Full Circle Moment: Former NFTE Regional Director Karen Ezell Named 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Southwest Finalist

The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is proud to celebrate one of our own — Karen Ezell — who has been named a 2025 Southwest finalist for the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Award. Selected from among hundreds of applicants across the region, Karen’s entrepreneurial journey is a great example of resilience, innovation, and […]
NFTE 2025 National Winner’s Mentorship with Daymond John

Winning the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is a defining moment for any young entrepreneur. For Lucio Hightower-Rojas, it was more than just $10,000 in seed capital—it was an opportunity to learn from one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. As part of his prize, Lucio had the opportunity to meet with Daymond […]
How a Summer Setback Sparked a Global Resource for Students

When Arlina Yang lost her internship at Tesla during the 2024 layoffs, she didn’t see it as the end of the road—she saw it as a new beginning. “I could’ve spent the summer applying to new roles,” she says. “Instead, I built the career resource I always wished I had.” That’s how CareerNow was born—a […]
Success Starts with Passion: LaToya Rowell’s Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs

For LaToya Rowell, a member of the NFTE National Board of Directors and Vice President, National Community Affairs Manager at Comerica Bank, volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about making a lasting impact. When she discovered NFTE in 2020, she knew she had found the perfect opportunity to combine her passion for financial education with […]
Celebrate Women’s History Month by Supporting These NFTE Alumnae

This Women’s History Month, make a tangible difference in the life of a small business owner by supporting our NFTE alumnae! Take a look at the businesses below to find out how you can contribute to a female founder. FOUNDER: Aniye Strachan This Florida-based vocalist specializes in R&B, Jazz, Soul, and Gospel music. FOUNDER: Sarah […]
Honoring Black History Month: A NFTE Educator’s Journey from Tech to Teaching Entrepreneurship

“I am an entrepreneur, the son, and the grandson of an entrepreneur.” For Imani Butler, a NFTE teacher at Silver Creek High School in San Jose, California, these words are more than just an introduction—they’re the foundation of his story. His father built a manufacturing business from the ground up, producing precision and industrial belts for […]
The Value of Financial Literacy

Lisette Mendez, NFTE South Board Chair and Vice President & Latin America Controller at AT&T Finance, shares her insights on the importance of financial education and entrepreneurship. A Passion Rooted in Numbers Initially drawn to engineering, Lisette’s passion for numbers led her to pursue an MBA in Finance. She quickly realized that finance was more […]
“I Am NFTE”: Miguel’s 17-Year Journey from Student to Development Director

For Miguel Vázquez, Development Director for New England and Mid-Atlantic regions at the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), the phrase “I am NFTE” is more than just a slogan—it’s a declaration of identity, purpose, and community. His 17-year journey with NFTE is a testament to the organization’s transformative power and the enduring impact it has […]
A Summer of Growth and Discovery

“Passion fuels growth,” says NFTE Alumna Nelly Caceres, reflecting on her recent summer internship with the Independent Artist Group (IAG) through our partnership with the G-Unity Foundation. This experience not only broadened her horizons but also reinforced the entrepreneurial skills she developed through NFTE. What drives a young entrepreneur to step into the fast-paced world […]
Behind the Win: Tips from a NFTE Champion

As the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) prepares for its upcoming National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in New York this October 10, we caught up with Josh Kreuger, NFTE alumnus and the 2022 winner of the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge! Josh shares his experience, offers valuable tips for this year’s participants, and reflects on his journey […]