{"id":23715,"date":"2022-07-25T13:41:25","date_gmt":"2022-07-25T18:41:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/?page_id=23715"},"modified":"2022-07-25T13:41:43","modified_gmt":"2022-07-25T18:41:43","slug":"our-team-search","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/about-us\/our-team-search\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Team Search"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"search-filter-results\" id=\"search-filter-results-399\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n  <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Aisha-Ahrens.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Aisha Ahrens\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Aisha-Ahrens.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Aisha-Ahrens-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Aisha Ahrens<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Entrepreneurial Program and Services, Division I<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1099\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/AishaAhrens\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:aahrens@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1099\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1099\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Aisha Ahrens<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Aisha Ahrens<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Entrepreneurial Program and Services, Division I<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/AishaAhrens\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:aahrens@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Aisha Ahrens is the Managing Director of Entrepreneurial Program and Services, Division I at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Aisha seeks to cultivate deep relationships between civic leaders, established small businesses, and community members to promote economic prosperity through effective programming designed to empower and scale small businesses. Previously, Aisha served as Director of Digital Access and Inclusion, working with private, non-profit, and government partners to drive digital access efforts for small business owners at all stages of business through a combination of programming and advocacy to address key digital accessibility issues.  Aisha also served as Associate Director of the WBDC\u2019s Access to Capital Program and Services, managing the WBDC\u2019s Social Equity Cannabis Business Program. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nA banking industry veteran of 17 years, Aisha has experience working with different businesses, whether in the ideation, start-up, or established phase, often helping with financial solutions to transition from one phase to the next. Aisha also has significant entrepreneurial experience.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nAisha earned a B.B.A. in Marketing and B.A. in Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Gayle-Ballard-e1736544294448-300x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Gayle-Ballard-e1736544294448-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Gayle-Ballard-e1736544294448-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Gayle-Ballard-e1736544294448.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Gayle Ballard<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Program and Services, Division I<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-32543\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/GayleBallard\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:gballard@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-32543\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-32543\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Gayle Ballard<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Gayle Ballard<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Program and Services, Division I<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/GayleBallard\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:gballard@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Gayle Ballard is Director of Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center and Director of the Women\u2019s Business Center - Peoria.  <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nGayle leads and facilitates the WBDC entrepreneurial programming and services in the Peoria area and provides one-on-one advising, resources, and training to nascent and emerging entrepreneurs.  She assists clients in all stages of the business lifecycle and manages WBDC community partnerships, relationships, and outreach in the region.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nPrior to joining the WBDC, for over 20 years Gayle owned a business-focused consulting company and has worked nationally and internationally with both for-profit and non-profit organizations.   <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nGayle holds a Bachelor of Science (Political Science), Bradley University; Master of Arts (Guidance & Counseling), Bradley University; Master of Business Administration (Healthcare Administration), St. Xavier University; and a Certificate of Achievement, Kellogg School of Management Executive Education, Institute for Business Strategy Development, Northwestern University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Donna-Beasley-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Donna-Beasley-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Donna-Beasley-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Donna-Beasley.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Donna Beasley<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Government Contracting Program and Services | Center Director, Illinois APEX Accelerator at WBDC<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-26978\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/schedule\/21796d94\/?calendarIds=3717494\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:dbeasley@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-26978\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-26978\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Donna Beasley<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Donna Beasley<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Government Contracting Program and Services | Center Director, Illinois APEX Accelerator at WBDC<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/schedule\/21796d94\/?calendarIds=3717494\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:dbeasley@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Donna Beasley is the Director of Government Contracting Program and Services, and Center Director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator, at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. The APEX Accelerator provides workshops, webinars, free individual counseling, procurement events, business matchmaking, and other services to help small businesses grow through government contracting. Donna advises clients on how to do business with the government at the city, county, state, and federal levels. She provides hands-on technical assistance to small businesses that either want to become government contractors or are government contractors in need of technical assistance. Donna also facilitates both the GovCon Beginner\u2019s Bootcamp and the FEDCon cohort for established businesses.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nImmediately prior to joining WBDC, Donna was a self-employed government contracting business advisor. She has been a serial entrepreneur in the areas of project management and digital publishing.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nDonna has an MFA degree from Vermont College of Norwich University and an undergraduate degree from Columbia College.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/6-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/6-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/6-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/6.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Jennifer Brungardt<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22675\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:jbrungardt@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22675\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22675\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Jennifer Brungardt<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Jennifer Brungardt<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:jbrungardt@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Jennifer Brungardt is Director of Established Business Program and Services at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Kansas City office. Jennifer supports women business owners in the certification and recertification process to provide them with a nationally recognized tool to market and grow their businesses. Jennifer also works with other team members to offer WBEs procurement and capacity-building opportunities. