Hillsborough Community College Impact Award Honors Local Entrepreneur

TAMPA, FL — The InLab@HCC will host the eighth annual Susie Steiner Community Impact Award Breakfast on Friday, Sept. 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Lab Theater, 812 E. Henderson Ave. in Ybor City Historic District.

The Susie Steiner Community Impact Award honors a community member who makes giving back through entrepreneurship education a priority. The award recognizes an active partner and volunteer with the Hillsborough Community College Entrepreneurship and Innovation program who has a positive and ongoing impact with students, faculty and the very early stage start-up community.

“This is the best event of the year to be immersed with other authentic, passionate people. Everyone who attends has taken the time to impact the life of a student entrepreneur,” said Professor Beth Kerly.

This year’s recipient is Joe Jones, founder and program director at Transition Masters. Jones embodies everything the award stands for — always stepping up to help guide students going through the Entrepreneurship and Innovation program with his expertise on everything from pitching to negotiating.

Keynote speaker at the event is David Wilk, founding member of the Four Day Weekend Comedy Theaters. He will engage attendees in some improv techniques that will be sure to make everyone laugh.

“Making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students would not be possible without the overwhelming support we receive from the community at large. This event provides us with a moment to celebrate the spirit of serving others, in the name of our friend, Susie, that embodied a sense of authentic purpose and heartfelt empathy for those around us,” said Andy Gold, Ph.D.

The Susie Steiner Community Impact Award was established to honor Susie’s dedication to helping others as well as her passion for building Tampa’s local start-up community. Susie’s impact was significant to the success of HCC’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation program that continues to inspire students today. Her legacy lives on through each entrepreneur that walks through the doors.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at hccfoundation.com/susiesteinerbreasfast/. For more information, contact Beth Kerly at mkerly@hccfl.edu.

To learn more about the InLab@HCC, visit hccfl.edu/academics/inlabhcc.