Cohort 8.14
Atemlefac Asong
Multi-Faceted Professional
An entrepreneur, IT Specialist in Cybersecurity and Business intelligence, healthcare administrator, and an Empowerment coach/mentor with New Heights Healthcare Inc, Footprints Home Care Services, LLC, and the University of South Florida.
Lakwantiera Braddy
Marketing Analytics Project Manager | Greystar
Lakwantiera Braddy is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidate at Florida International University with a strong background in project management, marketing analytics, and veteran advocacy. A U.S. military veteran with over a decade of service, she holds an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus and professional certifications including PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Certified Scrum Master. Braddy is passionate about process optimization, digital strategy, and empowering others through education and intentional living. She currently serves as a Marketing Analytics Project Manager at Greystar and is the founder of Another Boring Meal, a brand dedicated to wellness, personal growth, and veteran support.
David Dickson
Dave is a Graduate of Norwich University (B.S.-Business) and Nova Southeastern University (M.B.A). Dave has worked for companies such as AT&T, Verizon, Deloitte Consulting, Oracle and IBM in his career. Dave currently runs his own consulting firm in Miami, FL.
Daniela Garcia Aguirre
I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration and recently completed an MBA at Florida International University (FIU) with a specialization in Digital Marketing. Throughout my career, I have led entrepreneurial and business initiatives across various industries. These initiatives include managing electronics import and distribution company for over a decade and creating and running retail and e-commerce brands. In these ventures, I design commercial strategies, oversee operations, and implement digital marketing campaigns through platforms such as Shopify.
My professional interests include brand analysis, consumer behavior, digital strategy, and the application of innovative tools to strengthen businesses in highly competitive markets. Beyond the business world, I am passionate about holistic wellness, nutrition, and practices that promote a balanced lifestyle.
Nicole Haidar Olascoaga
Nicole Haidar Olascoaga is a Mexican attorney and real estate professional with more than 20 years of experience in legal advisory, regulatory compliance, and real estate investment. She holds an LL.M. in Real Property Development from the University of Miami and earned her Master of Science in International Real Estate from FIU in May 2025. Nicole has advised on complex financial transactions and corporate restructurings, led legal and compliance operations in the financial sector, and served as legal counsel to a family office focused on commercial real estate investments in Mexico. Nicole transitioned into real estate development in the United States to pursue socially impactful work. In Miami, she has gained hands-on development experience and contributed to nonprofit initiatives creating affordable housing through partnerships with land-owning churches. She joins the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program, committed to bridging the gap between business strategy and social impact—particularly by advancing innovative, sustainable models for affordable homeownership. Her professional focus is grounded in the belief that access to homeownership is a powerful tool for community stability and wealth creation. Through the DBA program, Nicole aims to strengthen her analytical, research, and leadership skills to develop innovative, data-driven strategies that expand affordable housing projects and align real estate development with long-term social impact.
Ana Isabel Hernandez
Career Advisor | McFatter Technical College
Ana Isabel Hernandez is a Career Advisor at McFatter Technical College, where she develops career and education plans aligned with workforce needs, leads AI literacy initiatives, and organizes employer partnerships to expand student career opportunities. Prior to transitioning into higher education, Ana spent more than a decade in the financial services industry, holding roles in loan processing, fraud detection, and operations management. Her professional journey reflects a shift from finance to academia, driven by a passion for education, leadership and her commitment to helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed. Ana Isabel holds a Master of International Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Management from Florida International University, where she also completed study abroad programs in Japan, China, and South Korea. She earned her Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Broward College, along with multiple certifications in business operations and accounting technology. Ana’s research interests include workforce development, cross-cultural management, and innovative applications of global leadership in academic settings.
Kendra Jackson
Learning Facilitator | Oracle EHR
Kendra F. Jackson has worked in multiple industries, making her versatile and adaptable to change. Early in her career, Kendra worked seven years for Long Island Railroad, starting as a ticket clerk, and her last position before relocation was a train dispatcher. After her railroad career, Kendra paused her work life to focus on her family. Her second career was in Corrections. As a correctional officer, Kendra learned the values of being firm, fair, and consistent. She continued to work professionally with the inmate population until she decided to go into healthcare.
