Submitted by Jessica Garrett Modkins
NORTH MIAMI, FL — October 15, 2025 — The 2025 Teach to Fish Business Summit concluded Tuesday at Florida International University’s Kovens Conference Center after three days of transformative programming, networking, and inspiration for entrepreneurs and small-business leaders across South Florida.
Presented by the City of North Miami and the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), this year’s summit featured interactive sessions on marketing and AI, contract readiness, access to capital, leadership, and growth. The event also included a live pitch competition and exclusive networking opportunities that connected hundreds of business owners to new resources and partnerships.
The summit opened Sunday, October 12, with the Business & Bubbles Brunch and an empowering keynote from Dr. Amira Ogunleye, Founder and CEO of Beautiful Smiles. A nationally recognized cosmetic dentist and award-winning entrepreneur, Dr. Ogunleye inspired attendees to embrace authenticity and excellence in every aspect of their business journey.
“Behind most success stories is a beginning that doesn’t look successful,” said Dr. Ogunleye. “Excellence isn’t a moment—it’s who you are. People buy you before they buy the product. When you genuinely care about people, success follows.”
The closing day featured the Motion & Mastery Luncheon, headlined by Damola Adamolekun, CEO of Red Lobster, who shared leadership lessons from guiding iconic brands through challenge and transformation.
“The pursuit of excellence is what we should all be chasing,” said Adamolekun. “It isn’t a selfish goal—when you improve yourself, you improve your community. Build fair, idea-driven cultures, communicate honestly, and celebrate the small wins on the way to big results.”
As the event’s founder and driving force, Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe, MPA, reflected on the summit’s impact and the mission that inspired its name.
“The Teach to Fish Business Summit was more than a conference — it was a testament to what happens when access meets ambition,” said Vice Mayor Timothe. “From our dynamic speakers to the entrepreneurs who showed up ready to learn, connect, and grow, we witnessed transformation in real time. The Teach to Fish movement is about more than a weekend of inspiration — it’s about building pathways that last a lifetime. Each year we raise the bar, and I’m already looking forward to what next year will bring as we continue to empower businesses to not just survive, but truly thrive.”
Rooted in the proverb that inspired its name — “Give someone a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach someone to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.” — the Teach to Fish Business Summit continues to evolve into a statewide movement equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and access they need to sustain success for years to come.
For media inquiries, photos, or event footage, contact jgm@hiprockstar.com or visit northmiamicra.org.
