Ignite, Launch, Grow:
Creating Economic & Social Impact

Saturday, March 9, 2024 | 1 - 6 PM | CSUF TSU

Get ready for a remarkable convergence of minds at SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurs 2024 (SCCE-24)! This annual conference stands as a testament to the vibrant innovation ecosystem of Southern California. Entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, exhibitors, schools, and students unite to celebrate the region's diverse entrepreneurial spirit, fostering upward mobility and a thriving quality of life.

SCCE-24 Speakers

  • Alexander Zorychta

    Managing Partner, Not Yet Ventures

    Ignite Panel

  • Anderee Berengian

    Co-Founder & CEO, Cie

    Ignite Panel

  • Barry Sandrew, Ph.D

    Director of Entrepreneurship, Westcliff University

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Bracy Fuentes

    Ideation Navigator, NorthSTAR OC

    Ignite Panel

  • Calvin Selth

    Calvin Selth

    Program Manager, AnnenbergTech

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Cynthia Kirkeby

    CVO, IMPRINT Adtech

    Ignite Panel

  • Dean Stoecker

    Executive Chairman, Alteryx

    Lightning Pitch Judge, Closing Keynote

  • Erica Solis, MBA

    Founder & CEO, Poppy Life Care

    Launch Panel

  • Gilberto DeSalvo

    CEO, Delphire Inc.

    Growth to Exit Panel

  • James Jones, Esq.

    Co-Founder and CEO, Bump

    Growth to Exit Panel

  • JC Ruffalo

    Partner, Cove Fund

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Jenalyn Santos

    Community Navigator, NorthSTAR OC

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Jennifer Yturralde

    Incubation Navigator, RevHub OC

    Launch Panel

  • Jessica Acosta

    Director, Startup Grind OC/Irvine

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Juan Carrillo

    Hub Director, RevHub OC

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Justin Sanders, Esq.

    Managing Partner, Master Key IP

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Karen Caswelch

    CEO and Co-Founder, Archytas Automation

    Growth to Exit Panel

  • Kevin Meredith

    Innovation Obsessor, 4th Sector Innovations

    Launch Panel

  • Kirin Kalia

    Grow Through Story, Founder and CEO

    Ignite Panel

  • Mallory Shickora, MBA

    VP, Investor & Platform, Fourward Ventures

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Mike Brown

    Chief Impact Officer, Real Leaders

    Launch Panel

  • Mike Stone, CFA

    Chief Investment Officer, Sunstone Management Inc.

    Growth to Exit Panel

  • Ray Chan

    K5 Ventures, Managing Director

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Scott Fox

    CEO & Founder, Orange County Startup Council

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Shaun Sanders, J.D.

    Managing Partner, VentureCraft

    Lightning Pitch Judge

  • Sridhar Sundaram

    Dean, CSUF College of Business and Economics

    Welcome

  • Xandra Laskowski

    CEO and Founder, OSEA Angel Investors

    Launch Panel

 Congratulations to the George W. Wright Lightning Pitch Winners!

 
 

Program

  • The Welcome & Keynote Panel sets the tone as the event's core, reflecting a collective dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Southern California. It serves as a nexus for diverse perspectives and industry expertise, showcasing the transformative impact of collaboration educational institutes in the region.

    INTRO:

    1. John Bradley Jackson, CSU Fullerton

    WELCOME:

    1. Dean Sri Sundaram, CSUF College of Business & Economics

  • The SCCE Exhibitor Showcase brings together a diverse array of forward-thinking companies and entrepreneurs. This dynamic platform offers attendees a firsthand experience of cutting-edge products, services, and technologies that are shaping the future of business. Explore the forefront of innovation, forge valuable connections, and witness the transformative potential of the entrepreneurial spirit at the SCCE Exhibitor Showcase.

    MODERATORS:

    1. Barry Sandrew, Westcliff University

    2. Kenneth Lamb, Cal Poly Pomona

  • The Ignite Panel sparks innovation through shared insights. Attendees are inspired to embrace entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities, and equipped with strategies to navigate development and startup complexities. This dynamic dialogue between seasoned entrepreneurs and emerging innovators fosters mentorship and networking, marking the start of an entrepreneurial journey.

