Florida State University Panama City will host a special FSU Panama City entrepreneurship event on Wednesday, Oct. 15, featuring former ABC News President Kim Godwin. The event, part of the university’s “Lunch & Learn” series, will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Holley Academic Center’s St. Joe Community Foundation Lecture Hall, 4750 Collegiate Drive.
A Trailblazer in Broadcast Journalism
Kim Godwin made history as the first woman and first person of color to hold the position of President at ABC News in the network’s 80-year history. Before joining ABC in 2021 under Disney, she served as Executive Vice President of News at CBS and held senior positions at NBC.
With a career spanning decades, Godwin is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning producer recognized for her leadership and journalistic excellence. A graduate of Florida A&M University with a degree in broadcast journalism, she has continuously championed diversity, mentorship, and innovation in the newsroom.
Connecting Leadership and Entrepreneurship
At the FSU Panama City entrepreneurship event, Godwin will sit down for an in-depth discussion with Brian Baber, instructor in the Commercial Entrepreneurship program at FSU Panama City. The conversation will explore her experiences leading major news organizations and the lessons entrepreneurs can draw from her journey.
Baber, who also hosts the “FSU Panama City Entrepreneurship Lunch and Learn Podcast,” will guide the discussion toward key entrepreneurial themes such as resilience, creativity, and decision-making under pressure—qualities that define both great leaders and successful founders.
Free Event Open to the Public
The FSU Panama City entrepreneurship event is open to the public, and there is no admission fee. A light lunch will be provided to attendees. For those unable to attend in person, the conversation will be available afterward on Apple Podcasts and Spotify through Baber’s entrepreneurship podcast series.
According to university organizers, the Lunch & Learn sessions aim to inspire students, local entrepreneurs, and community members by showcasing real-world success stories.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
“Events like these bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world leadership,” Baber said in a statement. “Kim Godwin’s story is about breaking barriers and leading with integrity—values that resonate deeply with aspiring entrepreneurs.”
The FSU Panama City entrepreneurship event underscores the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and business leadership in Northwest Florida.
Whether you’re planning to start a company or simply seeking inspiration, this event offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most respected names in American journalism.
Seats are limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. For more details, visit the FSU Panama City events page.
