Feature Stories

 

The biannual Marlin Business Conference—a signature event of Virginia Wesleyan University’s business program—returns November 17–20, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals for a week of inspiration, networking, and experiential learning. This semester’s theme, “Progressing from Paychecks to Passion,” encourages participants to think beyond financial success and explore careers that align with their values and interests.

 

Leading the initiative this semester is Nate Bryant ’27, a business major from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who is serving as CEO for the conference. Bryant and his classmates in Frank Futyma’s MBE 301: Principles of Management course have spent the semester planning and executing every detail of the four-day event.

 

“Our team is committed to providing an informative and inspiring experience that pushes students to pursue their futures in ways that prioritize doing what they enjoy most,” says Bryant. “We want this conference to resonate not only with business majors, but with students across all disciplines who are looking for a new perspective on how they fit into the workplace.”

 

The student-led conference represents the culmination of months of work in strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and leadership. Acting as C-suite executives, students gain hands-on experience in project coordination and professional collaboration—key skills for success in today’s workforce.

 

In addition to Bryant, the Fall 2025 Marlin Business Leadership Team includes:

 

Amaya Nathaniel ’27, Chief Marketing Officer

Hannah Williams ’27, Chief Financial Officer

Gia Perez ’27, Chief Operations Officer

Mackenzie Swanson ’26, Chief of Staff

Miguel Hernandez ’25 (December), Chief of Staff

Luke Sbardella ’27, Director of Finance

Aiden Chapin-Bailey ’27, Head of Technology

 

The team has assembled an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and special guests, including Jody M. Wagner, founder and president of Jody’s Inc. and former Secretary of Finance for the Commonwealth of Virginia, who will deliver the opening address on Monday, November 17, at 7 p.m. following a reception in Brock Commons. Wagner, a member of the VWU Board of Trustees, brings a wealth of experience in both entrepreneurship and public service.

 

Other featured speakers include Chuck Cassidy ’86 (Owner, British Swim School of Greater Virginia Beach), Dr. Cyrus Williams (President, Virginia Counseling Association), Danny Fair (Owner and Founder, Fair Mechanical LLC), and Virginia Delegate Michael Feggans, who will serve as the conference’s closing speaker.

 

Throughout the week, attendees can participate in a range of interactive events, including the ISP and Ethics Competitions, the popular Shark Tank Competition, and various panels and workshops designed to foster professional growth. The student Shark Tank Competition offers aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to pitch innovative business ideas to a panel of judges, mirroring the intensity of the popular television show. Teams have 8–10 minutes to present their proposals, followed by a two-minute Q&A. Judges provide constructive feedback, helping students refine their business concepts while building confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

 

Additional highlights include the Business & Entrepreneurship Panel, Business Career Expo, and Dress for Success Workshop, and the Sigma Beta Delta Induction Ceremony honoring students for outstanding academic achievement in business, management, and administration. A special networking social will also be held at The Hive in Virginia Beach, featuring remarks from Ihsane Mouak, Project Development Manager for Virginia Beach Economic Development.

 

The Fall Marlin Business Conference continues to exemplify Virginia Wesleyan’s commitment to experiential learning—empowering students to transform classroom knowledge into real-world leadership and lifelong professional purpose.