Leadership Panel at StartUp Humboldt
What helps a business thrive? A great team. Join StartUp Humboldt (876 7th St in Arcata) on Tuesday, December 2nd from 5:30pm-7pm for a dynamic conversation with local leaders as they share their experiences guiding teams, navigating change and building trust.
Our panelists will dive into leadership lessons from their own journeys, including how to develop strong team dynamics, foster innovation and lead with purpose — all grounded in real-world examples from startups and established organizations.
Panelists:
- Michael Spagna – Cal Poly Humboldt Interim President
- Dan Phillips – Former CTO of Hulu & Co-Founder of Lost Coast Ventures (CR & CPH alum)
- Jennifer Budwig – Senior VP, Redwood Capital Bank (CR & CPH alum)
- SK Lee – Angel Investor & VC Leadership Coach
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, interested team member or aspiring to lead in any capacity, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, actionable insights, and lessons from leaders who have built successful teams.
Bonus: StartUp Humboldt Competition applications open week of December 2nd— learn more about how you can win access to $200,000 to invest in your business or bold idea!
Learn more about the StartUp Humboldt Competition: https://startuphumboldt.org/thecompetition/
Register for this free event: https://startuphumboldtleadershippanel.eventbrite.com
Latest PMC Academic Affairs
- ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS: 2026 McCrone Promising Faculty Scholars AwardSponsored Programs Foundation is pleased to request nominations for the McCrone Promising Faculty Scholars Award for Cal Poly Humboldt faculty members. This fund was created to honor Dr. and Mrs. McCrone, who together supported Cal Poly Humboldt and its students for over a quarter of a century. This award will recognize Humboldt’s newer faculty, acknowledge their potential in their field of research, and encourage their continued achievement.
- StartUp Humboldt Competition: Lightning Pitch ClinicGot a million-dollar idea? Win access to $200,000 in milestone-based funding
- Call for Applications: CTL Faculty Scholar ProgramThe Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) invites applications for the Faculty Scholar Program. This program offers faculty members an opportunity to collaborate with the CTL in advancing teaching excellence and innovation across the university. Faculty Scholars design and facilitate professional development initiatives—such as workshops, research projects, and learning communities—that promote equity, innovation, and evidence-informed teaching practices. For the upcoming cycle, priority areas include:
- MLK Jr. Day on, Not a Day OffNovember 12, 2025 Cal Poly Humboldt students, staff and faculty, and community members are invited to join Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.) for a morning of community service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to local organizations while commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King. This event will feature volunteer projects on campus and at community sites. Transportation, breakfast snacks, coffee and tea will be provided.
- Funding Opportunity: CSUBIOTECH - Presidents' Commission Research Scholars Program (Undergraduate Summer Research)CSUBIOTECH - Presidents' Commission Research Scholars Program (Undergraduate Summer Research) Deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026 by 5:00 pm; Faculty mentors are responsible for submitting the complete proposal and all applications will need to be routed through Sponsored Programs Foundation before they can be submitted. Award Amount: $8,000 – Students receive $6000 as a scholarship. $2000 of the award can support the faculty mentor’s research program.


