Global Café: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Location: Surprise City Center (14462 W. Elm Street, Suite 143 | Surprise, AZ 85374)
Join Global Ties Arizona for a special Global Café conversation with international visitors participating the exchange program, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development: A Regional Project for the Near East and North Africa.
This informal morning gathering will bring together local entrepreneurs, business leaders, community partners, and globally minded community members for meaningful conversation and exchange. Guests will have the opportunity to connect with emerging leaders from the Near East and North Africa, share perspectives on Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and explore how small business development supports innovation, economic opportunity, and community growth.
Whether you are a small business owner, startup founder, nonprofit leader, economic development professional, or simply interested in global exchange, we invite you to join us for coffee, conversation, and connection.
Admission
$15 - General
Free - GTAZ Ambassadors
About the Delegation
This visiting delegation brings together entrepreneurs and business leaders from the Near East and North Africa to explore how small businesses and entrepreneurship contribute to economic growth in the United States. During their visit to Arizona, participants will connect with local business owners, community organizations, and economic development professionals to exchange ideas on business creation, financing, management, and marketing. The program will also highlight the partnerships, resources, and innovation that help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and strengthen local and global economies.
City Welcome
Johnny Melton
District 4 Councilmember
City of Surprise
Johnny V. Melton was elected to serve the residents of District Four in August of 2024 and began a four-year term in January 2025.
Prior to his role on Council, Melton served on the Dysart Unified School District (DUSD) Bond Advisory Committee in 2020 and the DUSD Bond/Override Advisory Committee in 2023/2024.
Professionally, Melton works in energy performance contracting and has a background in corporate real estate in the areas of facility engineering and project management. He also served nine years in the United States Navy as a reactor plant operator and nuclear maintenance planner.
Melton has lived in Surprise since 2011 and currently resides in Litchfield Manor with his wife Lori, who is heavily involved in animal rescue.
Melton is committed to the future of Surprise through thoughtful planning and policy in all areas, including transportation, water and public safety.
Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi
Founder of APSON & SOTL Global Movement
Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi is an ecosystem and partnership strategist, founder of the APSON Protocol™, and founder of APSON, a consulting firm specializing in sustainability, social innovation, and stakeholder engagement.
With more than 30 years of international experience across business, government, academia, and civil society, she helps organizations structure complex initiatives into partnership ready and investable opportunities that build trust and secure stakeholder commitment. She has designed and led sustainability and social innovation programs for MBA students, organized university startup competitions, and delivered more than 400 keynotes, workshops, and strategic briefings in over 15 countries.
Dr. Psomiadi is also the founder of the SOTL Global Movement, a leadership platform active in more than 40 countries that promotes cross sector collaboration and women's leadership. Today, she will lead a diagnostic workshop focused on identifying the key barriers preventing initiatives and businesses from reaching their full potential.
Featured Panel Conversation
Samuel Pena
Project Manager
City of Surprise
Samuel Peña is an economic development and public-sector professional with a diverse background in leadership, business development, operations, legal and judicial administration, and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives, built cross-sector partnerships, and brought organizations and stakeholders together to advance projects and strengthen communities.
In his current role as Project Manager with the City of Surprise Economic Development Department, Samuel leads Spark Surprise, the City’s business development and entrepreneurship hub. He oversees the hub’s strategy, operations, programming, and partnership development while working across the public, private, nonprofit, and education sectors to expand resources and opportunities for Surprise’s business community. His work includes developing strategic partnerships, launching new initiatives, strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and positioning Spark Surprise as a central platform for business and economic development efforts.
Samuel’s broader career includes leadership and operational experience across municipal government and Arizona’s legal and judicial systems, providing him with a unique perspective that spans economic development, organizational operations, public service, and community development.
Samuel holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University and is an Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZED Pro).
Beyond his professional work, Samuel has dedicated time to volunteer service and autism advocacy, supporting efforts that create greater opportunities for individuals with autism and their families. His commitment to service reflects a broader passion for strengthening communities, developing people, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Justin Foster
Owner
The Neuro Performance Center
Panelist
Justin Foster, CMPC, is the founder of The Neuro Performance Center in Surprise, bringing over 15 years of experience coaching elite athletes in the NFL, NCAA, and NATO military units directly to the West Valley. His center combines cutting-edge brain-based technology with expert coaching to help local athletes, executives, and first responders optimize performance, recovery, and cognitive longevity. Through personalized data-driven training, Justin empowers clients across the community to perform, recover, and age at their absolute best.
Benji Salcido
Owner
Seventy-Seven’s Barbershop
Panelist
Benji Salcido is the founder and owner of Seventy-Seven’s Barbershop, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the barbering industry. Under his leadership, Seventy-Seven’s has grown into two Surprise locations built around professionalism, mastery of the craft, and meaningful connections with the community. As a local entrepreneur, Benji is passionate about creating opportunities for barbers, developing strong teams, and building businesses that contribute to the continued growth of Surprise.
Karin
York
Owner
Spencer’s Place
Panelist
Karin York is a lifelong advocate for individuals with Down Syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, inspired by her son Spencer, who was born with Down Syndrome. After decades as a special education teacher, Karin and Spencer founded Spencer’s Place and Employed and Overjoyed Foundation to create meaningful employment opportunities and prepare adults with disabilities for the workforce. Their mission is to build independence, connection, and purpose—one opportunity and one cup at a time.
