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Brooke Sommers, a sophomore at Florida Southern College, is pursuing a double major in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business and Spanish, and a minor in Entrepreneurship. Her time in the Barney Barnett School of Business has been marked by meaningful achievements, from founding her own company as a freshman to interning with a major global brand.

 

Brooke was drawn to Florida Southern’s business program for its distinct advantages, including AACSB accreditation, vibrant student organizations, and prime location between Tampa and Orlando. These features have provided her with access to industry events, conferences, business competitions, and networking opportunities. She has fully immersed herself in the business school community by participating in organizations like Delta Sigma Pi and the Investment Club and serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council, where she contributes to shaping the program she values so highly.

One of Brooke’s most impactful experiences has been BUS 1115, a course designed to introduce first-year business students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Tasked with building a company from the ground up, Brooke and her peers explored entrepreneurial thinking, marketing, teamwork, and accounting. Her team’s project won the class pitch competition, and Brooke turned the idea into a real venture.

Her company, Dermageneous, uses genetic testing to recommend personalized skincare products. Recognizing the frustration and waste associated with trial-and-error product purchases, Brooke saw an opportunity to combine technology and sustainability. “It’s not sustainable for the planet or their wallets,” she explains. Brooke’s next step is to enhance her knowledge of genetics by taking a course in Spring 2025, preparing her for future lab work and funding efforts to advance her business concept.

Since founding Dermageneous, Brooke has had the opportunity to compete in several business competitions. Just last spring, she was nominated as a finalist for the Florida Blue Health Care Competition, which she was connected to through the Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship (CFEE). It’s the biggest health care business competition in Florida and Brooke was both the youngest and only individual to represent ¹û¶³´«Ã½ in a state competition. Out of hundreds of competitors, Brooke was one of the 12 finalists.

Following her freshman year, Brooke interned with Arm & Hammer as part of their Marketing team, where she presented strategic recommendations to executive leaders. This experience honed her communication skills and deepened her understanding of marketing strategy. She is set to return to Arm & Hammer next summer, this time focusing on Sales Strategy to broaden her expertise across business disciplines.

Brooke describes Florida Southern’s business school as a vibrant and inclusive community where students benefit from real-world experiences and leadership opportunities. She values the wide range of majors within the school, including Accounting, Sports Management, Economics, and Marketing, each supported by its own student organization. This collaborative environment has been instrumental in her personal and professional growth.

 

For Brooke, the defining aspect of Florida Southern’s business program is its people. Faculty and students work together to create a culture that encourages innovation, risk-taking, and resilience. As she looks toward the future, Brooke is eager to apply the skills and insights she has gained through her classes, internships, and campus involvement to her career ambitions.

With her entrepreneurial spirit, drive for innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact, Brooke Sommers exemplifies the excellence of Florida Southern’s business program.

If you want to connect with Brooke to learn more about her mission, you can email or connect with her on .

To support Brooke and other entrepreneurial students, you can email Ryan Buckley at rbuckley@flsouthern.edu.