Freeman professor to be honored at the White House

Sherif A. Ebrahim, adjunct professor of management, strategy and entrepreneurship, will be honored at the White House on Wednesday, March 7, as an entrepreneurial mentor and “Champion of Change.” Ebrahim is one of 11 individuals from across the nation being recognized for outstanding leadership in entrepreneurial mentoring, counseling and training.

The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each year, a different sector is highlighted and groups of champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.

“Entrepreneurial mentors help American business owners fulfill their dreams every day,” said U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Marie Johns. “Mentors contribute their time to provide the counseling and expertise that business owners need to succeed and create jobs. In turn, entrepreneurs and businesses support their local economy and provide goods and services to their neighbors. These mentors are true Champions of Change, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate their success.”

Ebrahim is president and CEO of Strategic Management Group, a nationally recognized private equity firm, and managing partner of SMG Capital, a nationally recognized healthcare firm. He has served as an adjunct professor at the Freeman School since 2008, where he teaches courses including Strategy Development and Implementation, Strategic Consulting, and Corporate and Cooperative Strategy. He also serves as faculty adviser for the Freeman Consulting Group, where he works with students who provide consulting services to businesses and organizations in the community on a non-fee basis.

To learn more about the Champions of Change program, visit www.whitehous.gov/champions.