antonio. 

Where did you live freshman year?
Fenwick, and we had a fire that year!

How do you relax?
I hang out with my husband and kids. We play, ride bikes, take walks. 

What was your favorite BC class?
Perspectives.

What do you look forward to each day?
New words from my two-year-old Caleb, cooking with my son Watts, having dinner with Steve. 

How much can you sing of the BC fight song?
Not enough!

What was the best meal at the BC dining hall?I loved the homemade pizza, salad, and pasta bar. I also loved a chicken parm sub every once in awhile!