The senior class officers have selected Silvija Martincevic, a global technology leader and Beloit Alumnus, as the 2026 Commencement Speaker.
Beloit College is pleased to announce that Silvija Martincevic, Class of 2002, will deliver the commencement address at the college’s graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 10th, 2026. Martincevic is the CEO of Deputy, a global technology platform for scheduling and workforce management.
Senior class officers chose Martincevic in collaboration with the President’s office. As a class, they recognized her as a leader whose career trajectory — from immigrant teenager to CEO of a global technology company — offers meaningful perspective and inspiration for graduates beginning their own professional journeys. Samuel Shobert, the commencement officer for the Class of 2026, says that Martincevic’s reflections on her experience at Beloit College and in her professional career will be incredibly useful to students at this milestone in their lives. “I have found Silvija’s story to be deeply encouraging,” he says, “and I am sure that my peers will feel the same.”
From Croatia to the C-Suite
Martincevic immigrated to the United States at age 17 following the Balkan wars of the 1990s. She enrolled at Beloit College, where she earned her degree in economics. After graduating, she went on to earn an MBA in econometrics and statistics from the University of Chicago, preparing herself for roles in finance and technology leadership.
Her early career included a decade in investment management, where she focused on socially-responsible, female, and minority-owned funds. She co-founded and served as CEO of Zenna Financial Services, specializing in impact investing, and later became chief operating officer at Groupon, overseeing operations in Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Most recently, Martincevic served as chief commercial officer at Affirm, a Silicon Valley-based financial-technology company. In that role, she helped grow the company from 6,500 to 200,000 customers and contributed to its successful 2021 Nasdaq IPO. She now leads Deputy, a technology platform serving shift workers and businesses worldwide.
Commitment to Economic Access and Mentorship
Throughout her career, Martincevic has prioritized using technology to expand economic opportunity for underserved communities. She serves on the board of Kiva, an international nonprofit focused on expanding financial access globally. She has maintained a connection to Beloit College by mentoring students and alumni, particularly those with international backgrounds and those pursuing careers in technology.
Eric Boynton, Beloit College president, expressed enthusiasm about Martincevic’s return to campus. “We celebrate Silvija’s global impact as an international business leader. She is someone who took her Beloit College education and used it to approach the complex problems of the world ethically and thoughtfully.”
A Homecoming
Beloit College is proud to count Silvija Martincevic among our distinguished alumni. Her selection reflects the senior class’s recognition of an alumna whose career demonstrates both professional achievement and a commitment to using her work for broader social good.