    MODERATORS:

    1. David Ochi, CSU Dominguez Hills

    2. Timothy Tiemann, CSU Northridge

    SPEAKERS:

    1. Alexander Zorychta

    2. Anderee Berengian

    3. Bracy Fuentes

    4. Cynthia Kirkeby

    5. Kirin Kalia

  • The Launch Panel showcases regional dedication to innovation and resilience. Here, entrepreneurs exchange survival strategies, engaging in dynamic discussions led by industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs. Through actionable insights, attendees gain a roadmap for overcoming the hurdles of entrepreneurship while discovering hidden avenues for success.

    MODERATORS:

    1. Cynthia West, Chapman University

    2. Nastaran Simarasl, Cal Poly Pomona

    SPEAKERS:

    1. Erica Solis

    2. Jennifer Ytuttalde

    3. Kevin Meredith4

    4. Mike Brown

    5. Xandra Laskowski

  • The Growth & Exit Panel delves into the growth, harvest, and exit stages of the entrepreneurial journey. It highlights the intricacies of successful business expansion and transition strategies. Through engaging discussions, it equips entrepreneurs with tools to navigate growth complexities, reinforcing Southern California's status as an innovation hub.

    MODERATORS:

    1. George W. Wright, Concordia University Irvine

    2. Wade Martin, CSU Long Beach

    SPEAKERS:

    1. Gilberto DeSalvo

    2. James Jones

    3. Karen Caswelch

    4. Mike Stone

  • The SCCE Lightning Pitch Competition spotlights the thrilling intersection of innovation, pitching, and opportunity. This session highlights the essence of rapid communication, strategic thinking, and capturing attention in a limited timeframe. Through engaging presentations and valuable feedback, the Lightning Pitch empowers entrepreneurs to refine their pitches and enhance their storytelling skills.

    MODERATORS:

    1. Elianne Rodriguez, CSU Los Angeles

    2. Ryan Foland, University of California, Irvine

    JUDGES:

    1. Barry Sandrew

    2. Calvin Selth

    3. Dean Stoecker

    4. JC Ruffalo

    5. Jenalyn Santos

    6. Jessica Acosta

    7. Juan Carrillo

    8. Justin Sanders

    9. Mallory Shickora

    10. Ray Chan

    11. Scott Fox

    12. Shaun Sanders

  • The Social Hour allows attendees to engage in organic conversations and make meaningful connections. Through shared stories and genuine interactions, it serves as a reminder that beyond challenges and strategies, entrepreneurship is also about the people and relationships that shape the journey. The SCCE Lightning Pitch winner will also be announced before the event concludes.

    MODERATORS:

    1. Cathleen Greiner, North Orange County Community College District

    2. John Bradley Jackson, CSU Fullerton

    CLOSING KEYNOTE:

    1. Dean Stoecker

Generously Sponsored By

 

Ruby

 

Platinum

 

Gold

Silver

In-Kind

Testimonials

 A Collaboration Among

Community & Media Partners

Watch SCCE-23 Recaps

Past Events

  • SCCE-23

    Through shared stories, we honored community members and facilitated resources at SCCE-23 for innovators to build their own American Dream. Our goal was to celebrate SoCal for its richness and resources in the pursuit of becoming the globally recognized leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.

  • OCCE-21

    Regardless of the lifecycle stage or size of your business, we’re all challenged by seen and unforeseen obstacles that can threaten not only our success but our very survivability. Orange County Celebrates Entrepreneurs 2021 (OCCE-21) focused on developing, starting, surviving, growing and harvesting a business.

  • OCCE-20

    The inaugural event was held at Cal State Fullerton on February 29, 2020. It brought together entrepreneurs, investors, service providers, students, and business leaders. Through shared stories, we honored community members helping entrepreneurs and innovators build their own American Dream.

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