I’m excited to be returning once again as a keynote speaker for Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW), one of the most impactful leadership and business programs for high school students in the country.
I’ve had the privilege of speaking at PFEW year after year, and every time I leave inspired by the incredible students who participate. This isn’t just another summer camp. It’s a week that challenges students to think differently, work together, and discover strengths they never knew they had.
What Is Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week?
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is a week-long leadership and business experience where high school students learn what it takes to run a successful company. Students are placed into teams and become the executive leadership of a business. Throughout the week, they make real business decisions, develop marketing strategies, manage finances, solve problems, and compete against other student-run companies. The program is led by business professionals and mentors who help students experience what leadership looks like in the real world.
Watching Students Grow in Just One Week
One of my favorite parts of returning to PFEW every year is seeing the transformation that takes place.
On the first day, many students are meeting each other for the very first time. They come from different schools, different backgrounds, and different experiences. Some are naturally outgoing, while others are quiet and unsure of themselves.
By the end of the week, everything changes.
I’ve watched students work side by side to create a business, develop a complete marketing plan, prepare presentations, solve challenges, and confidently present their ideas. They learn how to communicate, collaborate, and lead under pressure. They celebrate victories together, overcome setbacks together, and leave as friends and future leaders.
Those are skills that simply can’t be taught in a traditional classroom.
Leadership That Lasts a Lifetime
As a keynote speaker, my goal is to encourage students to believe in themselves and recognize that leadership is about serving others, making good decisions, and taking action when opportunities arise.
I share my own journey of overcoming obstacles and remind students that success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from perseverance, teamwork, and a willingness to keep learning.
Programs like PFEW give students the confidence to dream bigger. Many participants leave with a clearer vision for college, business, entrepreneurship, or their future careers. More importantly, they leave believing they can make a difference. PFEW has helped tens of thousands of students since 1979 by combining student leadership development with hands-on business experience.
Honored to Return Each Year
It’s always an honor to be invited back to Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week.
The staff, volunteers, business leaders, and mentors invest countless hours into creating an unforgettable experience for every student. Their commitment to developing the next generation of leaders is evident in everything they do.
I look forward to another incredible week of meeting outstanding students, sharing encouragement, and watching future entrepreneurs, executives, educators, and community leaders discover what’s possible when they believe in themselves.
Thank you, PFEW, for allowing me to be a small part of such a life-changing experience. I can’t wait to see what this year’s students accomplish.