EVENT SPEAKERS
KEYNOTE
AWARD PRESENTOR
AMERICAN DREAM AWARDS
Rosanna Durruthy
Speaker
Rosanna Durruthy is Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at LinkedIn, where she leads global teams in implementing innovative talent and Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategies. An Afro-Latina and a graduate of both Harvard and Stanford University, she is a recognized thought leader and trailblazer in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Rosanna has been named among the most powerful Latinas and is a key figure in transforming workplace diversity.
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Tom Hudson
Moderator
Tom Hudson is WLRN's Senior Economics Editor and Special Correspondent, known for his in-depth reporting on South Florida's economy. With a career spanning from trading floors to local interviews, he previously served as Vice President of News at WLRN and managed and co-anchored Nightly Business Report on PBS.
PLENARY SESSION
Angelica Santibañez
Moderator
Angie Santibañez leads community engagement for Amazon in Florida, forging partnerships with local leaders to support the company's initiatives. With over a decade of experience in social impact, Angie is active in South Florida's civic and charitable circles and has received several accolades, including the 2023 Hispanic Women of Distinction award.
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Charles Irizarry
Speaker
Charles Irizarry is a leader in AI and digital transformation, serving as Principal and CEO of Brim & Company, where he helps enterprises implement AI-driven innovation. Through his work with Strata.ai and other ventures, he pioneers AI solutions that optimize business operations and shape the future of technology.
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Vicente Pimienta
Speaker
Vicente Pimienta is Florida's Grow with Google Digital Coach and CEO of Digisults. Since 2017, he has trained nearly 20,000 small businesses in digital skills, offering free coaching on topics like online sales and business productivity. As CEO of Digisults, he helps businesses transition to digital commerce with comprehensive internet services and digital marketing strategies.
Tarja Stephens
Speaker
Tarja Stephens is a Finnish-American entrepreneur specializing in AI workforce development, focusing on bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and human skills. With over two decades of international experience in business development, change management, and talent development, she provides strategic guidance to public and private sectors on navigating the transformative impact of AI on employment, skills development, and career mobility.
WORKSHOP #1
Mastering Entrepreneurship:
Strategies for Success Straight from the Experts
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Jim Ryan
Moderator
Jim Ryan is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of OutPLEX, a Fort Lauderdale-based digital outsourcing company with over 2,000 employees in three countries. He is also a co-founder of the Venture Mentoring Team, founding partner of Glades Capital, and a key figure in South Florida's startup ecosystem.
Eukeni Urrechaga
Speaker
Eukeni (Keni) is the founder of MCDS PRO, a company specializing in manufacturing aluminum and structural steel components for residential and commercial projects. A visionary entrepreneur with a background in civil and environmental engineering, Keni is dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
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Alex Recio
Speaker
Alex is the CEO of Colada Cuban Cafe, LLC, which includes Miramar Bakery and a fast-casual Cuban food concept with multiple South Florida locations. With a background in business, communications, and government, he focuses on expanding the company's franchise model while maintaining quality and service.
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Amaury Cifuentes
Panelist
Amaury Cifuentes, CFP®, CMP®, is Managing Partner of Azzendo Wealth Advisors, where he provides wealth management services to individuals, families, and physicians. With over 30 years of experience in banking and finance, he specializes in delivering comprehensive financial strategies and investment solutions based on evidence-driven approaches.
WORKSHOP #2
Navigating Change:
Business Planning for a Dynamic World
George Gremse
Moderator
Mr. Gremse is the Chapter Chairman at SCORE Broward and President of Jolizmo Consulting and Investments, Inc. With senior management experience at Fortune 500 companies like Hertz, Citibank, and Adecco Staffing, he also served as Interim CEO and Board Member at Liberty Health Sciences and holds degrees from Cornell University and Baruch College.
Althea Harris
Speaker
Althea A. Harris, Deputy District Director at the SBA in Miami, has nearly 29 years of experience supporting small businesses, including helping exporters and guiding businesses in federal contracting. A graduate of Howard University and the University of Miami School of Law, she is deeply involved in her community, serving on various boards, including Miami Youth for Christ and Christ Journey Church.
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Bob Nelson
Speaker
Bob Nelson is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Venture Mentoring Team, Inc., with over 50 years of experience in software development, finance, public safety, and transportation. He is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at FAU’s School of Business, a founding member of The New World Angels, and a mentor for various pitch competitions and university programs.
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Stacie Sussman
Speaker
Stacie Sussman is the Chief Revenue Officer of RevUp Advisory, where she leads a team in scaling B2B companies through her proprietary Conveyor Belt Methodology™. With over two decades of experience, she partners with executives to drive sustainable revenue growth, optimize sales processes, and enhance marketing and operational strategies.
WORKSHOP #3
Money Matters:
Navigating Financial Management and Capital Access
Maribel Feliciano
Moderator
Maribel Feliciano is the Assistant Director of the Office of Economic and Small Business Development, where she oversees operations related to small business certification, economic development, and international trade. Recognized for her leadership and contributions to the business community, she has received several awards, including the Inspiring Women of Health award and the 2024 Hispanic Woman of Distinction.
Andy Cagnetta
Moderator
Andy joined Transworld Business Brokers in 1995, purchased the company in 1997, and expanded it into Transworld Business Advisors, now the leading business brokerage and franchisor with over 950 brokers and 5,000 businesses for sale. A recognized author and speaker, Andy also hosts the annual charity event "Andy's Family Pasta Dinner," which has raised over $2.5 million.
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Andrea JohnBaptiste
Speaker
Andrea M. JohnBaptiste has been a development consultant since 2006, working on projects across various countries including the US, Jamaica, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A master’s degree holder in organizational management, she has also been recognized with the 2019 Rising Star Award by the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame and is known for her vibrant approach to life through dance, travel, and nature.
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Fabiana Estrada
Speaker
Fabiana is the Regional Vice President of Lending and Business Development for Ascendus, where she has been instrumental in providing over $3.6 million in capital and supporting more than 600 jobs. Recognized with the Economic Opportunity Award by the South Florida Community Development Coalition in 2012, she also represented Ascendus at a 2020 Senate Committee Hearing and has contributed to Ascendus earning multiple SBA awards, including Community Partner of the Year for 2024.
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Augusto Vazquez
Speaker
Augusto is the Chief Revenue Officer at Accion Opportunity Fund, where he drives national growth through sales, partnerships, and business advising. With over 26 years in banking, including roles as SVP at Citibank and various managerial positions at Popular Community Bank and Colonial Bank, he brings a wealth of experience in business development and sales strategy.