Each fall and spring semester, we invite accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders to speak with students enrolled in the Studies in Entrepreneurship (MGT 3360) course. As part of this speaker series, students gain personal insights into entrepreneurship as the guest speakers describe their accomplishments, share stories about their career path, and offer recommendations for growth and success.

Although the speaker series is intended for students enrolled in MGT 3360, we are able to accommodate special guests on certain occasions. If you are interested in attending a presentation, complete our guest registration form via the link below.

Fall 2025

Tuesday, September 30

Marlene Orozco headshot

Dr. Marlene Orozco  
Founder and CEO, Stratified Insights Consulting
SCALEUP Program Lead & Research Fellow

Fmr. Global Policy Research Manager, Meta  
Fmr. Associate Research Director, Stanford Graduate School of Business

Dr. Marlene Orozco is a nationally recognized sociologist, researcher, and thought leader on Latino entrepreneurship, economic mobility, and workforce development. She is the CEO and Founder of Stratified Insights, a research consulting firm providing academic-grade research solutions to organizations including nonprofits, financial institutions, venture studios, and government. 

Dr. Orozco holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Stanford University, an M.A. in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University, and a B.A. with Honors in Sociology from Stanford University. She brings a unique blend of academic rigor, entrepreneurial vision, and public engagement to her work, bridging research and practice to drive systemic change. 

Tuesday, October 14

Headshot of Serenity Carr

Serenity Carr 
Co-Founder and CEO, Serenity Kids

Tuesday, October 28

Headshot of Ogden Payne

Mr. Ogden Payne   
Founder, FTS (For the Students)

Fmr. Contributing Writer, Forbes
Fmr. Contributing Writer, Grammy Magazine

Ogden Payne began his career as a contributing writer for Forbes and Grammy Magazine. During this time, he covered the rise of various artists—like Migos and Jack Harlow—highlighting the journeys of emerging talent on their path to success.

Following his time as a journalist, Payne founded FTS (For the Students), an education company that helps students, artists, and aspiring music professionals understand the business side of the music industry. Through certificate programs, workshops, and partnerships with schools and organizations, FTS has equipped over 130 creative entrepreneurs with the tools to navigate careers in management, publishing, marketing, and more. 

Tuesday, November 11

Headshot of Brian McCoy

Mr. Brian McCoy
Board Chair, McCoy’s Building Supply

Brian McCoy grew up in his family’s business and has worked in the lumberyard, on the sales floor, as a truck driver, assistant store manager, store manager, merchandise manager, Vice President, Co-President, President and CEO. Brian retired as CEO of McCoy’s in 2022 after 50 years of service to McCoy’s. He still serves McCoy’s as Chairman of the Board.

McCoy’s operates 87 stores, 4 distribution facilities, and 2 manufacturing facilities in 3 states with annual sales exceeding $1.3 billion.