Kendra's Healthcare Career started at The Durham VA HealthCare in Durham, NC. She was with the VA for three years until she decided to work at Cape Fear Valley Health as an Executive Assistant to the VP of Supply Chain. After two years, Kendra wanted to go into healthcare consulting and was hired by Oracle. Kendra's current role is as a Learning Facilitator; she trains end users on Oracle EHR. Her specialty is training Critical care and Med Surg Nurses. In the future, Kendra aspires to become a learning leader in the healthcare industry.
Gayathri Kolandaisami
CEO | Quantumzet Technologies, South Africa
Gayathri Kolandaisami is a seasoned technology executive with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning Smart Cities, iGaming, and the Internet of Things (IoT) sectors. She currently serves as CEO and Director of QuantumZet Technologies, a smart city solutions provider within South Africa with a particular focus on sustainable water management. Since joining the company, she has played a pivotal role in its evolution and growth, contributing to its expansion into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Gayathri leads cross-functional teams across South Africa and India and brings a global perspective to innovation and leadership. She holds an MBA from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, receiving a distinction for her research titled “Drivers and Barriers to the Adoption of the Smart City Paradigm in Developing Countries: A South African Perspective.” She also holds a Master of Engineering in Software Engineering from Anna University in India, where she graduated at the top of her class. Her career reflects a commitment to sustainable innovation, inclusive leadership, and solving real-world challenges through emerging technologies. Passionate about the transformative potential of AI and predictive analytics, she continues to explore their application in shaping more intelligent, inclusive, and resilient rural and urban environments.
Keisha Lettsome
Vice President in Crisis Management | Citi
Keisha Lettsome is a Vice President in Crisis Management at Citi, where she leads governance initiatives focused on risk mitigation, process automation, and program accountability. With over 14 years of experience in project and program management across the financial services industry, she has successfully driven operational transformation, regulatory alignment, and cross-functional collaboration at institutions such as Citi, Wells Fargo, and Hilton.
She holds an MBA in Finance and certifications in Six Sigma (White and Yellow Belt), and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Business Administration with a research focus on process improvement, automation, and strategic risk management. Her academic and professional journey is grounded on a commitment to impactful change, continuous improvement, and ethical leadership.
Keisha’s background in law, combined with her expertise in metrics-driven execution and compliance oversight, equips her to bridge complex business challenges with innovative, sustainable solutions. She is passionate about translating theory into practice and aspires to contribute to both executive leadership and academia.
Anna Micheletti Banegas
Global Vice President of Legal & People | AMMI
Anna Paola Micheletti is an international attorney and business leader with extensive experience in corporate legal management, regulatory compliance, and strategic advisory for multinational organizations. She currently serves as Global Vice President of Legal & People at AMMI, where she has led key initiatives in organizational growth, international expansion, and the development of institutional policies. Anna recently earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Florida International University, complementing her background in international law with a global business perspective. Her career reflects a strong focus on aligning legal strategy with corporate development, driving innovation, and supporting sustainable growth across industries.
Guillermo Palomino
Corporate finance transactor and strategist, with over 20 years of experience in commercial and investment banking, private equity, and hospitality investment. Peruvian, native Spanish speaker, interested in evidence-based investment decision making, consulting, teaching, public policies, and mentoring. BSc in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Lima, Peru, MBA from University of Miami, and MSc in Hospitality Real Estate Development from FIU. Former banker, consultant, and board member for public and private companies. Devoted futbol fan; skiing, sailing, travel music, and film enthusiast.
Alexander M. Ponce
Management & Strategy Consultant | Legal Professional | Creative
Alex Ponce is a management professional with over 25 years of experience spanning law, business strategy, and media. He spent nearly two decades in criminal litigation research, specializing in jury selection and persuasion, expert testimony, and capital sentencing mitigation. He earned both his Bachelor of Liberal Arts (cum laude) and Master of Liberal Arts in Management from Harvard University, where he also completed graduate certificates in Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, and Finance. While at Harvard, he served as president of the Management & Finance Club, leading initiatives to expand networking and professional development opportunities. Alex also completed legal studies at the University of Miami and pursued artificial intelligence training through MIT Sloan/CSAIL. A classically trained actor, he has studied at Harvard, the British American Drama Academy (Magdalen College, University of Oxford), and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He is the award-winning host and executive producer of The Pulse with Alex Ponce, a business interview series. As a DBA candidate, his research explores how stage training can translate into measurable leadership behaviors to improve executive decision-making and influence. Alex brings a multidisciplinary, leadership-driven approach to management consulting and executive strategy.
