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
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Alexander Zorychta
Managing Partner, Not Yet Ventures
Ignite Panel
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Anderee Berengian
Co-Founder & CEO, Cie
Ignite Panel
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Barry Sandrew, Ph.D
Director of Entrepreneurship, Westcliff University
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Bracy Fuentes
Ideation Navigator, NorthSTAR OC
Ignite Panel
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Calvin Selth
Program Manager, AnnenbergTech
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Cynthia Kirkeby
CVO, IMPRINT Adtech
Ignite Panel
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Dean Stoecker
Executive Chairman, Alteryx
Lightning Pitch Judge, Closing Keynote
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Erica Solis, MBA
Founder & CEO, Poppy Life Care
Launch Panel
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Gilberto DeSalvo
CEO, Delphire Inc.
Growth to Exit Panel
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James Jones, Esq.
Co-Founder and CEO, Bump
Growth to Exit Panel
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JC Ruffalo
Partner, Cove Fund
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Jenalyn Santos
Community Navigator, NorthSTAR OC
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Jennifer Yturralde
Incubation Navigator, RevHub OC
Launch Panel
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Jessica Acosta
Director, Startup Grind OC/Irvine
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Juan Carrillo
Hub Director, RevHub OC
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Justin Sanders, Esq.
Managing Partner, Master Key IP
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Karen Caswelch
CEO and Co-Founder, Archytas Automation
Growth to Exit Panel
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Kevin Meredith
Innovation Obsessor, 4th Sector Innovations
Launch Panel
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Kirin Kalia
Grow Through Story, Founder and CEO
Ignite Panel
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Mallory Shickora, MBA
VP, Investor & Platform, Fourward Ventures
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Mike Brown
Chief Impact Officer, Real Leaders
Launch Panel
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Mike Stone, CFA
Chief Investment Officer, Sunstone Management Inc.
Growth to Exit Panel
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Ray Chan
K5 Ventures, Managing Director
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Scott Fox
CEO & Founder, Orange County Startup Council
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Shaun Sanders, J.D.
Managing Partner, VentureCraft
Lightning Pitch Judge
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Sridhar Sundaram
Dean, CSUF College of Business and Economics
Welcome
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Xandra Laskowski
CEO and Founder, OSEA Angel Investors
Launch Panel
Congratulations to the George W. Wright Lightning Pitch Winners!
2024 Exhibitors
Program
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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:
John Bradley Jackson, CSU Fullerton
WELCOME:
Dean Sri Sundaram, CSUF College of Business & Economics
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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:
Barry Sandrew, Westcliff University
Kenneth Lamb, Cal Poly Pomona
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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:
David Ochi, CSU Dominguez Hills
Timothy Tiemann, CSU Northridge
SPEAKERS:
Alexander Zorychta
Anderee Berengian
Bracy Fuentes
Cynthia Kirkeby
Kirin Kalia
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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:
Cynthia West, Chapman University
Nastaran Simarasl, Cal Poly Pomona
SPEAKERS:
Erica Solis
Jennifer Ytuttalde
Kevin Meredith4
Mike Brown
Xandra Laskowski
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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:
George W. Wright, Concordia University Irvine
Wade Martin, CSU Long Beach
SPEAKERS:
Gilberto DeSalvo
James Jones
Karen Caswelch
Mike Stone
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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:
Elianne Rodriguez, CSU Los Angeles
Ryan Foland, University of California, Irvine
JUDGES:
Barry Sandrew
Calvin Selth
Dean Stoecker
JC Ruffalo
Jenalyn Santos
Jessica Acosta
Juan Carrillo
Justin Sanders
Mallory Shickora
Ray Chan
Scott Fox
Shaun Sanders
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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:
Cathleen Greiner, North Orange County Community College District
John Bradley Jackson, CSU Fullerton
CLOSING KEYNOTE:
Dean Stoecker
Generously Sponsored By
Ruby
Platinum
Gold
Silver
In-Kind
Testimonials
A Collaboration Among
Community & Media Partners
Watch SCCE-23 Recaps
Past Events
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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.
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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.
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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.