The latest session of the Tampa Bay Collegiate Leadership class was dedicated to exploring the areas of entrepreneurship, tech, insurance, and banking right here in Tampa Bay. The day kicked off with an immediate rise of energy, thanks to our day chairs; Mallory Kuba, The Bank of Tampa and Athena Thanos, USAA. As our Class Chair, Antoine put it perfectly, they are two “powerhouses" leading the way. From the beginning their enthusiasm set the perfect tone for a day filled with great experiences. Before departing we were assigned our bus buddy, I had the opportunity to connect with Ruth Pierre, from the University of Tampa.
Our first stop took us to the impressive facilities of USAA. The tour offered a look at the employee-focused amenities, including the fully equipped medical center, a massive cafeteria, and an "energize room."
The first talk was led by members of the claims division, Kristen Herelle and Jason Isaac, offering us insight into the insurance side of the business. A key takeaway was the essential role of insurance in securing almost every asset one can own. We learned that it’s always wise to aim for higher premiums rather than settling for minimum coverage. We also found it particularly interesting that USAA refers to its clientele not as customers, but as members, speaking to their commitment to service.
Next, we transitioned into the banking section of the day—a definite highlight! This was my favorite part (and yes, my classmates may have noticed my enthusiasm from all the questions I was asking), as it closely aligns with my field of study. We gained valuable knowledge from two key speakers: Cameron Cassedy, Cassedy Financial Group, and Aaron Jimison, Valley Bank. Both are deeply involved in Tampa, serving on various boards and truly contributing to the community.
Despite having different professional paths, a central theme they both stressed was that networking is vital, and relationships matter in this industry. They also showed us some of the diverse roles available within banking, proving it's an industry with countless paths.
The afternoon shifted gears as we focused on Entrepreneurship. We made a stop at Embarc Collective, touring their incredible building that has "seen many lives." Embarc hosts both member and public events. We were honored to meet CEO, Dr. Tim Holcomb, who delivered a speech that was both relatable and powerful, explaining their focus on coaching and supporting tech-oriented companies at every level. Meeting a CEO was a truly memorable experience for us university students!
We then engaged in a dynamic activity with five other entrepreneurs. Each group developed a proposal for a problem, culminating in live pitches. My table was fortunate enough to have lunch and discuss our idea with Austin Gappelberg, owner & co-CEO of Hampton Chocolate Factory. He was a truly great mentor who offered helpful guidance for our pitch! It was great to see the creativity of each team, and the winning team was certainly well deserved—you earned those bragging rights!
To close an intensive day of learning, we headed to Rapid7. Their facilities are great amd they have a modern and engaging work environment. The tour revealed some interesting insights, including a hidden speakeasy. We heard from five more amazing professionals, who highlighted the critical nature of cybersecurity and technological innovation. We concluded the day with a final impression of Tampa Bay's forward-thinking business environment.
One of the most impactful themes throughout the day was the reality of the professional journey. We heard from several speakers who started in different jobs, pursued a field of study unrelated to their current role, or are actively working toward something entirely new. Their stories delivered a powerful message: Everyone has a different path, and it is never too late to make a change or pivot your career toward a passion. The greatest leaders are those who embrace continuous learning and aren't afraid to evolve.
A day this impactful wouldn't be possible without the generosity and time of so many professionals. Our deepest thanks go out to our day chairs; we are also profoundly grateful to all our speakers. Thank you for investing in the future leaders of Tampa Bay!