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Think Like An Entrepreneur

Whether you’re a student exploring what’s possible, an entrepreneur building what’s next, a business looking to connect, or a community partner ready to collaborate—there’s a place for you at the St. Charles Community College Entrepreneurial Institute.
Entrepreneur Pathways At SCC
Prepare for a career as an entrepreneur or business leader with SCC’s accredited programs.
Community Education Programs
Build valuable skills through SCC’s community education programs to support your business ventures and professional goals.
Entrepreneurial Institute Symposium
Explore our upcoming and past symposiums. Discover the ideas, conversations, and connections
they brought together.
Contact Information
Sara Zemianek
Entrepreneur Institute Strategic
Lead & Adjunct Faculty
Conoyer Hall (12-CH), Suite 2108
(636) 922-8653
szemianek@stchas.edu
Ashlyn Trogdon
Administrative Coordinator
Conoyer Hall (12-CH), Suite 2108
(636) 922-8483
atrogdon@stchas.edu
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@scc_entrepreneur
entrepreneur@stchas.edu
Entrepreneurial thinking is happening throughout SCC. Wherever people are identifying needs, creating value, solving problems, and turning ideas into opportunities.
Want to see what’s happening next?
Join the SCC Entrepreneurial Institute newsletter and be an insider.
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2026 Entrepreneur Experience
November 12, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
St. Charles Community College
Experience innovation. Make connections. Discover possibilities.
Join students, entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators, and community partners for an interactive day that brings entrepreneurship and innovation to life through real-world learning, meaningful connections, and new opportunities.
Check back for updates
Past Symposiums
Friday, April 11
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Conoyer Hall Auditorium
Agenda
| 8 - 8:25 a.m. | Continental Breakfast & Networking |
| 8:25 - 8:30 a.m. |
Welcome Dr. Barbara Kavalier, SCC President |
| 8:30 - 9 a.m. |
Guest Speaker Caleb Hunter Owner, Extreme Electrical Contractors, LLC Introduced by Steve Oberg, SCC Department Chair and Associate Professor of Business Administration Q&A session to follow presentation – time permitting |
| 9 - 9:45 a.m. |
Guest Speaker Monica Adams Host, “The Real Monica Adams Talk Show” Introduced by Jeri Schultz, Jeri Schultz & Associates and SCC Associate Professor of Business Q&A session to follow presentation - time permitting |
| 9:45 - 10 a.m. | Break & Networking / CAPS Group Photo - Lobby |
| 10 - 10:55 a.m. |
Panel Discussion John Mueller, Managing Partner, JEMA Katie Pesha, President/Founder, KP Consulting Group Jeri Schultz, Owner, Jeri Schultz & Associates, LLC Introduced by Shelley Machens, SCC Chief of External Campuses Q&A session to follow presentation - time permitting |
| 10:55 - 11:00 a.m. | Razzmatazz - Leo Anglo - Vincent Jewelers |
| 11:00 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. | Break & Networking |
| 11:10 - 11:55 a.m. |
Guest Speaker Tammi Hilton Owner, Mellow Mushroom Introduced by John Wiemann, SCC VP of Operations & Strategic Initiatives Q&A session to follow presentation - time permitting |
| 11:55 a.m. - Noon |
Symposium Closing Remarks John Wiemann, SCC VP of Operations & Strategic Initiatives |
Business Casual Attire.
Complimentary headshot photography will be available throughout the event.
Meet the Speakers
Tammi Hilton, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate, transitioned from
corporate sales to entrepreneurship. She launched Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers in
Cottleville in 2019, employing 60-75 people, and founded NoMoGasTax, a tech startup.
Balancing business and family, she enjoys travel and outdoor adventures with her two
children, embodying a life full of memorable experiences.
Jeri Schultz of Jeri Schultz and Associates is a distinguished leader with extensive
experience across healthcare, legal, education, and government sectors. Renowned for
her leadership consulting, she excels in executive program development, change leadership,
and customized solutions. Her commitment to transformative change and strategic insights
make her a sought-after expert, driving innovation, growth, and operational excellence
in diverse organizations.
