Inspiring the Next Generation of Community-Minded Leaders

CEOs of Tomorrow was founded in 2016 with a mission to inspire youth to unlock their entrepreneurial gifts and use them to make the world a better place. Our engaging, hands-on programs and products strengthen critical life skills and give youth the opportunity to affect positive social change while earning money.

Our Founder

Dr. Roxie Hentz founded CEOs of Tomorrow in 2016, bringing with her 25 years of experience as an educator, mentor, and nonprofit leader. Driven by a deep commitment to equity and excellence in education, Dr. Hentz launched CEOs of Tomorrow to provide rigorous, relevant curriculum and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth—especially those historically underrepresented. She saw social entrepreneurship as a transformative tool to address racial achievement and wealth gaps, empowering young people to become critical thinkers, bold innovators, and leaders in their communities. Under her visionary leadership, CEOs of Tomorrow became a national model for social entrepreneurship education, equipping youth with the skills and confidence to create businesses that make a positive impact.

Dr. Hentz’s tenure was marked by groundbreaking initiatives that propelled CEOs of Tomorrow to success. The organization’s first program, a four-week college-level course piloted in 2016, evolved into the International Academy, reaching students not only across the U.S. but also in Qatar, Botswana, Spain, and The Gambia. In 2017, the organization expanded into a full-time operation offering an additional three youth programs. By 2019, she led the launch of our popular Global Excursions Program which takes our teen entrepreneurs to developing countries where they collaborate with local teens to support them in developing small business ideas that address community needs and create economic opportunities.  In 2020, CEOs of Tomorrow launched its trademarked imPACTful Creations, hands-on business kits now sold to  schools across the country with consistent five-star reviews from educators. By the time of Dr. Hentz’s retirement in 2025, the organization had grown to offer five core programs for teens, including two youth employment initiatives, two international programs, a summer business camp, and multiple school-based programs in Madison and Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Her leadership as the Founder of CEOs of Tomorrow earned widespread recognition, including the 2021 Force for Positive Change Award, the ATHENA Leadership Award, YWCA Madison’s Women of Distinction Award, and named one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders by Madison365. Dr. Hentz’s legacy continues to inspire young entrepreneurs and change-makers around the world.

What is social entrepreneurship?

Social entrepreneurship, or creating a business to address pressing issues and benefit society, transforms youth into critical thinkers who dream big, make courageous decisions, and inspire good will. Through social entrepreneurship education, our youth not only learn business ownership, but also become leaders and team players, practice problem-solving, grow their confidence, and unlock their creativity.

Developing the entrepreneurial mindset

The benefits of entrepreneurship education extend far beyond business ownership. Our youth develop skills that set them up for success at school, at home, and in their future career.

Leadership

Self-responsibility

Confidence

Critical thinking & problem-solving

Communication & teamwork

Creativity & innovation

Curiosity & imagination

Resilience

Committed to equal opportunity for all youth

We work to ensure rich diversity among the youth enrolled in our programs, with an emphasis on those facing the economic, educational, and racial disparities evident in achievement and employment gaps throughout our country and around the world.

%
Program participants that are youth of color
%
Program participants that are from low-income households
%
Program alumni attending college that are first-generation college students
High schools and middle schools attended by participating youth

*Data reflects our year-round teen programs; does not include our two-week summer camp

Support our mission

Help youth harness their ideas and passions within business that benefit their communities.

Thank you to our longstanding community supporters and education partners!

American Family Insurance Institute for corporate and social impact
Schlecht Family Foundation
City of Madison Wisconsin
Dane County
Madison Area Technical College
Madison Metropolitan School District

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