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Innovate, Compete, and Celebrate!

Stay informed about all the exciting events hosted by the FGCU Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. From inspiring speakers and interactive workshops to thrilling competitions and hackathons, we offer a diverse range of opportunities to engage and learn. Celebrate our achievements at mixers and special events, and connect with our dynamic community of innovators and entrepreneurs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Explore, engage, and be inspired!

FGCU DKSOE

Voices of Impact: The Changemaker Speaker Series

Voices of Impact: The Changemaker Speaker Series is where bold ideas meet real-world action. Hosted by the FGCU Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, this premier speaker series brings together groundbreaking entrepreneurs, visionary business leaders, and world-class mentors from across the globe. These are the innovators shaping industries, building movements, and redefining what’s possible. Their stories will challenge you, their journeys will inspire you, and their insights will empower you to lead with purpose, think without limits, and create the future you imagine. 

 Luca Principi

August 26, 2025
Luca Principi

Luca Principi is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sidereus Space Dynamics, an Italian aerospace startup developing EOS, a next-generation micro-launch vehicle designed for ultra-responsive and cost-effective space access. With a background in aerospace systems engineering, Luca oversees operational strategy and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into the company’s orbital launch solutions. He has been instrumental in forging partnerships with organizations like Space Park Leicester to advance additive manufacturing and space propulsion technologies. Luca is committed to democratizing space access through innovative engineering and sustainable practices.


Location:  The Home for Entrepreneurship: Lucas Hall - 5:30pm

DKSOE

 Kristen Coury

August 28, 2025
Kristen Coury

Kristen Coury is the Founder, CEO, and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, which she established in 2004. Starting with no staff and minimal funding, she quickly began producing professional theatre, driven by a bold vision for cultural excellence in Southwest Florida.

Under her leadership, Gulfshore Playhouse has grown into a thriving organization with more than 80 employees and an annual budget of $11.8 million—all achieved without debt. Kristen also spearheaded the creation of a transformative $72 million state-of-the-art Theatre and Education Center, located at the gateway to downtown Naples, which is set to open to the public in late 2024.

Kristen’s work has earned her widespread recognition. She was named one of Gulfshore Life Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2008, a “Star in the Arts” by the United Arts Council of Collier County in 2011, and one of Gulfshore Life’s Men and Women of the Year in both 2013 and 2024. In 2023, she received the prestigious Murray Hendel Award for Civic Achievement. Most recently, Kristen was appointed to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, continuing her commitment to advancing the arts across the state.

Location:  The Home for Entrepreneurship: Lucas Hall - 5:30pm

DKSOE

 Paige Nocera

September 3, 2025
Paige Nocera

What started as a creative outlet making charcuterie boards for family gatherings and girls' nights quickly transformed into a refined brand experience. Paige discovered not only a talent but a true passion for blending visual artistry with gourmet flavor. Her boards are more than food; they are curated moments that elevate every occasion.

Paige earned her degree in Business Administration with a minor in Event Management from the University of Florida. Her academic background laid the groundwork, but her entrepreneurial spirit and eye for detail turned a personal passion into a thriving business. Events with Paige was born from the desire to combine her love for entertaining with an elevated approach to food presentation.

At Events with Paige, every charcuterie board is designed with purpose and precision. Whether it is for an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, each arrangement is customized to reflect the client’s preferences and the spirit of the event. Clients can request specific items, and each order is available for pickup at the Naples storefront or for delivery throughout the area.

Paige has quickly become a standout in Southwest Florida's culinary scene. She was named “The Face of Charcuterie” in Gulfshore Life’s Faces of Southwest Florida 2024 and won Judges' Favorite at the Naples Zoo’s Zoobilee event in February 2024. As she continues to expand her presence at community events, Paige is building a brand that blends hospitality, creativity, and community.

If you spot her at a local event, feel free to say hello. Her passion is connection, and that is what makes her boards unforgettable.


Location:  The Home for Entrepreneurship: Lucas Hall - 5:30pm

DKSOE

 Marc Appleman

September 11, 2025
Marc Appleman

An innovative and forward-thinking sports executive, known for developing and executing strategic visions that drive organizational growth and business development. With deep expertise across media, management, and sports entertainment, he has led and transformed organizations at every level.

He is the Co-Founder and President of Sport Media Entertainment Inc., and formerly served as CEO of SABR (Society for American Baseball Research). His media leadership spans top-tier brands, having held senior executive, editorial, writing, and production roles at ESPN, Fox Sports, AOL Sports, Sports Illustrated for Kids, WWE, Active, and Nobok Sports. A dedicated advocate for education and industry mentorship, he served as an Adjunct Professor at the George Polk School of Communications at LIU (Spring 2021) and has been a guest lecturer at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.


Location:  The Home for Entrepreneurship: Lucas Hall - 5:30pm

DKSOE

 Marc Appleman

September 18, 2025
Brian Rowland

Chef Brian Roland is a celebrated culinary artist and entrepreneur known for redefining fine dining experiences in Southwest Florida. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Chef Brian trained under world-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud and honed his skills as Executive Chef at Cru in Fort Myers and Chops City Grill in Bonita Springs, before earning acclaim as the executive chef at M Waterfront Grille in Naples.

In late 2012, driven by a decade-long vision and a desire to bring something truly unique to the region, Chef Brian founded Crave Culinaire—a cutting-edge culinary venture that quickly became Southwest Florida’s go-to for elevated dining experiences. Officially launched in early 2013, Crave Culinaire blends high-end catering, in-home dining, and bespoke event services with Chef Brian’s signature flair for modern cuisine and sensory innovation.

With a team of passionate professionals, Chef Brian continues to push boundaries—from posh cocktail soirées to immersive private dinners—using only the highest-quality ingredients and avant-garde techniques to craft experiences that are as memorable as they are delicious. His passion lies in creating not just meals, but moments—where food becomes an art form and every detail is thoughtfully designed to surprise and delight.


Location:  The Home for Entrepreneurship: Lucas Hall - 5:30pm

DKSOE

 Jonas Pilz - Maxon

October 22, 2025
Jonas Pilz - Maxon

Jonas Pilz is a Maxon Master Trainer dedicated to educating professional 3D artists at all skill levels. He leads the training and certification of Cinema 4D instructors through the Maxon Certification Program, ensuring the highest quality expertise in the industry. Maxon One brings together Cinema 4D, Forger, Red Giant, Redshift, Universe, and ZBrush into a seamless, all-in-one platform designed for 3D artists, animators, and filmmakers. Whether you are creating breathtaking motion graphics, lifelike digital sculptures, or cinematic visual effects, Maxon One provides powerful, industry-leading tools trusted by professionals worldwide. This virtual event features Jonas demonstrating the stunning effects you have seen in movies, showing how these tools can bring your creative vision to life.

Customers use our comprehensive suite of tools, Maxon One, for a wide variety of projects and industries, including: Games — “God of War: Ragnarök,” “The Last of Us,” and “League of Legends.” Films/TV Series — “Godzilla Minus One,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and “Raised by Wolves.” Props/Sets — Lady Gaga’s tree piano for the Chromatica Ball Tour. Music videos — Mitski, Weezer, Ed Sheeran, and Foo Fighters. Product launches — Mulberry, Nike, Volvo, and Google. As well as sports graphics, medical animation, dentistry, toys and figurines, jewelry and fashion design, and manufacturing.


Location:  The Home for Entrepreneurship: Lucas Hall - 5:30pm

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Fort Myers, FL 33965
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