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 […]
Women Who Lead: Empowering Communities, Uplifting Women
At NFTE, we are proud to celebrate the inspiring women on our team who are committed to creating lasting change in their communities. Through their leadership, they are not only advancing the mission of NFTE but also working tirelessly to uplift others, especially women and marginalized communities. From launching initiatives that provide essential resources to […]
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 […]
Celebrating EY’s Impact During National Mentoring Month: Guiding the Next Generation of Responsible Innovators
At the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), we truly believe that volunteerism is the “secret sauce” of our mission. This National Mentoring Month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Ernst & Young LLP’s (EY US) incredible support of young innovators through their ongoing volunteerism with the NFTE World Series of Innovation (WSI). This program year, EY US […]
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 […]
