Simpkins’ EmpowerU Conference Unites Community Leaders to Inspire Students
Left to right: Luis Hernandez, The Hon. Dana Blickley, The Hon. Lisa Cullen, The Hon.
Rachel Sadoff, Michele Goodwin, and Dr. Michael Cadore
November 24, 2025
“Success is hard. Be patient with yourself. Work hard toward what you want. It’s not
an easy path, but if you’re really dedicated to what you want to do in your lives,
you’ll get there eventually. It’s a long-distance race, not a sprint.”
These words from Michele Goodwin, President/COO of Ron Jon Surf Shop, were among the
student- and career-centric advice given at Eastern Florida State College’s EmpowerU
Conference on November 19, 2025, at the Cocoa Campus’ Bernard Simpkins Auditorium.
Sponsored by the Simpkins Speakers Series, the EmpowerU Conference provided participants
with the opportunity to connect with passionate community leaders, advocates, and
educators who are championing educational change and creating pathways for every student
to thrive.
The panelists included:
• The Hon. Dana Blickley, Brevard County Property Appraiser
• The Hon. Lisa Cullen, Brevard County Tax Collector
• Ms. Michele Goodwin, President/COO, Ron Jon Surf Shop
• Mr. Luis Hernandez, Owner/Operator, Culver’s Restaurant
• The Hon. Rachel Sadoff, Brevard County Clerk of Courts
The five-member panel, mediated by EFSC’s VP External Affairs Dr. Michael Cadore,
addressed challenges and topics faced by students, including the desired qualities
of a new hire, how to form genuine relationships in a social media-focused world,
and practical advice for achieving major career goals and milestones.
“The things we want in life—the really good things—aren’t the easy things. They’re
the things I worked hard for and put in a lot of sweat equity toward,” said Cullen.
“Give yourself some grace and remember that. Absorb all you can from the people around
you, but mostly give yourself some grace.”
The Simpkins Speaker Series is named after Bernard Simpkins, a highly successful entrepreneur
and Brevard County business leader who established the sessions that have brought
some of the nation’s top business innovators to the college since the series started
in 2001.
• Randy Acosta, who is pursuing his Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Information
Systems Technology with dreams of building a business that sells high-quality 3D-printed
products and models.
“Entrepreneurship to me is not only about financial success but also about creativity,
independence, and solving problems in innovative ways,” said Acosta. “With my technical
background, creative drive, and commitment to growth, I am confident I can turn my
3D printing passion into a thriving business. This scholarship would help me invest
in better equipment, materials, and training, accelerating my journey toward becoming
a successful entrepreneur.
• Sherley Florival, who is pursuing her Associate of Arts while serving as the Creative
Director of a faith-based magazine, where she builds a platform that speaks to authenticity,
spiritual growth, and cultural relevance.
“Entrepreneurship, to me, is not a single path but a collection of skills, experiences,
and values working together toward a greater purpose,” said Florival. “With this scholarship,
I will continue to build ventures that reflect resilience, service, and innovation,
leaving a legacy not just of businesses created, but of lives transformed.
- Media Contact: Suzanne Rains, APR, CPRC, Associate Vice President, Communications
- Office:321-433-7022
- Cell:321-537-6986
- Email:rainss@easternflorida.edu
Recent News
November 17, 2025 — The EFSC Foundation announced that its 12th Annual Scholarship Golf Classic raised more than $158,000 to support student scholarships on Friday, November 7, at Duran Golf Club.
November 6, 2025 — The EFSC Foundation will present a special Simpkins Speaker Series event, EmpowerU, on Wednesday, November 19, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Simpkins Fine Arts Center (Building 4) on EFSC's Cocoa Campus.
October 22, 2025 — The Eastern Florida State College Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Ron Gicca and Marcus Ingeldsen.