ICSB Celebrates the Inspiring Leadership Vision of Katia Passerini at Gonzaga University
The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) is immensely proud and delighted to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Katia Passerini as the 27th President of Gonzaga University. After 15 years of distinguished service to ICSB, first as a dedicated member and later as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Small Business Management (JSBM), Dr. Passerini brings her exceptional leadership to one of America’s premier Jesuit institutions.
The inauguration themes for this historic occasion—Open Doors, Empower Potential, Lead with Hope—beautifully align with ICSB’s mission and values, echoing the spirit of transformative leadership that Dr. Katia Passerini has consistently embodied throughout her long association with our organization.
ICSB was proudly represented by President & CEO Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy, Immediate Past Chair Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Past President Dr. Luca Iandoli, Co-Editor-in-Chief Dr. Eric Liguori, and member Cesar Banderas, who all gathered to witness this momentous installation.
For Dr. ElTarabishy, the event was significant. Having known Dr. Passerini for more than 25 years—since their early days together at the GW School of Business —he was the one who first recruited her into the ICSB community, marking the beginning of a partnership grounded in a shared vision and enduring collaboration.
Open Doors: A Legacy of Inclusive Excellence
The theme of “Open Doors” beautifully captures Dr. Passerini’s approach to leadership and scholarship that ICSB has witnessed firsthand. During her years with ICSB, she consistently championed accessibility and many voices in small business research and education. Her commitment to opening doors extends beyond physical access to encompass the creation of meaningful opportunities for students, researchers, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds.
At Gonzaga, this theme embodies the university’s visible culture of belonging, ensuring that students have access to a transformative Jesuit education. ICSB recognizes this philosophy as fundamental to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders who will drive innovation and economic growth worldwide.
Empower Potential: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
The “Empower Potential” theme reflects Dr. Passerini’s unwavering dedication to developing human capacity—a quality that has been evident throughout her extensive contributions to ICSB. As Co-Editor-in-Chief of JSBM, she empowered countless researchers and practitioners by providing platforms for their voices and insights to reach global audiences.
This theme perfectly aligns with Gonzaga’s mission to accompany students, faculty, staff, families, and alums as they discover and develop their capacity to think creatively and critically. ICSB has observed Dr. Passerini’s exceptional ability to nurture potential in others, making her ideally suited to lead an institution dedicated to helping individuals reach their fullest potential.
Lead with Hope: A Vision for the Future
“Lead with Hope” encapsulates the forward-thinking leadership style that has made Dr. Passerini such a valued member of the ICSB community. Throughout her association with ICSB, she has consistently demonstrated the compassion, courage, and faith necessary to shape a better future for small business education and research.
This theme highlights how the Gonzaga community supports one another and the world, values that align with ICSB’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and promoting small business development across all communities.
A Proud Moment for the ICSB Family
Dr. Passerini’s inauguration represents more than a personal achievement; it symbolizes the broader impact that ICSB members continue to have on higher education and society. Her journey from ICSB member to university president exemplifies the organization’s commitment to developing leaders who can navigate complex challenges while remaining true to their core values.
The ICSB community takes immense pride in Dr. Passerini’s accomplishments and feels honored to have played a role in her professional development. Her inauguration themes, Open Doors, Empower Potential, Lead with Hope, serve as an inspiring reminder of what is possible when visionary leadership meets institutional commitment to excellence.
As Dr. Passerini begins this new chapter of her distinguished career, ICSB stands ready to continue our collaborative relationship with Gonzaga University and looks forward to witnessing the positive impact her leadership will undoubtedly have on the institution, its students, and the broader academic community.
The ICSB family extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Katia Passerini and wishes her tremendous success as she leads Gonzaga University into a bright and hopeful future.