Overview
The W. Frank Barton School of Business proudly welcomes Gene and Yolanda Camarena as its dynamic Entrepreneurs-in-Residence duo for the Spring 2024 semester. Gene, serving as the President and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Inc., brings unparalleled expertise in the business realm. Complementing his prowess, Yolanda, a dedicated leader with a significant career as a social justice and equity advocate in education, enriches our community with her invaluable insights. Together, they form an exceptional team poised to inspire and elevate our academic and entrepreneurial landscape.
"Yolanda and I are deeply honored to embark on this meaningful journey as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence at the Barton School. Recognizing the pivotal role education played in our own success, we are committed to ensuring that our achievements extend beyond personal accomplishments. Fueled by a passion for community progress and prosperity, our role allows us to uplift others through thoughtful and collaborative opportunities, championing a legacy of shared success and empowerment." said Gene Camarena.
As Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, Gene and Yolanda are set to illuminate the path to success through their keynote presentation, “Unlocking Success: Key Insights from Visionary Entrepreneurs on Building, Innovating, and Transforming Futures.” scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 9:30am in Woolsey Hall. With a wealth of entrepreneurial wisdom, they will delve into the keys to building and running thriving companies, share the essence of successful entrepreneurship and innovation, impart invaluable lessons learned, articulate their visionary outlook for the future, advocate for a philanthropic mindset, and underscore the significance of transformative community initiatives. Beyond the keynote, the Camarena’s are committed to fostering meaningful connections by actively engaging with students through mentoring and networking sessions. Additionally, their collaborative exchanges with the Barton School’s leadership team, esteemed faculty, and industry leaders throughout the semester promise an enriching and impactful experience for all involved.
"I am truly thrilled about the upcoming Entrepreneur-in-Residence engagement with Gene. Our partnership with the Barton School presents a fantastic opportunity to share our passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact. Together, we look forward to inspiring and empowering the next generation of visionary leaders." said Yolanda Camarena.
“Gene and Yolanda are two dynamic individuals with exceptional synergies,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “Together, they are the epitome of a quintessential power couple. Their combined entrepreneurial expertise, skills, and unwavering commitment to stewardship promise distinctive insights that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and community."
As president and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Gene’s business interests include Pizza Hut restaurants, Marriott hotels, banking, and real estate development. In the past 10 years, these business holdings have been recognized as being in the top 150 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the country. Gene served three terms as the chairman of the International Pizza Hut Franchise Association board and was recently inducted into the Pizza Hut Franchisee Hall of Fame. He also serves as chair of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Empower, the Pizza Hut Foundation and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, which provides more than $30 million in scholarships annually. Gene is a board member of Work Torch, Hispanics in Real Estate, United Way of the Plains and the University of Kansas Endowment Board of Trustees. He received a master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business of Administration from the University of Kansas.
Yolanda currently serves on the national board of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, Empower Evergreen, Newman University, Phillips Fundamental Learning Center, Hispanic Scholarship Fund Advisory Council, and the National Advisory Council for Wichita State University. She is also the chair of the Schools and Scholarship Committee of Harvard College and a member of various city and community organizations. Yolanda was also featured in the nationally recognized book, “Latina Leadership Lessons: Fifty Latinas Speak.” Her career in higher education administration includes serving as the Director of Admissions for Newman University, Associate Director of Graduate Programs at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and Regional Coordinator for the LULAC Educational Service Center. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and Education Policy from Harvard University and bachelor’s degree in Education from WSU. She also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letter degree from Newman University.
"Gene and Yolanda have left an indelible mark on students nationwide with their business acumen, wealth of knowledge, and boundless generosity," stated Dr. Shirley Lefever, Executive Vice President and Provost at Wichita State. "The prospect of having them on campus as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and community leaders is a source of great excitement for us, as we eagerly anticipate the transformative impact they will undoubtedly bring to our academic community."