Our Story
The Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship empowers and equips Johns Hopkins students, alumni, and community changemakers to build impactful, sustainable ventures.
We engage with hundreds of teams each year, representing thousands of innovators who go on to successful careers as entrepreneurs. Grounded in Baltimore, with an eye toward the world, the Center convenes diverse stakeholders and resources to create a dynamic innovation ecosystem. We support founders doing good, creating value and opportunity. Anyone from the curious to the committed is encouraged to plug in and access funding, support, and much more.
Pava Center’s Mission
We empower and equip Johns Hopkins students, alumni, and community changemakers to build impactful, sustainable ventures. The Pava Center convenes diverse stakeholders and resources to create a dynamic innovation ecosystem. We support founders doing good, creating value and opportunity.
Our Innovation Hub
Located near the Homewood campus, the Pava Center offers 10,000 sq ft of flexible co-working, meeting, and event spaces. We unite creative thinkers, support student entrepreneurs, and provide accelerator members with unlimited facility access.
Visit UsAbout Us
The Pava Center empowers Johns Hopkins innovators with resources, mentorship, and space to launch ideas, honoring Pava LaPere’s legacy of student-driven entrepreneurship.
Origin Story
Launched in 2018, FastForward U supported hundreds of unique student-led startups each year before becoming the Pava Center in 2024.
Pava Marie LaPere’s Legacy
Pava shaped our student programs, impacting 1,000+ ventures and inspiring many with her drive to “take risks, move forward.”
Recognitions
The Pava Center is made possible due to the incredible support of many generous donors, alumni, and friends.