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Coffee and Conversation with Nia James Starr of EcoSLO

CIE HotHouse 1134 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo

This Coffee & Conversation event features keynote speaker Nia James Starr, Sustainability Coordinator with the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (EcoSLO). EcoSLO organizes our community to protect San Luis Obispo County’s environment, engaging residents through impactful programs like the Green Business Program, Urban Tree Planting, and Creeks to Coast Cleanups. At this event, Nia will share insights into the SLO County Green Business Program—part of the statewide California Green Business Network—which provides free resources and technical assistance to help businesses reduce costs and environmental impact. In 2025 alone, local Green Businesses collectively prevented over 3.27 million pounds of CO2 emissions, saved nearly 3.82 million kWh of energy, reduced more than 822,000 pounds of waste, and conserved over 1.07 million gallons of water. Nia brings a unique blend of creativity and environmental expertise to her role. After spending 15 years in New York City, she relocated to the Central Coast to pursue her passion for sustainability. She holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Environmental Systems from Pratt Institute and previously worked for nearly a decade as a visual designer, using storytelling to connect people with ideas. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how local businesses can lead the way […]

Free

Coffee and Conversations with Peter Falzon

SLO HotHouse 872 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo

Join us for a special Coffee & Conversation as we welcome Peter Falzon, the new Executive Director of the Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE)! Peter is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of creating economic value in venture-stage and public companies with a focus on life sciences and technology. For the past seven years, Peter has been the CEO of Ripple Science, a healthcare IT spinout of the University of Michigan that provides cloud-based software for recruiting and retaining participants in clinical research studies. Before Ripple Science, Peter spent 10 years studying and working in Japan and 15 years managing life science companies in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. He is a native of Michigan and a graduate of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, where he earned his degree with distinction. We are incredibly excited to have Peter join the Cal Poly CIE community! This event is a wonderful opportunity to hear his story, learn about his vision for the CIE, and connect with other members of our vibrant business community. Enjoy free coffee, great conversations, and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with like-minded professionals!

Free

Coffee & Conversation featuring Cara Wright

CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo

Join us this month for a special Coffee & Conversation featuring keynote speaker Cara Wright, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Must! Charities and former CEO of Farm Supply Company. Cara is a fourth-generation SLO County resident and Cal Poly alum whose career spans nearly three decades leading one of the region’s most beloved farmer-owned cooperatives. She rose through the ranks at Farm Supply—from salesperson to marketing, V.P. of Communications, and ultimately CEO—before transitioning this year to her new role at Must! Charities. Cara will share lessons from her journey from a local co-op to a local non-profit, insights on leadership, and the ways business and community impact intersect. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear Cara’s perspective on leading with purpose, navigating career transitions, and fostering meaningful change. Connect with fellow business professionals, enjoy free coffee, and engage in meaningful conversations with our vibrant community.

Free