Founders & People
Profiles, interviews, and insights into the entrepreneurs, executives, and changemakers building the South Florida startup ecosystem. Explore the human side of innovation through personal journeys and leadership lessons.
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eMerge Americas is doubling down on healthcare innovation with a new partnership that appoints HealthIMPACT Live’s Megan Antonelli as Director of eMerge HEALTH. The move positions Miami as a national launchpad for cross-sector breakthroughs in health, AI, and finance backed by a slate of events leading to eMerge HEALTH 2026.
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“Marketing isn’t a price tag, it’s a system” says veteran strategist Sasha Awwa, who’s seen too many startups burn cash without a plan. In a candid talk to South Florida founders, Awwa broke down her three part growth framework and warned against cutting marketing when budgets tighten.
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“Project managers aren’t just scheduling meetings anymore. We are now expected to anticipate risks, automate workflows, and interpret data in real time” said Patricia Monica Ojeda, CEO of PMO Business, during her talk at SQL Saturday in Broward County.
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eMerge Americas has acquired Miami AI Hub and appointed its founder, Burhan Sebin, as its first-ever Chief AI Officer, marking a major step in positioning Miami as a global AI hub.
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eMerge Americas has named innovation strategist Maria Dominguez as its new Strategic Advisor for Programming & Content. With over 20 years of experience leading global expansion and innovation initiatives, from CIC to high-profile event production, Dominguez will help shape eMerge’s year-round content strategy and deepen its international reach from its base in Miami.
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Fibernow has tapped telecom veteran Dexter Cartwright as its new CFO, signaling a pivotal step in the South Florida based company’s expansion strategy. With over $1.5 billion in capital projects under his belt, Cartwright brings deep financial and operational expertise as Fibernow ramps up its broadband and digital services footprint across the state.
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Global cybersecurity firm CYPFER has appointed serial entrepreneur and renowned cyber risk pioneer Jason Hogg as its Executive Chairman, signaling a major strategic move as the company doubles down on AI-driven innovation and global expansion.
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The 2025 South Florida ORBIE® Awards honored the region’s top CIOs and senior technology leaders who are spearheading innovation across business, healthcare, public service, and media sectors.