Teach to Fish Business Summit Opens with Empowerment and Excellence at FIU’s Kovens Center
The 4th Annual Teach to Fish Business Summit kicked off in grand fashion with an inspiring Opening Brunch at Florida International University’s Kovens Conference Center. Hosted by North Miami Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe, MPA, the brunch set a powerful tone for a weekend focused on growth, mentorship, and community-driven entrepreneurship.
The morning’s keynote speaker, Dr. Amira Ogunleye, delivered a moving address that had the audience hanging on every word. The award-winning cosmetic dentist, entrepreneur, and Howard University alumna shared her deeply personal story of perseverance—from her family’s humble beginnings as Egyptian immigrants to becoming one of the most respected voices in healthcare and business leadership.
“Behind most success stories is a beginning that’s not really successful-looking,” Dr. Amira reflected, recounting her father’s sacrifices and the lessons of excellence and faith that shaped her path. “It was Goodwill that built my work ethic, that small apartment that infused the drive, and my faith that held onto the vision.”
Dr. Amira’s speech seamlessly wove together themes of authenticity, excellence, and legacy, reminding entrepreneurs that true success is built not just on profit, but on purpose.
“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care,” she told the audience. “When you care about people, the money will come.”
Her keynote also served as a powerful call for authenticity and representation in professional spaces. Drawing from her experience as a woman of color in leadership, she encouraged attendees to embrace their difference as their strength.
“Don’t hide your uniqueness. That’s your power,” she said to thunderous applause. “Your story might be someone else’s lifeline to keep going.”
Vice Mayor Timothe, who conceived and leads the Teach to Fish initiative, thanked Dr. Amira for her heartfelt remarks and praised her for exemplifying what the summit represents: excellence, empowerment, and economic growth through community.
The brunch also welcomed dozens of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders eager to network and prepare for a weekend filled with breakout sessions, workshops, and panel discussions led by top industry professionals.
As the Teach to Fish Business Summit continues through the week, attendees can look forward to sessions on health and business, social media and the bag, funding resources, contracting opportunities with the city, county & state, doing business with FIFA, and business scaling, featuring high-profile speakers including Damola Adamolekun, CEO of Red Lobster; State Senator Shevrin Jones; and Miami-Dade County Vice Chairman Kionne McGhee.
The 2025 summit continues to build on its mission—to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and connections they need to thrive, while creating a culture of collaboration and collective success across North Miami.
