Business
Obama Cabinet Member Spotlights Women’s Entrepreneurship at United State of Women Summit
Published
9 years agoon

WASHINGTON, (FNN NEWS) — SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet will host a United State of Women entrepreneurship summit on Monday, June 13, to examine entrepreneurship, innovation and ways to support female entrepreneurs with access to capital and increasing markets. The Summit will include discussions about opportunities for women entrepreneurs and experiences from experts in the field. Summit will include discussions on access to capital, access to private, international and public sector markets, innovation, intellectual property and investing. The Summit will also highlight a keynote address and a forum from other members of President Obama’s Cabinet, relevant plenary sessions and action panels.
WHAT: United State of Women: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Summit
WHEN: June 13, 2016 (1-5:30 p.m.)
WHERE: The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.
Atrium Ballroom
Washington, D.C.
Fireside Chat with SBA Administrator and Young Entrepreneur (1-2:00 p.m.)
WHO: Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration (@MCS4Biz)
Mikaila Ulmer, Founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade (@MikailasBees)
Plenary: Women Who Have Made It: Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs (2-3:00 p.m.)
WHO: Moderator: Doug Kramer, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
Lisa Price, CEO, Carol’s Daughter (@carolsdaughter)
Nely Galán, CEO, the Adelante Movement (@AdelantePower)
Katherine Berman and Sophie LaMontagne, Co-Founders, Georgetown Cupcakes (@GTownCupcake)
Keynote Address: (3-3:15 p.m.)
WHO: Megan Smith, U.S. Chief Technology Officer (@USCTO)
Plenary: Investing in High Growth Women Entrepreneurs (3:15-4:00 p.m.)
WHO: Moderator: Mark Walsh, Associate Administrator, Office of Innovation and Investment, U.S. Small Business Administration (@SBAgov)
Mina Pacheco-Nazemi, GCM Grosvenor Private Markets
Alicia Syrett, Pantegrion (@AliciaSyrett)
Julie Hanna, Board Chair, Kiva (@JulesHanna @kiva)
Amy Millman, CEO, SpringBoard (@SpringboardEnt)
Plenary: The Federal Government’s Buying Power and Call to Action (4-4:15 p.m.)
WHO: Denise Turner-Roth, GSA Administrator (@DeniseUSGSA)
Action Panel: Intellectual Property, Innovation, and Inclusive Entrepreneurship (4:25-5:20 p.m.)
WHO: Moderator: Sarah Harris, General Counsel, United States Patent and Trademark Office (@USPTO)
Maria Ortiz, CEO, Generation Games (@7GenGames)
Jessica O. Matthews, CEO and founder, Uncharted Play (@uplayco)
Rachel Payne, CEO & co-founder, FEM Inc. (@FEMInc)
Action Panel: Innovations for Women and Working Families (4:25- 5:20 p.m.)
WHO: Moderator: Diana Doukas, Director, White House Business Council (@Diana44)
Kathleen Kennedy, President, MIT Technology Review (@Kathleenkennedy)
Trish Costello, CEO, Portfolia (@trishcostello1, @Portfolia1)
Dawn Dickson, CEO, Flat Out of Heels (@FlatOutofHeels)
Action Panel: Accessing Capital and Market Opportunities (4:25-5:20 p.m.)
WHO: Moderator: John Shoraka, Associate Administrator, Government Contracting and Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration (@SBAgov)
Andrea Turner Moffett, Co-Founder, PlumAlley (@plumalleyco)
Sarah Wilson, Senior Director, Wal-Mart’s Women’s Economic Empowerment (@Walmart)
Elizabeth Valquez, CEO, WECONNECT (@WEConnection)
Connie Evans, CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) (AEOWorks)
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Business
FNN Highlights Managing Editor Monica Hoyos During National Hispanic Heritage Month
Published
4 days agoon
October 14, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News continues its celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting another Hispanic leader within its network — Managing Editor Monica Hoyos, a proud first-generation Colombian American whose professional journey reflects her passion for communication, cultural connection, and community empowerment.
A Career Built on Connection and Communication
Monica holds a B.A. in Communications and Spanish from Old Dominion University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in TESOL from George Mason University. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to bridging language and cultural gaps as both a professional interpreter and voiceover actor, bringing clarity and authenticity to English and Spanish audiences alike.
In 2025, Monica joined Florida National News as Managing Editor, Reporter, and Co-Host of the FNN News Podcast en Español, where she uplifts diverse voices through storytelling, interviews, and press coverage that reflect the heart of the Hispanic community.