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nJennifer has significant experience with non-profits and in the field of customer experience. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nJennifer holds a B.A. in Sociology from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/5-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/5-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/5-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/5.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Minerva Calatayud<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I | Director, Women's Business Center Aurora<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1118\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/MinervaCalatayud\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:mcalatayud@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1118\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1118\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Minerva Calatayud<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Minerva Calatayud<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I | Director, Women's Business Center Aurora<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/MinervaCalatayud\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:mcalatayud@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Minerva Calatayud is Director of Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I, at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Aurora office and Director of the Women's Business Center - Aurora. Minerva provides one-on-one and group advising in English and Spanish to women entrepreneurs that want to start or grow their businesses. She also provides training and educational programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nMinerva has extensive experience developing international strategies that enable companies to expand and grow their markets, as well as in the food and beverage industry. She also has entrepreneurial experience.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nMinerva holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Engineering from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and an M.B.A. from the Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico. She also holds an Executive Master\u2019s in International Business from St. Louis University in St Louis, Missouri.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Kristin-clowes-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Kristin-clowes-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Kristin-clowes-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Kristin-clowes-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Kristin-clowes-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Kristin-clowes-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Kristin-clowes.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kristin Clowes<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Staff Accountant<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-31046\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kclowes@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-31046\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-31046\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Kristin Clowes<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kristin Clowes<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Staff Accountant<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kclowes@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Kristin Clowes is Staff Accountant at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Kristin processes accounts receivable and accounts payable, assists in tracking grant finances, and maintains all related financial records.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nPrior to joining the WBDC, Kristin gained accounting experience by serving in administrator and treasurer functions for several non-profits. She also honed skills in process efficiency planning and data analysis over a varied career that took her from pastry chef in a small bakery to buyer in a multi-national corporation.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nKristin earned a B.S. in Business Administration \u2013 Accounting from Western Governor\u2019s University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Felicitas-Cortez-300x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Felicitas Cortez headshot\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Felicitas-Cortez-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Felicitas-Cortez-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Felicitas-Cortez.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Felicitas Cortez<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division II | Director, Illinois SBDC at WBDC (South Suburbs)<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22828\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/FelicitasCortez\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:fcortez@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22828\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22828\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Felicitas Cortez<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Felicitas Cortez<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division II | Director, Illinois SBDC at WBDC (South Suburbs)<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/FelicitasCortez\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:fcortez@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Felicitas Cortez is Director of Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division II, and Director of Illinois SBDC at WBDC (South Suburbs), located in Richton Park. Felicitas provides business development services, one-on-one and group advising, and business resources to nascent, emerging, and established business owners.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nMost recently, Felicitas was executive director of a south suburban chamber of commerce. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nFelicitas holds a B.A. in English from Loyola University Chicago.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Cleo Dangcalan<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Cleo Dangcalan<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Human Resource Coordinator<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-36215\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:cdangcalan@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-36215\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-36215\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Cleo Dangcalan<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Cleo Dangcalan<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Human Resource Coordinator<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:cdangcalan@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Cleo Dangcalan is Human Resource Coordinator at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center (WBDC). She supports employee benefits administration, compliance initiatives, talent management processes, and training programs. Her responsibilities include assisting with benefits analysis and open enrollment activities, supporting policy implementation, and helping ensure compliance with employment and healthcare regulations.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nPrior to joining WBDC, Cleo gained experience in human resources, recruitment, and talent assessment. Her professional background includes employee selection, onboarding, performance management support, workforce administration, and organizational effectiveness initiatives. Drawing from principles of Industrial-Organizational Psychology, she is particularly interested in using data-driven approaches to improve employee and organizational outcomes.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nCleo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational\/Business Communication from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Purdue University Global. She is currently completing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Innovation.