Johns Hopkins University recently honored the memory of alum and EcoMap Technologies co-founder, Pava Marie LaPere, by rededicating the institution’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub in her name. The Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship, formerly known as FastForward U, will continue LaPere’s legacy of supporting student ventures and innovations. LaPere, a graduate of the class of 2019, passed away in September 2023 but left a lasting impact on the university and the Baltimore community through her dedication to entrepreneurship.
During her time as an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins, LaPere was a vocal advocate for entrepreneurship and worked tirelessly to create a space where student entrepreneurs could thrive. She played a key role in the establishment of FastForward U, which later became the Pava Center. LaPere’s passion for supporting student ventures was evident in her efforts to provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to her peers through initiatives like TCO Labs, a student-run nonprofit focused on building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem at JHU.
At the rededication ceremony for the Pava Center, Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels spoke about LaPere’s vision and legacy. He emphasized the importance of honoring her values, energy, and dreams by ensuring that the center continues to be a place where students, alumni, and community entrepreneurs can bring new ideas to life. The Pava Center has become a hub for innovation, supporting teams from all nine JHU schools and partnering with over 100 teams each year through various accelerator programs.
LaPere’s own venture, EcoMap, achieved significant success under her leadership, raising millions of dollars in funding and growing to over 30 employees. However, LaPere’s impact extended beyond her own company as she worked to strengthen Baltimore’s startup ecosystem and mentor the next generation of undergraduate entrepreneurs. Her dedication to supporting student ventures and fostering innovation has left a lasting legacy at Johns Hopkins University and in the broader entrepreneurial community.
Today, the Pava Center continues to provide students with resources, mentors, and funding opportunities to help them turn their ideas into viable startups. With a focus on empowering students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, the center has facilitated the raising of over $200 million by student and community teams. Those interested in entrepreneurship can explore the Pava Center’s offerings by visiting their website and learning more about the programs and support available to help them bring their ideas to fruition.
The rededication of the Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship at Johns Hopkins University serves as a fitting tribute to a remarkable alum who dedicated her life to supporting student ventures and fostering innovation. LaPere’s legacy lives on through the work of the center, which continues to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators to create positive change in the world.
