Meet Our Speakers
Learn from industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and innovation experts who are shaping the future of Michigan's economy.
Dr. Sarah Chen
CEO, TechForward Michigan
Dr. Chen leads TechForward Michigan, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing technology adoption across the state's manufacturing sector. With over 20 years of experience in AI and robotics, she has helped dozens of Michigan companies modernize their operations.
Marcus Johnson
Founder, Lake Shore Ventures
Marcus founded Lake Shore Ventures in 2018 to invest in and mentor West Michigan startups. As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded three successful companies and now focuses on helping the next generation of founders build sustainable, community-focused businesses.
Dr. Emily Rodriguez
Director, GVSU Innovation Hub
Dr. Rodriguez directs the Grand Valley State University Innovation Hub, fostering connections between academic research and industry applications. Her work has resulted in over 50 successful partnerships and $10M in research funding.
James Okonkwo
VP of Engineering, Muskegon Tech
James leads engineering at Muskegon Tech, one of West Michigan's fastest-growing software companies. He has scaled the engineering team from 5 to 50+ engineers while maintaining a strong culture of innovation and inclusion.
Lisa Nakamura
Partner, Great Lakes Capital
Lisa is a partner at Great Lakes Capital, focusing on early-stage investments in Michigan-based startups. She has invested in over 30 companies and serves on the boards of several innovative Michigan businesses.
David Park
Founder, Sustainable Solutions Co.
David founded Sustainable Solutions Co. to help manufacturers reduce their environmental impact while improving efficiency. His company has helped over 100 Michigan businesses implement sustainable practices.
Angela Williams
Executive Director, Muskegon Innovation Hub
Angela leads the Muskegon Innovation Hub, driving economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, the Hub has supported over 200 startups and created hundreds of jobs in the region.
Dr. Michael Torres
Professor, GVSU School of Engineering
Dr. Torres is a professor of engineering at GVSU specializing in product development and commercialization. He has helped bring 15 university research projects to market as successful products.
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