http://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center Ball State University Business Events RSS en-us Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:38:30 -0400 https://www.bsu.edu/calendar/events/academics/business/2026/04/21/conversations-in-entrepreneurship-and-leadership-series-with-darius-and-kirsten-norwood https://www.bsu.edu/calendar/events/academics/business/2026/04/21/conversations-in-entrepreneurship-and-leadership-series-with-darius-and-kirsten-norwood Darius Norwood is an entrepreneur and CEO who stepped into the leadership of a second-generation, family-owned commercial landscaping company serving the Indianapolis area for more than 30 years. Rather than building from a blank slate, Darius has focused on rebuilding, navigating legacy systems, inherited culture, and real-world constraints while modernizing operations and repositioning the business for long-term growth. With experience across corporate environments, real estate, and entrepreneurship, Darius brings a practical, ground-level perspective on business development, decision-making under pressure, and leading through uncertainty. His approach is rooted in faith, accountability, and disciplined execution, with a belief that sustainable businesses are built by honoring people, process, and purpose, not shortcuts. Kirsten Norwood is a second-generation entrepreneur and Executive Chair of a family-owned commercial landscaping company serving the Indianapolis area for more than 30 years. A Ball State University alum, she focuses on company strategy, workforce development, and community impact while navigating the realities of family business ownership. Kirsten is passionate about faith-driven leadership, breaking barriers as a Black woman in entrepreneurship, and helping the next generation build purpose-led careers. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400