myCSUSM
Founders in Focus
Bring entrepreneurial inspiration directly to your classroom through the Innovation
Hub’s Founders in Focus program. Faculty can request a guest founder or entrepreneur to speak with their
class, sharing real-world insights into the challenges, successes, and defining moments
of building a business.
The Innovation Hub will coordinate the speaker and host your class in the Hub, creating
an engaging environment where students can connect theory to practice and gain firsthand
perspectives from accomplished innovators.
Past Speakers
Cristobal Murillo, Selk'bag
For the first event in our Beyond The Pitch: Founders' Journeys series this semester join Cristobal Murillo as he delves into his journey of creating Selk'bag, a company he founded in Chile and brought to the United States 12 years ago. Murillo has learned to juggle e-commerce, product development, logistics, marketing, and so much more. He will share his journey and what it takes to keep a business moving forward.
Cassandra Schaeg, Fresh Glass
For the second event in our Beyond The Pitch: Founders' Journeys series this semester join Cassandra Schaeg as she delves into her journey of creating an Emmy-award-winning lifestyle docu-series. Learn about how a career in the nonprofit and private sectors led to her journey in entrepreneurship as the Founder of SIP Wine & Beer and Co-Founder of Fresh Glass Productions LLC. We are so excited to hear from Cassandra and learn about how storytelling can change lives!
Maya Madsen, Maya's Cookies
Maya Madsen of Maya's Cookies (right here in North City!) will share her story of starting and building her successful business. Maya's Cookies was voted America's #1 Black-owned gourmet, vegan cookie company in 2022. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the highs and lows of running your own business while being able to ask questions and network.
Enriching Conversations
Discover the stories behind successful businesses, learn from the challenges others have overcome, and have your students leave inspired to take on your their own entrepreneurial journeys. Don't miss this opportunity for students to connect, learn, and grow.