Katie is the President/Founder of KP Consulting Group, serving Catholic organizations
nationwide. She has held key roles at Catholic Leadership Institute, USA TODAY, and
the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Katie serves on boards, teaches marketing, and holds
an MBA and BS. Married for 18 years with four children, she lives in Cottleville,
MO.
John founded JEMA in 2010 after two decades with HOK, Hardy Holzman Pfieffer Associates,
and Arcturis. He is a renowned design talent with award-winning projects and experience
leading complex teams. His portfolio spans various sectors, advocating for community
building and sustainable design. John also lectures at Washington University's Sam
Fox School of Design & Visual Arts.
Caleb, a lifelong resident of O’Fallon, Missouri, co-founded a business in 2009 to
give back to his community. With over 20 years as an electrician, he is deeply involved
in local organizations and his church. An Eagle Scout and Boy Scout leader, Caleb
values honesty, integrity, and philanthropy. He enjoys family time, hunting, and endurance
mountain biking.
Monica Adams is an award-winning television and radio host; a transformation consultant,
stylist and sought after motivational speaker. After 30 years in the broadcasting
industry, she started her own talk show which highlights inspiration, motivation,
and positivity. She recently served as the Morning Anchor on KSDK television, the
NBC affiliate in St. Louis, and KTVI, where she was the traffic anchor since 2005.
Adams started her career reporting on the Blues, Rams, and Cardinals for radio. Monica
is married, loves the arts, and supports first responders.
Thank you to our sponsors!

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Connecting the Region. Creating Possibilities.
Our Mission
The Entrepreneurial Institute brings innovation to life by inspiring people to think
like entrepreneurs through
immersive learning and meaningful connections to
transform ideas that go beyond the classroom.
Our Vision
To be the hub where entrepreneurial thinking is
cultivated, people and ideas are connected, businesses grow, and innovation creates
new possibilities for our region.
Students
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Think like an entrepreneur.
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Learn through real-world experiences.
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Connect to people and opportunities.
Business Leaders
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Share expertise and ideas.
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Connect with emerging talent.
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Build partnerships and strengthen the region.
Community Partners
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Connect and collaborate.
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Create opportunities together.
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Celebrate innovation, entrepreneurs, and community impact.
SCC
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Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking.
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Bring learning to life.
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Lead regional innovation and collaboration.
Expert Knowledge: Gain firsthand knowledge from successful entrepreneurs what it takes to succeed in business.
Practical Advice: Learn actionable strategies and practical tips that can be applied to their own entrepreneurial ventures or career plans.
Engaging Content: Benefit from diverse learning experiences beyond traditional classroom.
Professional Connections: Build valuable connections with industry professionals.
Mentorship Opportunities: Potential to establish mentoring relationships with guest speakers for guidance and support.
Entrepreneurial Skills: Develop skills for pitching ideas, strategic planning, and problem-solving.
Confidence Building: Increase confidence in their ability to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors and navigate business challenges.
Career Inspiration: Explore different career paths within various industry sectors.
Job Market Insights: Gain insights into industry trends, job market demands, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Center For Immersive Learning
Provides hands-on experiences with emerging technologies like VR and AR, helping students
explore innovative solutions for business and the workplace.
Field To Table Institute
Brings agriculture, food, and business together through hands on learning focused
on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
EXCELerator
Helps students and aspiring entrepreneurs develop ideas, build skills, and turn innovative
concepts into practical opportunities.
Regional Workforce Innovation Center
Provides hands-on experiences with emerging technologies like VR and AR, helping students
explore innovative solutions for business and the workplace.
Business
Identifying problems, building solutions, and turning ideas and technical skills into
products, services, and businesses.
Performing Arts
Turning creative talent into marketable experiences, productions, services, and entrepreneurial
careers
Entrepreneurial Institute Committee