Nathan Roulo
Corporate Quality Engineer at Vitro Automotive | Lecturer at University of Michigan-Dearborn
Nathan Roulo is a Corporate Quality Engineer with over 15 years of experience improving manufacturing performance and driving quality initiatives across the automotive industry. At Vitro Automotive, he leads corporate-level projects focused on quality systems, OEM program support, and process improvement across North America. He also lectures in operations and supply chain management at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where he mentors future professionals and returning adult learners. Nathan holds an Executive MBA from Michigan State University, a BBA in Supply Chain Management and Information Systems from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a Post Master's Certificate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Michigan-Flint. His doctoral research focuses on leadership, reshoring strategy, and operational effectiveness in modern manufacturing. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys mentoring, teaching, and spending time with his family.
Cohort 8.15
Larry Casey
Senior Vice President of Marketing Making | Skanska AB
Mr. Larry Casey has over 35 years of experience in business and construction management, advancing from field roles to executive leadership with regional, national, and international organizations. He served as EVP/Chief Strategy Officer and most recently as Senior Vice President of Market Making for Skanska AB, a $18 billion global developer-builder. His expertise spans project delivery, strategy, customer experience, account management, and leadership development. Since 2021, he has led a consulting practice and currently serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at the FIU Moss School of Construction, teaching finance, marketing, and principles of construction management. He also serves as the department's Industry Advisory Council director.
Wealth Effiong
Finance Manager – Technology & Strategic Investment | Vonyx Capital Trading
With over 12 years of progressive experience in finance, business transformation, and strategic investment, Wealth Effiong is a results-oriented finance leader specializing in cost-saving initiatives and aligning financial strategy with technology investment in dynamic, data-driven environments. Currently serving as Finance Manager – Technology & Strategic Investment at Vonyx Capital Trading. He has successfully led cross-functional initiatives centered on IT investments, IT per capita expenses, ROI modeling, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) frameworks, and enterprise performance reporting.
Wealth holds an MBA in Finance from Florida International University and a B.Sc. in Economics from Lead City University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). He remains committed to advancing the role of finance as a catalyst for sustainable growth and data-informed leadership within complex global environments.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Wealth enjoys gardening and is passionate about health and wellness. He values meaningful connections and believes that building strong relationships is foundational to success– both professionally and personally.
Musashi Ellis
Founder | Ellis Collective LLC
Musashi Ellis is a U.S. Air Force veteran and driven business leader with a Master of Arts in Management, specializing in Entrepreneurship. He brings a unique blend of military discipline, leadership, and strategic insight shaped by years of service and professional experience across both service-based industries and higher education. As the founder of The Ellis Collective LLC, Musashi focuses on community empowerment, faith-driven leadership, and business development. He is pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration to further his expertise in management innovation and ethical leadership, with future plans to teach, consult, and make a lasting impact through education and entrepreneurship.
Oggyrene Mendoza
Oggyrene D. Mendoza is a national security professional with over sixteen years of leadership in intelligence, counterintelligence, and human-intelligence operations across the Department of Defense, FBI, TSA, and the U.S. Army. He holds a Bachelor's in Intelligence Studies with a concentration on Intelligence Collection from American University, a Master’s in Military Studies from Marine Corps University, and is a native Spanish speaker. Throughout his career, he has led joint and interagency teams across combat zones, federal agencies, and regional commands, delivering critical intelligence that shaped senior-level decision-making. Outside of his professional accomplishments, Oggyrene is a proud father to his daughter and enjoys riding trails on his mountain bike, short runs with his dog, and spending time outdoors in any adventure that challenges both body and spirit.
