“I help people think about what they have never considered.”
Dr. Emmanuel Hernández-Agosto stands at the crossroads of education, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. With over 18 years of leadership experience across academic institutions and nonprofit initiatives, he has cultivated a reputation as a dynamic force in entrepreneurial education and a transformative leader in economic development. His work spans not only classrooms and campuses but also communities and global initiatives, where he builds learning ecosystems designed to catalyze opportunity, empower individuals, and inspire systemic change.
Born in Puerto Rico and educated at some of its most respected institutions, Dr. Hernández-Agosto began his academic journey at the Universidad de Puerto Rico, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Recognized for his scholastic excellence, he graduated with multiple honors, including the prestigious Aguedo Mojica and Boanerges Carrasquillo Awards. He continued his education at Ana G. Méndez University, earning an MBA in Marketing with the highest GPA distinction, and later completed his Doctorate of Business Administration with a dissertation that addressed business incubation for people with disabilities—a subject reflecting his lifelong dedication to inclusive economic development.
As an academic, Dr. Hernández-Agosto has taught extensively across institutions, serving in both undergraduate and graduate roles. At Gulf Coast State College, he served as Associate Professor and Program Manager for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Entrepreneurship. There, he became the architect of a highly successful entrepreneurship simulation lab, blending experiential learning with real-world problem-solving. Under his leadership, enrollment in workforce readiness programs increased by 136%, and the number of degrees awarded surged by 267%. His innovative model has been cited as one of the Florida State College System’s best practices, demonstrating the deep and practical impact of his pedagogy.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Hernández-Agosto’s influence extends to strategic institutional leadership. As Dean of the College of Business at St. Petersburg College, he has been responsible for over 3,000 students, more than 100 faculty members, and the execution of quality academic programs. Within two years, his strategic repositioning of the College’s brand led to the creation of multiple new programs, securing over $600,000 in grants and increasing student enrollment. He is a champion of partnerships, actively engaging with industries and community organizations to forge alliances that support workforce readiness and drive regional economic growth.
Dr. Hernández-Agosto is also an entrepreneur in his own right. As founder of Mindhatch Ventures LLC, a virtual accelerator focused on social and micro-enterprises, he applied his educational philosophies in the field, guiding startups through growth strategies, marketing techniques, and sustainable operations. His hands-on approach to mentorship and coaching has positioned him as a trusted advisor to founders, nonprofit leaders, and community organizers alike.
His expertise has been sought in Puerto Rico, where he helped secure a $2.7 million Economic Development Administration grant by integrating business incubation and culture evaluation strategies into a major job readiness initiative. He has also played a pivotal role in humanitarian logistics, leading a multi-phase disaster relief project that mobilized over 200 volunteers to support solar energy installations for homebound patients in post-hurricane Puerto Rico.
Dr. Hernández-Agosto’s passion for community development is evident through his service on numerous nonprofit boards. He was Vice President and Chair of the Construction Committee for Habitat for Humanity of Bay County and an active board member of Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida. Most recently he serves on boards for Abide Disaster Relief, Suncoast Housing Connections and Tampa Bay Tech. From creating job pathways for under-resourced communities in Puerto Rico to advising Indigenous tribes in Mexico on commerce and marketing, he has consistently applied his business acumen to social good.
His scholarly and professional contributions include numerous presentations at national conferences and the authorship of educational handbooks and research publications on e-marketing, business incubators, and sales management. His honors include two John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Awards, multiple Outstanding Club Advisor and Academic Advisor Awards, and national recognition through student organizations like Enactus, where teams under his leadership have won regional and national titles.
Emmanuel is a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, with strong international exposure and a cultural dexterity that enables him to connect meaningfully across diverse communities. His research interests span blockchain technology, social entrepreneurship, and innovation, aligning with his forward-thinking approach to solving complex challenges.
Today, as he explores board opportunities and executive advisory roles, Dr. Hernández-Agosto brings a rare combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial innovation, and community-centered leadership. His strategic mind and empathetic heart make him a visionary capable of shaping both institutions and industries for the better.
Character:
Dr. Hernández-Agosto exemplifies integrity, compassion, and a deep-rooted commitment to equity and inclusion. His life’s work reflects an unyielding drive to uplift underserved communities and empower students through authentic, values-based leadership.
Knowledge:
With a doctorate in business administration and decades of multidisciplinary experience, he brings a robust understanding of management, entrepreneurship, and educational innovation. His thought leadership in business incubation and experiential learning has set benchmarks in academic and nonprofit sectors.
Strategic:
Emmanuel is a master strategist who translates vision into action by aligning academic goals with economic needs and community outcomes. His leadership has resulted in multimillion-dollar grants, expanded academic programs, and significant institutional growth.
Communication:
An accomplished speaker, educator, and mentor, Dr. Hernández-Agosto communicates with clarity, inspiration, and cultural fluency. Whether presenting at global conferences or mentoring future entrepreneurs, he forges connections that resonate and motivate.
