Event Agenda:

8:30 a.m. - Registration & Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. - Welcome

Moderator & Host:
Lisa Shim, SEVP, Head of Technology & Innovation, BankUnited
Lisa Shim is the Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Technology and Innovation at BankUnited, overseeing Technology, Treasury Solutions, Operations, Marketing and Corporate Strategy.

Shim has been a part of the BankUnited family since the new bank was formed in 2009, when she joined the bank as vice president of corporate development, and has been involved in a wide range of critical initiatives throughout her tenure, including the bank’s merger and acquisition strategy, internal corporate strategy and digital transformation journey.

In addition to having led the entire consumer and small business banking division for five years, Shim led the bank’s digital transformation program to enhance the customer experience and the Go for More™ branding campaign. She set the vision to create the omni-channel experience, a multi-year journey transforming mindset, process, product and technology, and piloted the bank’s first collaboration workspace, a model of collaboration, agility and transparency.

Shim has also led BankUnited’s efforts to support the work of community organizations in the areas of economic development, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization and financial literacy through volunteerism and CRA grant funding.

Prior to BankUnited, Shim worked in the financial institutions group at Merrill Lynch and the retail bank division for Countrywide Bank. She graduated with a B.A from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from Kellogg School of Management.

9:15 a.m. - Panel Discussion: Taking Risks and Overcoming Obstacles

Panelists:
Sydney Hughes, Founder & CEO, Senior Proof

Sydney Hughes is the Founder & CEO of Senior Proof, a company she founded after caregiving for her father. Out of necessity came innovation, and with 16 years of construction experience she knew she could be the solution to the 36 million people who are falling every year. What began as a mission to create a safer living environment at home for her father has now helped prevent over 56,779 falls and growing nationwide alongside Lowes.

Danielle Rosse, Founder & Owner, Oceans 234
Rosse was just 22 when she first opened Oceans 234 in 2001. Starting as Director of Operations she transformed what was once a sleepy oceanfront diner into the alluring waterfront dining escape that Oceans 234 is recognized as today. In 2013 she purchased the restaurant to become the sole owner of the establishment and in 2015 she underwent a massive $2-million-dollar renovation on the property elevating the guest experience.

In addition to Oceans 234 in 2007, Rosse launch The Whale Raw Bar, a neighborhood New England Raw bar in Parkland. After six years of successful business, she sold in 2013.

Rosse has a passion for the multi-faceted nature of restaurant ownership. Rosse believes that Oceans 234 is the total restaurant package, offering a fun experience, fresh food and great service with unparalleled views, reviving the Florida tradition of breezy oceanfront living.

This respected restaurateur also ensures to give back to the industry that she loves so dearly. Rosse served two years as the Broward chapter President for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and sits on the State board of directors for the FRLA as well as the Deerfield beach Economic Development council and the George Snow Scholarship Fund.

She has been recognized in many organizations for her community work and has received the following recognitions; 2011 Coconut Creek Small Business Person of the Year, 2013 Soroptimist International Woman of Distinction, 2014 International Women’s Leadership honoree by SSL, 2014 was named by the South Florida Business Journal Influential Woman of the Year, 2017 Junior League of Palm Beach County Women Volunteer of the year nominee, 2019 Deerfield Beach Chamber Community Heroes award recipient and a 2023 Zonta Club “Heart, Soul & Service” award recipient, 2023 Junior League of Palm beach county Women Volunteer of the year nominee, 2023 winner of Boca’s Ballroom battle by the George Snow scholarship fund, 2023 anchor award recipient by Best Foot Forward.

Rosse and the Oceans 234 team utilize their professional resources to support as many nonprofit organizations as they are able each year.

Francy Rueda, Senior Loan Program Manager, Miami Bayside Foundation
Francy Rueda serves as Senior Loan Program Manager at Miami Bayside Foundation.
With over 30 years of professional experience serving in different industries, Ms. Rueda has been leading financial services, lending programs and financial risk management systems within banks and financial entities. Her career includes the development and implementation of lending programs with a focus on Micro, Small and Medium enterprises. Throughout her career she has advocated for financial inclusion, and economic and social development, working to bridge the gaps in access to capital in developed and developing countries. Born in Colombia, Francy holds a Master of Microfinance and Social Development and a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degrees.

Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, President & CEO, Urban League of Broward County
Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh is a visionary leader who has dedicated more than two decades of service to the Urban League Movement.

Since being named President and CEO in 2006, Dr. Baugh has elevated the profile of the Urban League of Broward County to a premier nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social and economic advancement for more than 14,000 people each year.

Throughout her career, Dr. Baugh has cultivated strategic partnerships to advance racial equity and social justice. A gifted speaker, Dr. Bough's insights manifest the ideals of the civil rights movement to build economic resiliency for historically underserved communities. She has received numerous accolades for her professional achievements, yet she points to her role as proud wife and loving mother as her greatest accomplishments. Dr. Bough's education includes a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a BS in Business Communications and a MSW from Florida State University.

10:00 a.m. - Keynote Speaker

Ann Marie Sorrell, President & CEO of The Mosaic Group
Ann Marie Sorrell is an award-winning business leader, accomplished multi-media global influencer, public speaker, and author. She is unapologetic in her support of the many causes including issues impacting women and minorities, economic development, and our environment.

She is the president and CEO of The Mosaic Group, an award-winning advertising, marketing, and public relations firm serving clients throughout the US and Caribbean. The firm has managed campaigns and projects ranging from $50,000 to $3 billion.

She is the President & Founder of Cannabiziac™, a global member-based company helping new and existing businesses tap into the growing $90 Billion global industry by providing education, training, access to international industry experts, financial resources, networking events, mentorship, and advocacy. Cannabiziac™ offers on-demand courses, a cannabis-focused incubator and accelerator program, webinars, consulting and coaching services, and coworking spaces. Ann Marie also serves as an educator, consultant, and coach for Cannabiziac™.

Ann Marie was re-elected in 2023 as Supervisor for Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District, Seat 4 and selected to serve as Chair of the District Board.

She is a co-author of No Glory Without a Story: Stepping Out on Faith to Birth the Business Within and author of Chronicles of a Serial Dater, a journey through the good, bad, funny – and steamy – of dating and relationships told through short stories that all end with a tip for the ladies and a tip for the fellas on the lesson(s) learned from each situation.

Ann Marie launched three empowerment initiatives: Black Girl Magic Global, Black Business Loop and the National Black Economic Conference held annually. Ann Marie earned a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Florida A&M University. She has served on several community boards including the Chamber of the Palm Beaches, Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida, and is the Immediate Past President of Girls 2 Women.

She is a Charter Member of the South Florida Business Journal Leadership Trust, and a member of Leadership Palm Beach County, Leadership Florida, Economic Forum, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Florida Advisory Committee, National Forum for Black Public Administrators, NABWIC, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ann Marie has served as an adjunct professor at Palm Beach State College teaching entrepreneurship, small business management, and human relations.

She has won numerous awards for her leadership, business acumen, and community involvement including recent awards: SFBJ Influential Business Woman Award, NFTE Volunteer of the Year Award, and South Florida Business & Wealth Prestigious Women’s Award in 2021.

11:00 a.m. - Live Business Competition

12:15 p.m. - Winner Presentation

12:30 p.m. - Grab & Go Lunch