John Moorman
Chief Financial Officer | Cooperative Counseling Services
With over 25 years of leadership spanning healthcare, life sciences, and information technology, John Moorman is a seasoned executive known for driving strategic growth, operational efficiency, and financial performance. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Cooperative Counseling Services, a family-owned mental health organization where, since 2010, he has led revenue growth from under $1 million to $5 million annually and spearheaded key initiatives in real estate acquisition, process automation, and resource optimization. Prior to this role, he spent over a decade in senior leadership at IBM, managing global outsourcing contracts between $25 million to $180 million annually and leading cross-functional teams of professionals across the pharmaceutical and telecommunications industries. His diverse experience also includes co-founding a successful real estate firm and holding technical and leadership roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield and Chubb & Son. John Moorman holds an EMBA and MPA from Rutgers University and a bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. An active community volunteer, he has served on several nonprofit and municipal boards, contributing his expertise in governance, finance, and ethics.
Alyssa Narine
Alyssa Narine is a dynamic and results-driven business professional, mother of two, and founder of a successful start-up launched in 2015. With over a decade of progressive experience in marketing, payroll management, business development, and organizational leadership, she brings both strategic vision and operational expertise to every endeavor.
Alyssa holds a Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership from the CUNY School of Professional Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CUNY York College. Her professional skills include social media strategy, video production, financial management, and project leadership. Passionate about lifelong learning, Alyssa is deeply committed to advancing scholarly research in leadership, organizational behavior, and business innovation.
Andrea Pelt-Thornton
CEO | Aptitude Energy Partners, LLC
Andrea Pelt-Thornton is a public servant and CEO of Aptitude Energy Partners, LLC (AEP), whose mission is to foster innovation, solve complex business problems and empower executive leadership through strategic impactful engagements. Prior to forming AEP, Andrea served 39 years at NextEra Energy / Florida Power and Light (FPL), most recently as Information Technology Delivery Manager. In this role, Andrea collaborated with executives across multiple business units and spearheaded the delivery of transformative enterprise Data Analytics and collaboration solutions. Driven to inspire, Andrea is a frequent university guest lecturer and active board member in organizations including the University of Florida Alumni Association, Innovate Utility Customer Experience (IUCX), and various nonprofit organizations. Andrea holds an MBA from Nova University, and a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Together with her family, Andrea loves travel, football, basketball, and family fun.
Alejandro Sanchez
Marketing Manager | Samsung Ultrasound
Alex Sanchez is a marketing and analytics professional with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Currently serving as a Marketing Manager at Samsung Ultrasound, Alejandro specializes in strategic marketing initiatives and leverages advanced data analytics to drive business growth. He previously held significant roles at Siemens Healthineers and Lee Health System, where he focused on enhancing operational efficiency and global market presence. Alejandro holds an MBA and recently completed an MS in Business Analytics, deepening his commitment to data-driven decision-making. He is passionate about integrating analytical insights into healthcare and business strategies and looks forward to collaborating and learning with fellow classmates.
Zeynep Talu-Balci
Founder | Makos Real Estate
Zeynep A. Talu-Balci is a Miami-based real estate professional with dual master’s degrees in Real Estate Development and International Real Estate. Her career spans brokerage, international trade, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Miami’s dynamic preconstruction market and tenant representation for businesses seeking to grow in South Florida. Before relocating to the United States, Zeynep spent nearly two decades representing Turkish exporters abroad, organizing international trade shows across the Middle East. Operating in Saudi Arabia at a time when women were not permitted to work, she developed resilience, cultural fluency, and a global outlook that continue to shape her professional path.
In Miami, she is the founder of Makos Real Estate, where she advises global buyers, investors, and tenants navigating one of the country’s most competitive markets. She also co-founded She.Work, a platform amplifying women’s voices in business and leadership through long-form storytelling. Zeynep serves on the boards of CCIM Miami and GGDF (The Global Girls Development Foundation), and volunteers with CREW Miami to advance mentorship and education for future leaders. As a Doctor of Business Administration candidate at Florida International University, her research interests include adaptive reuse, branded residences, and the ways storytelling, marketing and market perception influence real estate investment and redevelopment. Beyond her professional pursuits, Zeynep is a proud mother, an active writer, and a lifelong learner.
