SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship 2025

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.

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. Victor Macias, Santana Snacks

2. Barry Sandrew, Westcliff University

SPEAKERS:

1. Delilah Panio | VP, US Capital Formation, Toronto Stock Exchange

2. Lizbeth DaBroy | Business Access Advisor, U.S. Bank

3. Ritu Arora Thakur | Founder & CEO, Smart Tech Inc.

4. Sonny Nguyen | Founder, Sonny & Company CPA

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

SPEAKERS:

1. Hamed Khandan | Founder & CEO, Universal Informatics LLC

2. Jen Chiou | Founder, Code Speak Labs / Quest Craft

3. Karen Caswelch | Founder & CEO, bridgED manufacturing

4. La Keisha Landrum Pierre | General Partner & Co-Founder, Emmeline Ventures

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. Wade Martin, CSU Long Beach

2. Travis Lindsay, Titan Angels

SPEAKERS:

1. Curtis Chan | Founder & Managing Partner, COGNITIVE IMPACT

2. Thomas Markel | Founder, Seniority Corporation

3. Scott Sorrell | CEO, Charge Higher Prices

4. Mike Stone | Chief Investment Officer, Sunstone Management

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. Stefani Rios, UC Irvine

2. David Ochi, CSU Dominguez Hills

JUDGES:

1. Alan Zall | Attorney and Real Estate Broker

2. Anshuman Sinha | Co-Founder & COO, Startup Steroid

3. Christina Gallegos | Founder & Managing, Partner, Gradient Coast LLC

4. Curtis Chan | Founder & Managing Partner, COGNITIVE IMPACT

5. Justin Sanders | Intellectual Property Attorney, Master Key IP

6. Kevin Meredith | Innovation Obsessor, 4th Sector Innovations

7. Nitin Bajaj | Founder & CEO, American South Asian Network (ASAN)

8. Rudy Chavarria Jr | Founder & CEO, College Ed Tech