School of Business Executive Leadership Series

We are pleased to announce the return of the Executive Leadership Lecture Series.  This series supports our students and programs at PLU by bringing executives to campus to share their expertise and insight.

We are excited to bring preeminent industry and organizational leaders, students and selected guests together on the PLU campus for these evenings.  The one hour sessions offer insight into current issues facing decision-makers.  These leaders will also share aspects of their own professional experiences and career development.  We are pleased to invite you to attend these evenings to engage in discussions of issues pertinent to our dynamic global business environment.

October 15, 2026 │ 6:00 – 7:00pm │ Rieke Science Center room 103A 

Topic: “The Power of Disruption and Creating a Culture of Change-Making”

Shelly Cano Kurtz is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, educator, and social innovation leader who works at the intersection of business, technology, philanthropy, and social impact.

A Pacific Lutheran University alumna, Shelly has returned to PLU as an adjunct professor in the School of Business and member of the Board of Regents. She is the co-author of This Little World: A How-To Guide for Social Innovators (Routledge, 2024), a 2025 Business Book Awards finalist.

Throughout her career, Shelly has advised companies and nonprofit organizations on strategy, innovation, communications, and organizational change. She is passionate about helping emerging leaders recognize that they don’t need to wait for a title or permission to create meaningful change—and that some of the best opportunities begin by simply asking, “Why not?”

November 12, 2026 │ 6:00 – 7:00pm │ Rieke Science Center room 103A 

Myron leads the day-to-day operations at Tacoma Rescue Mission, a 100+ year-old organization serving people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and the shadow of poverty across Pierce County, Washington.

His work sits at the intersection of operational excellence and human dignity. On any given day that means coordinating leaders across Programs, Operations, Community Engagement, Organizational Development, and Finance — and partnering closely with the Executive Director and Board members to steward a mission that began long before them and is meant to outlast them.

Myron earned his undergraduate degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Education and currently serves as the Deputy Director at the Tacoma Rescue Mission in Tacoma, Washington.