Dwayne Barclay
Principal Consultant – Workday & Digital HR Solutions
With a proven track record of leading enterprise HCM transformation initiatives. He specializes in architecting strategic testing frameworks, aligning digital solutions with business goals, and guiding organizations through complex Workday deployments with clarity and precision. Dwayne holds two master’s degrees from Florida International University: a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and a Master of Science in Management Information Systems, equipping him with a rare blend of people-centric insight and technical expertise. Dwayne brings a leadership philosophy rooted in intentionality, transparency, and empowerment. He believes that transformation is not just about systems, it’s about people. His approach centers on fostering trust, elevating team capabilities, and driving outcomes that endure beyond implementation.
Cohort 9.16
Trevano Barrett
Plant Manager | Aldora Aluminum ad Glass Products
Trevano Barrett is a results-driven operations executive and plant manager recognized for leading high-performance teams and transforming underperforming manufacturing operations into world-class facilities. With over a decade of experience across the glass, chemical and aluminum industries, he has held leadership roles at Aldora Aluminum & Glass, Group14 Technologies, Hartung Glass Industries, and Viracon. In these roles he consistently delivered measurable gains in productivity, profitability, and safety. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Trevano blends disciplined leadership with strategic insight; this is supported by his MBA and BBA from Georgia Southern University and a Six Sigma Green Belt certification. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Florida International University to further advance operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth across complex manufacturing organizations.
Elizabeth Bellamy
Elizabeth Bellamy has extensive experience in research, insights, and strategy, primarily within premier media powerhouses Turner and NBC Universal’s Telemundo. She was fortunate to have led high-performing projects that delivered transformative and data-informed business solutions. Ms. Bellamy is extremely passionate about inclusive research, consumer behavior, and helping teams connect the dots between data and human experience. She is always ready to define what's next in a rapidly changing environment, and leave a lasting legacy.
Esteban Cabanas
Esteban’s decision to pursue the Doctor of Business Administration at Florida International University stems from over a decade of leadership experience in the Marine Corps and a strong academic foundation in business, which together have shaped his belief in the value of adaptive, research-driven leadership for organizational success. At FIU, he aims to build on this background by conducting applied research into how military-developed leadership models can enhance resilience and strategic decision-making in civilian organizations, with a particular focus on high-stakes environments.
Esteban is eager to collaborate with the FIU community, contribute to impactful scholarship, and mentor future leaders. He views the DBA both as a personal opportunity for growth and a chance to advance the field of business administration through research, teaching, and service.
Juan Chin
Juan Chin is an IT executive with 20+ years of experience driving growth in the military, government, banking, and tech sectors. He specializes in business-to-business software as a service strategies, e-commerce, customer relationship management, and enterprise resource planning implementations. He leads cross-functional teams to achieve significant return on investment and is known for having a data-driven approach and passion for building high-performing campaigns that connect with audiences and deliver results.
Anaeli Cortinas Macias
Operations & Management Consultant Manager | Florida Department of Health, Maternal and Child Health Division – Palm Beach County
Anaeli Cortinas Macias is a dynamic operations leader, educator, and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of professional and business experience. She serves as an Operations & Management Consultant Manager at the Florida Department of Health. She oversees the purchasing, data, and clerical teams that support maternal and child health programs in Palm Beach County. Anaeli is known for her strategic mindset and commitment to improving businesses. She has strengthened organizational outcomes by transforming underperforming processes into sustainable, high-functioning systems. Outside her government role, Anaeli is the founder of Cortinas Bookkeeping & Tax Service and Equip Lift Empower. She helps women and small business owners develop the tools and confidence to build and grow successful ventures. As an educator and mentor, she teaches business and leadership principles that inspire others to reach their full potential. Anaeli earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from The City University of New York- Lehman College and an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She is now pursuing her Doctor of Business Administration at Florida International University to advance equity-driven leadership and promote practical, research-based management solutions.
