Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) at St. Thomas University, Nov. 14-16, will bring together student and community entrepreneurs with a three-day schedule of events, speakers and activities. Now in its eighth year, GEW at STU, organized by the Gus Machado School of Business, is strengthening the entrepreneurial and innovative culture of its students and local community by exposing them to new business trends, and successful, local entrepreneurs.
“At St. Thomas University we want to foster innovation, new business creation and career exploration,” said STU President Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale. “Our hope is that events like GEW at STU inspire our students to build innovative companies and influence industries around the world.”
GEW is the world’s largest celebration of those who invent products and create new companies and start-up businesses, in addition to those who use their business to create a social change. During one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators.
STU has several events and panel discussions planned for aspiring entrepreneurs, some of which are open to the public.
Monday, Nov. 14
Opening Ceremony: 21st Century Financial Leaders
6 p.m., Goldbloom Convocation Hall
Our distinguished panelists will discuss financial leadership in the ever-changing world of technology and modern global economy. Panelists include: Mel Lagomasino, CEO of WE Family Offices; Zachary Kelman, chief legal officer and director at BitCoin; and Roddy Shay, chairman/CEO and principal shareholder of Austin Atlantic Inc.
Tuesday, Nov.15
60 Seconds to STartUp: Student Entrepreneurship Competition
3 p.m., Goldbloom Convocation Hall
The top 10 video submissions submitted by STU undergraduate and graduate students will compete to turn their startup idea into a reality. It’s a winner-take-all opportunity for ventures to get visibility, direct one-on-one mentorship with local entrepreneurs, funding, and bragging rights.
iMPLEMENTING iNNOVATIVE iDEAS: Alumni Panel and Networking Reception
6 – 8:30 p.m., Goldbloom Convocation Hall
This group of leaders for life will discuss how they strategically implemented their business ideas and unique innovations, and turned them into successful entrepreneurial ventures. Panelists include: Jarrel Hall ’13, founder of Relish Socks; Edwin Meza ’13, owner of uBreakiFix and PowerTechExpress, LLC; Juan Meza, managing director at The Founders Institute; and Elena Suarez ’05, former owner of Math Monkey.
Wednesday, Nov. 16
Women Leaders in Non-Traditional Fields
12:15 p.m., Goldbloom Convocation Hall
Did you know that women in non-traditional jobs earn more money than those in female oriented careers? This panel consists of women who are leading the way in STEM fields. They’ll discuss the strategies, successes and challenges that helped them become leaders in their fields. Panelists include: Orly Alexander, chief financial officer and co-founder of Kent Security; Tery Howard, senior vice president and chief technology officer for the Miami Dolphins; and Carmen Perez, president of FPL FiberNet.
Closing Ceremony: Success After Sports
6 p.m., Goldbloom Convocation Hall
The closing ceremony will kick off with a panel consisting of former professional athletes who are now making a living outside of the playing arena. Panelists sharing their stories include: Dwight Stephenson, former Miami Dolphin player and owner and co-founder of D. Stephenson Construction; Patrick Tardieu, former professional soccer player and president and CEO of Bogoose Corporation; and John Crotty former NBA player and principal at Avison Young.
For registration information, please visit www.stu.edu/gewregistration.
