The Innovate State Speaker Series at MSU is a collaborative program designed to connect forward-thinking speakers with students and professionals interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. Topics include startups, new business creation, leadership and team-building, customer acquisition, fundraising and other special topics.

Held monthly through the academic year, this speaker series is held at 6 p.m. in the Erikson Hall Kiva on Farm Lane | MAP

2018-2019 Series 

Fall

September 18, 2018: Shaniqua Davis | CEO & Founder, Noirefy

October 3, 2018: Jeff Ellman | Founder, Urbanbound and Hireology 

October 16, 2018: Marissa Siero | Workplace Director, Lodgic Everyday Community 

November 7, 2018: Justin "Bugsy" Sailor | Founder & Owner, Upper Peninsula Supply Co., LLC 

November 20, 2018: Denise & Mike Busley | Founders, Grand Traverse Pie Company 

Spring

January 23, 2019: Dave Zilko | CEO, FUEL Leadership 

February 5, 2019: Zoe Zappitell | Product Manager, Zynga 

February 19, 2019: Mike Kalis | Founder & CEO, Marketplace Homes 

March 13, 2019: Tracy Garley | CEO, Zarkpa's 

March 26, 2019: Jillian Lorenz | Co-Founder/CEO, The Barre Code