Jack Eisenhauer
Jack Eisenhauer is a U.S. Air Force veteran with 21 years of distinguished service, bringing extensive expertise in supply chain, operations, and management. His global experience spans living and working in dozens of countries, providing him with a unique, worldwide perspective. Since transitioning to the private sector, Jack has contributed to diverse industries including semiconductors, renewable energy, electric automotive, medical devices, and aerospace. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Studies and an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management. Outside of work, Jack and his wife, Misia, enjoy traveling and exploring new destinations with their three dogs.
Erikka Hargrett
Erikka Hargrett is a seasoned professional with a strong background in technology and finance, currently serving as a control management leader overseeing policy and governance for both consumer and business banking at a large financial institution. Her professional experience spans finance, compliance, control management, strategic advisory, organizational growth, and product management and ownership with a consistent focus on strengthening governance frameworks and managing risk in complex, regulated environments. She holds an extensive consulting background that shapes her strategic and analytical approach to leadership and decision-making. Academically, she holds a Master of Science in Employment Law and a Master of Science in Information Systems both from Nova Southeastern University. As a newly admitted student in the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Florida International University, Erikka is committed to advancing applied research and executive scholarship at the intersection of governance, technology, and organizational performance.
Baltazar Jacques
Baltazar Jacques is an analytical supply chain and data professional with over 15 years of leadership experience spanning logistics, operations, analytics, and organizational efficiency. He currently serves as Chief Data & FTZ Analyst at PortMiami, where he leads cross-functional analytics initiatives, optimizes trade and operational performance, and supports data-driven strategic decision-making. Jacques holds a Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Florida International University, along with graduate training in Population and Development and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Pharmacy. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and experienced educator with six years of teaching at the secondary and postsecondary levels, his work bridges theory and practice in supply chain management, process optimization, and leadership. His research interests include data-driven strategy, supply chain resilience, business process innovation, and organizational change, and he aspires to pursue doctoral-level scholarship in these areas.
Enrique Moreno Ramos
Marketing & Customer Experience Director | Medtronic
Enrique Moreno Ramos is a seasoned executive in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry, specializing in digital marketing, sales processes, commercial operations, Six Sigma methodology and financial planning, and analysis across Latin America and Canada. He holds an MBA from Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey and a bachelor’s in accounting and finance from Universidad de las Americas Puebla. Currently serving as Marketing & Customer Experience Director for the Diabetes division at Medtronic, Enrique is passionate about leading his team to focus on changing the lives of people with different medical conditions and works on driving organizational growth, spearhead the launch of innovative technologies, and integrate cross-regional and cross-functional teams.
Gerald Morris
National Market Lead for Federal Civilian Programs | Michael Baker International, Inc.
Gerald Morris, a Service-Disabled Veteran of the United States Navy, United States Army, and Florida National Guard, is experienced in construction operations and administration. His experience includes direct accountability in cost estimating, construction management, construction practices, procedures, testing, value engineering, scheduling, operations, and technical proposals to include all facets of business development. He has managed new construction and renovation projects ranging from $10K- $100M on Department of Defense facilities worldwide and emergency response contracts valued at more than $250M. He is currently the National Market Lead for Federal Civilian Programs at Michael Baker International, Inc.
William Rogers
Founder | Ascend Business Advisory
William E. Rogers, MBA, CFP, EA, is the founder of Ascend Business Advisory, a boutique tax and financial advisory firm in San Diego, California. He holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Redlands, an MBA from the University of Southern California, and an MS in Finance from Golden Gate University. With over two decades of experience, William specializes in serving entrepreneurial and early-stage companies, providing strategic tax and financial guidance to help business owners build sustainable and financially successful enterprises.
Marco Romero
Information Technology Advisor | Ntiva
Marco Romero is a technology and business professional with more than twenty years of experience helping organizations strengthen their operations, modernize their IT environments, and make strategic, data driven decisions. In his current role as an Information Technology Advisor at Ntiva, he guides a portfolio of clients through technology planning, cybersecurity readiness, and long-term IT strategy, translating complex technical risks into clear business insights for executive leaders and stakeholders.