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mauras-website-photo-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mauras-website-photo-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mauras-website-photo-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mauras-website-photo-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mauras-website-photo-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mauras-website-photo-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mauras-website-photo-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mauras-website-photo.png 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Maura Downs<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Chief Program Officer<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22690\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/mauradowns\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:mdowns@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22690\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22690\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Maura Downs<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Maura Downs<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Chief Program Officer<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/mauradowns\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:mdowns@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Maura Downs is the Chief Program Officer for the Women's Business Development Center. She is responsible for the strategic direction, implementation, and evaluation of all programmatic initiatives, and leads the WBDC\u2019s diverse portfolio of programs that support business development, access to capital, technical assistance, and certification for women-owned businesses.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nPreviously, Maura served as the Managing Director of Government Contracting Program and Services at the WBDC.  In that role, Maura oversaw the WBDC\u2019s APEX Accelerator, which provides hands on technical assistance to small businesses that are government contractors and need technical assistance or would like to become government contractors. Additionally, Maura served as Executive Director to the WBDC\u2019s Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Maura also led other government contracting cohorts that coached business owners on how to do business with various government agencies, as well as a non-profit capacity building program which helped non-profits with building their capacity.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nMaura holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Illinois Chicago.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kim-Duncan-1-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kim-Duncan-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kim-Duncan-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kim-Duncan-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kim-Duncan-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kim-Duncan-1-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Kim-Duncan-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kim Duncan<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Finance and HR<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-30806\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kduncan@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-30806\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-30806\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Kim Duncan<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kim Duncan<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Finance and HR<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kduncan@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Kim Duncan is Managing Director, Finance and HR for the Women's Business Development Center. Kim is a senior financial professional with a proven record of consistently and effectively delivering accounting and financial services. In addition to experience serving clients as a managing consultant with Robert Half, she has held a number of positions from CFO to financial analyst for both non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nKim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in Accounting\/Finance from Indiana University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bridget-Foster.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Bridget Foster\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bridget-Foster.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Bridget-Foster-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Bridget Foster<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Certification Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1126\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:bfoster@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1126\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1126\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Bridget Foster<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Bridget Foster<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Certification Program and Services<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:bfoster@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Bridget Foster is Director of Certification Program and Services at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Chicago office. Bridget oversees the certification team and supports women business owners in the certification and recertification process to provide them with a nationally recognized tool to market and grow their businesses. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nBridget holds a B.S. in Business from the University of Illinois.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Ellenie-Girma.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Ellenie Girma\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Ellenie-Girma.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Ellenie-Girma-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Ellenie Girma<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Information Technology<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1128\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:egirma@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1128\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1128\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Ellenie Girma<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Ellenie Girma<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Information Technology<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:egirma@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Ellenie Girma serves as the Director of Information Technology at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center (WBDC), where she is responsible for overseeing the organization\u2019s technological operations, ensuring that they effectively support its programs and services. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in keeping the WBDC at the forefront of evolving technology trends and regulatory requirements, while safeguarding the security and integrity of its IT infrastructure.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nWith a robust background in information technology, Ellenie brings significant expertise, particularly in the design and maintenance of network infrastructure. She holds several industry-recognized certifications, including Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), and CompTIA Security+ Certified Cybersecurity Professional.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nEllenie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Literature.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Karen-Goldner.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Karen Goldner\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Karen-Goldner.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Karen-Goldner-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Karen Goldner<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1130\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/KarenGoldner\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kgoldner@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1130\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1130\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Karen Goldner<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Karen Goldner<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/KarenGoldner\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kgoldner@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Karen Goldner is Managing Director of Established Business Program and Services at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Karen leads the WBDC\u2019s Established Business Services team and is responsible for the WBDC\u2019s WBE certification program, which helps WBEs build capacity for sustainable growth and helps corporate partners identify strong suppliers.