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Innovation Hub

Entrepreneur Speaker Series

Welcome to the Entrepreneur Speaker Series, an inspiring event that brings together accomplished founders to share their remarkable journeys in building successful businesses. Join us for an evening of insightful conversations, where our esteemed speakers will delve into the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shaped their entrepreneurial paths. This event is designed to empower and enlighten students, offering invaluable lessons that can guide them on their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Meet Our Esteemed Speakers

Dr. Ravi Rajaratnam

Dr. Ravi Rajaratnam

Executive Coach and Author of Hardwiring vs. Rewiring: Shaping Mindset, Skillset, And Behaviors During Early Childhood Development

Tuesday, February 6
4pm - 5:30pm

Dr. Rajaratnam is an executive with 30 years of business experience as a former Chief Information Officer and EVP of Operations, and now utilizing his experience into Executive Leadership Coaching and Training practice. He channels advances in neuroscience, and cognitive and behavioral psychology to equip ambitious leaders, individuals, employees, and entrepreneurs with the resources needed for enhanced mental fitness and achieving overall well-being and success in their professional and personal lives. Dr. Rajaratnam will dive into his wealth of experience as both a mentor an entrepreneur as he explores the intricacies of the innovation process, emphasizing the role of one's mindset, and convergent and divergent thinking.

 

D’ontra Hughes

Founder and CEO of SPARE™

Tuesday, March 5
4pm - 5:30pm

As the CEO and Founder of SPARE™, D'ontra Hughes will share his journey and experience in building a startup in a competitive industry. Founded in 2018, SPARE™ digitally answers the cash management problem that many unbanked small business face. "By utilizing innovative technology to connect local businesses to local consumers–SPARE aims to reduce costs, increase foot traffic, and positively impact sales and local community-building initiatives," - SPARE™.

D'Ontra Hughes

 

Cassandra Schaeg

Cassandra Schaeg

Founder of SIP Wine & Beer

Tuesday, April 9
4pm - 5:30pm

Cassandra Schaeg is the Founder of SIP Wine & Beer, which is a tasting room and event space in Escondido, California. Coming from one of California's top 5 wine regions, Temecula, Cassandra imagined Escondido as a destination for her business SIP Wine & Beer. She aims to bring an enjoyable and uncomplicated experience to the world of wine and beer, all the while supporting local businesses and promoting brands owned by women and minorities. Cassandra uplifts the stories of winemakers and brewers who navigate a space that lacks adequate representation from women and people of color. WineVersations is a web series by Cassandra that documents the journey of notables in wine, beer, entrepreneurship, and social justice. 

Agenda

  • 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Registration and Networking
    Connect with like-minded individuals, fellow students, and professionals who share a passion for entrepreneurship.
  • 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM: Opening Remarks
    A warm welcome to all attendees, setting the tone for an evening of inspiration and learning.
  • 4:45 PM - 5:30 PM: Entrepreneur Speaker Series
    Our founders will take the stage to share their unique stories and host a Q&A.

Join Us for an Evening of Inspiration!

Discover the stories behind successful businesses, learn from the challenges others have overcome, and leave inspired to take on your own entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. We look forward to seeing you at the Entrepreneur Speaker Series!