Marco’s background spans customer success, contract management, and IT operations across enterprises, small to medium-sized businesses, and non-profit sectors. He has led national service teams, managed major client relationships, and overseen mission critical systems in both U.S. and international environments. With graduate degrees in International Real Estate and Business Administration, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective that blends technical expertise with strategic leadership—an approach he looks forward to deepening through the DBA program at Florida International University.
Cohort 9.16 - Hospitality Concentration
Joshua Habursky
Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director | Premium Cigar Association
Joshua Habursky is the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director at the Premium Cigar Association. The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is the leading authority and advocate for the premium cigar and pipe retailer industry. Founded in 1933 as the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America, the PCA is the largest, most active, and longest-running trade association representing and assisting premium tobacco retailers, manufacturers, and partners in the industry. Josh is also an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University teaching both State and Federal Lobbying.
Josh received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washington & Jefferson College, a Master of Arts in American Government from Georgetown University, and a Certificate in Business and Political Economy from the London School of Economics. Aside from teaching and his day job, Josh is an investor/partner in 5 taco and tequila bars, a sports bar, and an Italian restaurant and wine bar all in Northern Virginia outside of Washington, DC.
Adler Marchand
Founder | A.Vibe Event Services
Adler R. Marchand is an accomplished event strategist, municipal professional, and entrepreneur based in South Florida with extensive experience in large-scale event production, hospitality management, and community engagement. He currently serves in a leadership role within local government, where he plans and executes high-impact civic and cultural events while collaborating closely with elected officials, city leadership, and diverse stakeholders. In parallel, Adler is the founder of A.Vibe Event Services, a lifestyle and experiential brand specializing in curated events, groom concierge services, and community-driven experiences. With a background spanning higher education, nonprofit work, and hospitality, he brings a practitioner’s perspective to strategy, operations, and leadership.
Vania Toledo Munoz
Luxury Sales Manager | Remy Cointreau's Luxury Portfolio
Vania Toledo is a knowledgeable and energetic professional with over 20 years of experience in the luxury industry. She received her Master's Degree in Global Strategic Communications from Florida International University. Throughout her career, she has had the pleasure to lead the Sales and Marketing divisions for some of the country’s most notable companies, such as Estée Lauder and Longines Watch Co., a subsidiary of The Swatch Group. Named as one of Modern Luxury’s “Dynamic Women’, her expertise has garnered praise throughout her career and has led to her current position as the Luxury Sales Manager for Remy Cointreau's Luxury Portfolio which includes LOUIS XIII Cognac, covering Florida and Georgia.
Lauren Turner Pruett
Instructor and Special Projects Administrator | Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Flagler College
Lauren Turner Pruett is an educator and event professional who brings more than a decade of hands-on hospitality and higher education experience to her work. She serves as an Instructor and Special Projects Administrator in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Flagler College, where she teaches courses in event management, hospitality leadership, tourism, and wedding planning. Lauren previously held leadership roles in the offices of Special Events and College Relations, including Interim Associate Director of Special Events, Assistant Director of College Relations, and Assistant Director of Program Initiatives at American University, where she oversaw major institutional programs, high-profile speakers, and student engagement initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Flagler College and a Master of Public Administration from American University.
Brandy Whitford
Professor | Consultant & Founder | 123 Consult With Me
Brandy Whitford is a professor, consultant, and organizational strategist with a strong background in psychology, leadership, and innovation. She holds a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Lynn University, where she has taught and served as Faculty Advisor for the Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter. Beyond campus, she serves nationally as Membership Chair for BPA’s Alumni Division and as a featured speaker at BPA State and National Leadership Conferences, where she empowers students through talks on future-ready leadership and workforce innovation.
Brandy was a winner at Lynn University’s Student Research Symposium for her oral presentation on workplace equity and wellness. She has also presented research posters at both the Lynn University Student Research Symposium and the Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) Annual Meeting. Her research experience reflects a deep commitment to bridging evidence-based psychology with organizational practice. She is the founder of 123 Consult with Me and has also served as Broker Manager at a real estate firm, where she led, coached, and recruited a team of over 200 agents, achieving more than 30% growth under her leadership. These leadership experiences strengthened her expertise in organizational development, performance management, and strategic growth, and continue to inform her ongoing research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, human behavior, and business strategy.