(MIAMI, FL) — Manny Medina, a successful entrepreneur who helped transform Miami into a world-class tech and innovation hub, will be the commencement speaker at Barry University’s graduation ceremony in May 2023.
As the founder and managing partner of Medina Capital, Medina has more than 40 years of experience as a highly accomplished businessman with expertise in areas that include technology, finance, real estate, international business and government contracting. He is also the founder and chairman of the board of eMerge Americas, the premier business-to-business technology event connecting the U.S., Latin America and Europe. Medina currently serves as executive chairman at Cyxtera Technologies and Appgate, both of which are Medina Capital portfolio companies.
Throughout his exceptional career, Medina has been an impactful philanthropist, who has given back in countless ways to South Florida to support the next generation of leaders.
“We are delighted to have Manny Medina be our commencement speaker and to present him with an honorary degree from Barry University,” Barry President Mike Allen said. “His inspirational story of finding success through hard work, creativity and determination, and his commitment to giving back to the community, will deeply inspire our students as they set out on their journeys to become socially conscious leaders in their communities and professional endeavors.”
“I am humbled and honored at the opportunity to address the 2023 Barry University graduates,” Medina said. “For me, it’s a point of pride to support such a visionary institution like Barry University, whose founders took a chance with what was then a sleepy town, Miami, and built an institution that has become a symbol and bastion of hope and prosperity for millions of immigrants in the decades to follow. Like those graduating from Barry today, I have much to thank this storied institution that has played a pivotal role in what I ‘ve called home for over 50 years and educating the leaders of tomorrow.”
Barry’s commencement ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 5 at the University’s main campus in Miami Shores. Many graduating students are the first in their families to attend college. They have taken advantage of an experiential education and the many opportunities that Barry provides to learn practical knowledge and prepare for the workforce of the future.
“Commencement is my favorite time of the year because it means so much to our students and their families,” Allen said. “It’s wonderful to witness these incredible individuals be rewarded as they culminate their achievements at Barry and begin their journeys in life.”
About Barry University: As South Florida’s largest private Catholic institution of higher learning and as one of the leading universities in the nation for promoting social mobility, Barry University is preparing students for the future workforce by offering them more than 100 degree programs in a variety of disciplines and giving them the tools and real-world experience that transform concepts into impact. Barry's programs center on experiential and service learning, responding to market conditions and addressing critical societal needs. Barry graduates are socially conscious leaders in many industries and in their communities. Learn more at barry.edu.