About Me
A BIT OF MY BACKGROUND
I am a self-professed startup geek. Having founded several companies of my own, I have also coached multiple startups through raising millions, dealing with founders’ dilemmas, and maneuvering through acquisitions. I love to work with founders who are passionate about making the world a better place and serve students and a portfolio of startup clients that match those criteria. I have a passion for redemptive entrepreneurship as well as approaches to support the whole entrepreneur to optimize the wellness and performance of both the founder and the startup.
Before finding my niche in entrepreneurship, I spent time in the corporate world in Canada and the US. While I made some great friends and learned a lot, I couldn’t come to terms with a lifetime career in a large company, even if I was able to have multiple side hustles. After much self-reflection, I made the leap and founded a business incubator in 2010 where I coached 21 companies during her five years at the helm. I am now the Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation, Entrepreneur in Residence, and Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship at Grove City College. I also continue to serve as a consultant and program coach for startup support organizations such as LaunchBox Shenango and sit on a few select boards.
I love teaching, tea, the Toronto Maple Leafs, traveling, theatre, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and spending time with my friends and family. I live in Pittsburgh with my husband, Kyle, a Canadian American who serves as the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern OH.
Education
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
University of Maryland
A. James Clark School of Engineering
Master's Degree - Technology Entrepreneurship
Grove City College
Bachelor's Degree - International Business + French
Minor: Political Science
Employment
WHERE I CURRENTLY WORK
Aug 2011–Present | Grove City College
Executive Director, Center for E+I
Entrepreneur in Residence
Professor of Practice, Entrepreneurship Dept.
Aug 2022–Present | Shenango LaunchBox
Project Associate/Program Coach
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE
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I am building an entrepreneurial ecosystem in my local community through LaunchBox Shenango.
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I have served as a Venture Partner, coaching redemptive entrepreneurs, with Praxis.
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I am on the leadership team of the Faith-Driven Network of Pittsburgh.
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I received the Lean LaunchPad for Educators certificate, taught by Steve Blank at UC Berkeley.
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I have been a Chief Mentor at the European Innovation Academy (EIA), the world’s largest digital accelerator, started by Google, Microsoft, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University.
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I also had the honor of being selected to serve as an Ambassador for Lean Startup Week, the leading conference centered on lean startup methodology in San Francisco, CA, based on my work in the field.
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I completed Life Design Studio Training for University Educators conducted by the Design Program at Stanford University.
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I am a member of the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) and earned my Business Incubation Management Certificate.
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I am certified as a GrowthWheel consultant.
Community Involvement
MY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT INCLUDES/HAS INCLUDED:
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Shenango LaunchBox (Project Associate/Program Coach)
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Faith-Driven Network of Pittsburgh (Leadership Team)
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Valley Shenango Economic Development Corp. (Board Chair)
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Entrepreneurship Academy @LindenPointe (Founding Advisory Board Member)
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Mercer County Career Center (Advisory Committee Member)
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BC3@LindenPointe (Advisory Board Member)
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USASBE (Member)
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Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America Leadership Conference (Judge)
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Pittsburgh Tech Council (Member)
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ATHENA PowerLink (Mentor)
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Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce (Board Member)
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Lawrence Mercer ATHENA International (Host Committee Member)
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ATHENA Leadership Awards (Judge)
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Beaver County Youth Entrepreneurship VC Fair (Judge)
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Allegheny College Gator Venture Challenge (Judge)
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GCC Business Advisory Group (Member)
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GCHS Shark Tank (Judge)
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USASBE Awards Judge/Conference Session Moderator
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GCC Online Teaching Committee (Member)
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GCC Global Programs Committee (Member)
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Kiva.org (French Translation Team Member/Spanish Team Leader).
My Ventures
MY PAST + CURRENT ENTREPRENEURIAL (AD)VENTURES
Contact Me
FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME BY COMPLETING THE FORM BELOW.