Brownsville, TX – This Friday, November 1, 2024, the Frontera Leadership Institute will hold its inaugural Demo Day at the el Centro eBridge para Negocios y Comercialización. Running from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (doors open at 5:00 PM), this event brings together local entrepreneurs and a panel of seasoned judges, all eager to see the projects and ideas our cohort has been building over the past three months. With a focus on creative, community-centered solutions, Demo Day offers an engaging look at how Brownsville’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs are tackling real-world challenges.
Meet the Judges: Innovators and Mentors Ready to Inspire
The judging panel for Demo Day includes three renowned leaders who bring unique perspectives on innovation, impact, and mentorship:
- Marisa Vickers – Marisa is a dynamic force in the green aviation and global entrepreneurship space. As the Director of Global Brand Growth at Builders + Backers and VP at Möbius Air, she brings years of experience in tech and brand strategy. She also serves as a board VP with the Texas Venture Alliance and leads Mars Venture Network, uniting voices in space exploration.
- Leo Ramirez Jr. – A social impact advocate and McAllen native, Leo founded Encast and serves as CEO of kyzmet. Through his work with the Latino Business Action Network, he’s guided over 20 entrepreneurs and has spearheaded community-focused initiatives, raising more than $55 million to address homelessness in Austin. Leo’s insight into building purpose-driven businesses will provide invaluable guidance for the cohort.
- CS Freeland – Known for advancing Texas’s startup ecosystem, CS co-founded the Texas Venture Alliance and organizes the Texas Venture Fest, a landmark gathering for venture communities across the state. As editor of the Texas Venture Newsletter, she connects nearly 8,000 readers to key events and resources, fostering collaboration across Texas’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Each judge brings a thoughtful and practical approach to the judging process, adding depth and real-world insight as the cohort presents their community-focused solutions.
"The closing of this first cohort marks a pivotal moment in Brownsville’s journey toward becoming an empowered, innovative community. We’re advancing our local talent and reinforcing our pipeline of entrepreneurs and emerging leaders," says Nathan Burkhart, Vice President of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at BCIC. “Graduates of this program will have further opportunities at the eBridge Center through programs like our Blueprint Business Program and the Startup Texas Accelerator, in partnership with UTRGV ECC, to further their entrepreneurial development, build ventures, and strengthen their leadership skills. These young leaders are not only prepared to tackle real-world challenges but apply their talents locally, driving the future of our city.”
Ruben Cantú, Director of the Frontera Leadership Institute, emphasized the importance of this event and the impact of the students’ work, stating, “The inaugural Frontera cohort represents the moment Brownsville has been awaiting. As Brownsville undergoes transformation, our community is rising to the challenge of leadership. Our students are the bridge to the future, and they are excited to showcase their work.”
Join Us for Demo Day
Celebrate this milestone with Brownsville’s next generation of innovators and meet the judges dedicated to supporting them. Light refreshments will be served, and all community members are welcome.
- Event Details:
- What: Frontera Leadership Institute Demo Day – Cohort I
- When: Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (doors open at 5:00 PM)
- Where: eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, 1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, TX 78520
- Admission: Free; RSVP recommended
About the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a Type B economic development corporation. It is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development, enhancing quality of life, fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, supporting strategic projects, and cultivating partnerships that support Brownsville’s thriving and vibrant community. BCIC operates under three core pillars. The first is Community Development, achieved through initiatives like the BIG Grants, which support the revitalization and preservation of Historical Downtown Brownsville, and the Quality of Life Grants, designed to enhance the community’s well-being. These grants fund projects that create welcoming and inclusive spaces, improve amenities, and promote activities that benefit both residents and visitors. The second pillar is Finance Programs, which support local small businesses by providing financial resources to help them start or expand. This, in turn, creates jobs with livable wages, contributing to the overall economic stability of the region. The third pillar is Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where BCIC supports the entrepreneurial journey with incubation, acceleration, and continuous assistance.
For more information, visit www.brownsvillecic.com. For media inquiries, please contact Nelson Amaro, Director of Marketing & Communications, at namaro@bcic.us.
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