Board Member Spotlight: Emma Fleck

For Emma Fleck, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Susquehanna University’s Sigmund Weis School of Business, USASBE has become a place where scholarship, professional growth, and lasting friendships come together. Emma first discovered USASBE nearly a decade ago when she was looking for a conference close to home as she stepped back into her research agenda. The opportunity to present developmental work in a welcoming environment drew her in, but it was the people and sense of community that kept her coming back.

Over the years, Emma’s involvement grew from attending conferences and participating in Learning Journeys and a Teaching and Learning cohort to taking on leadership roles within the organization. After serving as Chair of Governance, where she helped build greater structure for USASBE, Emma recently transitioned to the Executive Committee as Treasurer. She is excited to learn from former Treasurer Andrew Corbett and support the organization in a new way.

With 20 years in entrepreneurship education, Emma is especially passionate about how the field continues to evolve. While her early research focused on women in entrepreneurship, she has developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship education and, particularly, how it is taught. She enjoys discovering new experiential activities, learning how other educators engage their students, and finding new ways to bring entrepreneurship to life in the classroom.

That openness is also central to what being a USASBE Board member means to Emma. She wants more entrepreneurship educators to experience the friendships, scholarship, and sense of belonging she has found within the organization. Whether someone is an established researcher, new academic, center director, practitioner, or community member, Emma believes USASBE should be a place where everyone feels “seen, heard, appreciated.”

For those attending the annual conference, Emma recommends making the most of both sides of the USASBE experience. Attend the teaching and experiential classroom sessions to discover ideas you can bring home, but don’t miss the Opening Reception or Gala. Sit at a different table, introduce yourself to someone new, and take advantage of the opportunity to build relationships. Some of Emma’s closest friendships began through USASBE, including during a memorable Teaching and Learning cohort at St. Pete Beach.

Looking toward USASBE’s future, Emma is energized by the organization’s leadership and the opportunity to help it grow. Her message to members is simple: “Bring your friends.” She believes USASBE is at its strongest when members share ideas, welcome new voices, and work together to shape the future of entrepreneurship education. As Emma puts it, “We are better together. We will grow stronger together.”

Outside of her work, Emma loves to travel and has a talent that fellow USASBE members may not know about, she plays the harp. Growing up in Northern Ireland, just north of Belfast, she learned to play when she was young and still has a harp today.