Empowering Communities Through Leadership
Beyond her work with FNN, Monica serves as an Independent Contractor, working as Lead Project Manager for Esther Wise Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and as Senior Project Manager for Aravicta, a minority- and women-owned business offering professional speaking, coaching, and communication training for leaders and executives.
In both roles, Monica leverages her leadership and expertise to strengthen community initiatives, create inclusive programs, and promote representation for underrepresented voices across various industries.
Celebrating Heritage and Representation
Monica embraces her Colombian heritage with pride and purpose. She views Hispanic Heritage Month as both a celebration and a responsibility.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor our roots while celebrating the strength, resilience, and contributions of our community,” said Hoyos. “I carry my family’s journey and culture with me in every role I take on, and I’m committed to opening doors for others to do the same.”
Through her work, Monica continues to embody the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month — honoring her roots, connecting cultures, and empowering others to raise their voices.
___________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
ORRA President Lawrence Beillo Shares Expert Tips on Homebuying Trends with FNN TV
Published
1 week agoon
October 9, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News TV Talks Real Estate welcomes special guest Lawrence Bedillo, President of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA), for an in-depth discussion on Florida’s housing market and the latest trends shaping homeownership this fall.
Market Insight:
A recent Realtor.com study identifies October 12–18, 2025, as the best week to buy a home this year. During this key period, buyers can expect more listings, lower prices, and reduced competition. According to the report, homebuyers could save over $15,000 compared to peak summer prices as inventory rises and homes stay on the market longer.
Expert Perspective:
In the exclusive video interview, ORRA President Lawrence Beillo shares his insights on what this means for Central Florida buyers and sellers, offering valuable advice on navigating the market, preparing for purchases, and making informed decisions during this ideal buying window.
Watch the full video interview with ORRA President Lawrence Beillo on the Florida National News TV platform and Facebook channels.
________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
“Bar Rescue” Star Jon Taffer Launches Florida’s First Taffer’s Tavern in Orlando
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 2, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Hospitality entrepreneur and “Bar Rescue” host Jon Taffer has announced the official grand opening of Taffer’s Tavern Orlando on Wednesday, October 15. Located along International Drive, the debut marks the franchise’s first Florida location and introduces a refreshed design, reimagined menu, and immersive brand experience that Taffer calls the blueprint for the brand’s national expansion.
FNN Good News & Reviews is set to capture the one-of-a-kind experience as hospitality mogul Jon Taffer brings his Taffer’s Tavern franchise to Orlando with a highly anticipated grand opening on October 15, on I-Drive. The new tavern unveils a reimagined menu, spirit-infused sauces, and an exclusive lineup of signature cocktails, highlighted by Taffer’s own Browned Butter Bourbon.
A New Era for Taffer’s Tavern
Franchisee Nilesh Patel, a seasoned hospitality operator, brings the Orlando location to life in one of the city’s busiest entertainment districts. Just steps away from hotels, convention centers, and attractions, the tavern is positioned to welcome a mix of locals, tourists, and business travelers.
“Orlando is the perfect city to debut Taffer’s Tavern in Florida,” Patel said. “With its energy, diversity, and constant flow of visitors, it’s an ideal backdrop for the elevated tavern experience Jon has created.”
Elevated Comfort Food with Spirit-Infused Flavors
Inspired by traditional Old World pubs, Taffer’s Tavern features bold comfort food crafted with modern flair. Spirit-forward sauces developed with Taffer’s spirits portfolio infuse familiar dishes with innovative flavor. Menu highlights include:
Bourbon Burger – Browned Butter Bourbon sauce, glazed caramelized onions, whiskey bacon, cheddar, brioche bun ($17.95)
Hangover Wings – Twice-cooked chicken wings with flavors like michelada, tequila lime, and cinnamon whiskey ($12.95)
Whiskey Business Burger – Whiskey ketchup, bacon, arugula, fried egg, provolone, American cheese, brioche bun ($18.95)
Salted Caramel Triple Chocolate Brownie – Served with house-made honey bourbon ice cream and spiced rum caramel ($13.95)
Jon Taffer’s Vision for Expansion
Taffer says Orlando will serve as the model for future franchises. “This expansion into Orlando is more than just launching another location—it’s the blueprint for the future of Taffer’s Tavern,” he explained. “We’ve built a model that’s smarter, stronger, and designed to scale. Orlando is a natural fit for our brand, a city that thrives on energy, excitement, and hospitality.”
In addition to its food menu, the tavern features proprietary cocktails built around Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon, a whiskey with bold vanilla and toffee notes, inspired by Taffer’s work on “Bar Rescue.”
For reservations and franchise opportunities, visit tafferstavern.com.
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