Steve Mariotti (MBA '77, BBA '75), visionary founder of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024, at the age of 71. 

Born in Flint, Michigan, Steve was the eldest son of educators whose love for the field helped inspire Steve's creation of NFTE. Steve received his BA and MBA from the University of Michigan and studied at Harvard University, Stanford University, and Brooklyn College. His professional career began as a Treasury Analyst for Ford Motor Co, he then founded Mason Import/Export Services in NY, leading to a significant career change and became a Special Education/Business Teacher in the NY school system teaching in Brooklyn and South Bronx. It was here that he developed the insight and inspiration to bring entrepreneurial education to youth from low income communities. This led to founding the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, now called NFTE. Steve devoted his life to empowering youth, believing in every individual's potential to shape their own future. 

Throughout his career, Steve was celebrated for his leadership and deep commitment to helping young people. Steve's legacy lives on through NFTE and the many young entrepreneurs whose lives were and will be transformed by his enduring vision, along with a community of friends and supporters who helped him pursue his vision, and to whom he demonstrated deep loyalty. His work continues to inspire students and educators worldwide to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to opportunity and self-determination. 

To share Memories and Condolences for Steve Mariotti, and to read more of his legacy we are including a link to his obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/steve-mariotti-obituary?id=56614750

The Michigan Ross community keeps Steve, his family and friends in our thoughts.