Articles
From Service to Startups: HCC Veteran Alumni earn Finalists spot for NACCE Entrepreneurship Award
Sep 30, 2025
Two alumni of the Houston City College (HCC) Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) have been named among the top five finalists for the inaugural National Entrepreneur of the Year award from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
Pamela Fleming, founder and CEO of Nexus Transformation Partners, and Bryant Coronado, founder of Maps Flowers LLC, were both recognized for their innovative business models and leadership as Army veterans turned entrepreneurs.
Fleming’s company helps organizations strengthen leadership pipelines through her unique "Human Change Equation” approach.
“Earning this award would be an opportunity to pay it forward and shine a light on incredible programs like NACCE and VEP,” said Fleming. “My philosophy is that there's enough success for everyone, and this platform would allow me to help other entrepreneurs understand the amazing resources available to them."
Coronado’s floral business is reshaping the industry through a vertically integrated model from greenhouse to customer.
"Winning this national title would be amazing, and I would be incredibly grateful," said Coronado. "For me, it's about more than just flowers; it's about building something from the ground up and making a difference. I would view NACCE as a 'super sponsor' on this journey, helping us grow and continue to make an impact in communities, one relationship at a time."
Both entrepreneurs attribute a significant part of their success to the training and network the VEP provides. The program is strongly supported by partners such as the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce (HRVCC) which provides critical hands-on mentoring, networking opportunities and a strong veteran business community.
"Pamela and Bryant’s national success is the very reason the HRVCC exists," said Dave Weaver, HRVCC president and founder. "Our mission is to provide tangible support—from mentorship to opening strategic doors—for our fellow veterans, and the partnership with HCC helps create a powerful pipeline for building a thriving veteran business economy in Houston.”
Maya Durnovo, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor of Entrepreneurial Initiatives at HCC, added, "We are absolutely thrilled to see two of Houston’s finest entrepreneurs advance to the national stage. Pamela and Bryant’s success is a powerful example of what is possible when our city’s rich network of partners collaborates to support and elevate our veteran community."
Fleming and Coronado, both distinguished graduates of the VEP, earned first place in Houston’s local competitions in 2023 and 2024, respectively. They presented their ventures at the Rice University Business Plan Competition. Their continued success highlights the resilience and innovation cultivated through the HCC VEP.
“Pamela Fleming and Bryant Coronado’s recognition as national finalists is a testament to HCC’s commitment to cultivating entrepreneurial talent and driving economic growth through veteran-led ventures,” said Andrea Burridge, Ph.D., vice chancellor, Strategy, Planning & Institutional Effectiveness. “Their success reflects the strength of our entrepreneurial ecosystem and the transformative impact of our Veterans Entrepreneurship Program.”
The winner of NACCE’s Entrepreneur of the Year award will be announced on Tuesday, October 7, during the NACCE Annual Conference in Coronado, California.
“We are so proud of Pamela and Bryant. Their success is a direct reflection of their hard work and the strength of Houston’s veteran community, which rallies to support its own,” said Ravi Brahmbhatt, Ed.D., HCC director of Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
To learn about the program and sign up for the current cohort, visit the VEP website.
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