FSU Panama City business students will have a chance to network with area business leaders during classroom discussions Feb. 25 and March 3. Both discussions, which will begin at 2 p.m. in Holley Academic Center, room B209, will provide opportunities for students in Contemporary Leadership Challenges (MAN 4143) to learn about leadership in our community and hear the inspiring stories of these remarkable businesspeople.

Guest speakers Feb. 25 include Cecile Scoon, president of the League of Women Voters President and a local attorney; Niki Kelly, executive director of Girls Inc. in Bay County; and Hiba Rahim, Northwest Florida Regional Coordinator for Council on American-Islamic Relations-Florida. On March 3, students will hear from Leon Walters, a retired Navy civilian senior executive from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division; Joel Booth, executive director at Anchorage Children’s Home; Rebecca Harding, president of Bay Economic Development Alliance; and Janice Lucas, executive director of LEAD Coalition in Bay County. 

This FSU Panama City business course provides broad exposure to the theories and practice of effective leadership and supervision in today’s business. The guest speakers will educate and inspire students who are learning to become the next generation of leaders in our community, discussing challenges within their sector and how they addressed these challenges successfully.

“Through this event we intend to give valuable insights to our students on leadership skills, help build a valuable link between theory and practice, and create bridges between academics and community,” said business professor Eren Ozgen, Ph.D. “Networking opportunities like these help inspire our students and enhance their educational experience.”