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nFor 20 years, Karen has worked with, in, and for a range of small businesses. In addition to consulting, her experience includes managing early-stage, lending to small businesses, and operating small manufacturing companies. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nKaren holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Nebraska and an M.P.A. from Indiana University. In addition, Karen is a certified Community Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council.  <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Kelly-Gumbiner-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Kelly-Gumbiner-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Kelly-Gumbiner-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Kelly-Gumbiner-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Kelly-Gumbiner-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Kelly-Gumbiner-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Kelly-Gumbiner.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kelly Gumbiner<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p> Managing Director, Access to Capital Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-32116\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kgumbiner@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-32116\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-32116\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Kelly Gumbiner<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kelly Gumbiner<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p> Managing Director, Access to Capital Program and Services<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kgumbiner@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Kelly Gumbiner is Managing Director of the Access to Capital Program and Services at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Kelly facilitates and coordinates programs and cohorts, providing accessibility to resources in the Access to Capital community. Kelly focuses on business growth and network connectivity for emerging and established entrepreneurs.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nWith over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Kelly excels in relationship management, revenue growth, lending, business advising, and team leadership.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nKelly earned a B.A. with a double major in marketing and television from Columbia College Chicago.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"298\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/thumbnail_lynnherbert0078_rtf_sq-300x298.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/thumbnail_lynnherbert0078_rtf_sq-300x298.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/thumbnail_lynnherbert0078_rtf_sq-1024x1016.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/thumbnail_lynnherbert0078_rtf_sq-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/thumbnail_lynnherbert0078_rtf_sq-768x762.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/thumbnail_lynnherbert0078_rtf_sq-1536x1524.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/thumbnail_lynnherbert0078_rtf_sq.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Lynn Herbert<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-32563\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:lherbert@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-32563\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-32563\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Lynn Herbert<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Lynn Herbert<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:lherbert@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Lynn Herbert is Director of Established Business Programs and Services for the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the St. Paul office.  Lynn supports business owners in growing their businesses, and our corporate partners in developing and identifying certified women business enterprises (WBEs) as vendors.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nLynn has over 30 years of experience leading innovative programs that drive sales, customer success and engagement for both emerging and established industry leaders across a broad range of industries. Listening to the customer and quickly understanding new technologies and supply chains, she is skilled in assessing client needs and delivering high-quality, high impact business development services.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nLynn holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Iowa State University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Soraya-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Soraya-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Soraya-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Soraya-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Soraya-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Soraya-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Soraya.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Soraya Hernandez<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at WBDC<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-27864\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/sorayahernandez\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:shernandez@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-27864\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-27864\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Soraya Hernandez<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Soraya Hernandez<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at WBDC<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/sorayahernandez\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:shernandez@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Soraya Hernandez is the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) Director at WBDC. In her role, Soraya offers business clients direct technical assistance through one-on-one advising and workshops on leveraging international trade for business growth and market expansion.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nSoraya comes to the WBDC with a wealth of experience in advising clients on how to \u201cgo global.\u201d She has deep cross-industry, multinational\/multi-cultural, operational, consumer market intelligence, strategic business consulting, and business\/client development experience, running the gamut from helping tenured Fortune 500, middle market, and family-owned businesses to early-stage\/emerging startup B2B and B2C enterprises.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nSoraya received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and Business from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA in International Business and Operations Management from Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kyrie-Huerta-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kyrie-Huerta-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kyrie-Huerta-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kyrie-Huerta-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kyrie-Huerta-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kyrie-Huerta-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kyrie-Huerta-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kyrie-Huerta.png 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kyrie Huerta<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Data Associate<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-35827\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:khuerta@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-35827\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-35827\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Kyrie Huerta<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kyrie Huerta<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Data Associate<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:khuerta@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Kyrie Huerta is the Associate Director of Data and Operations at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Kyrie supports the organization\u2019s daily operations through data management, reporting, client database administration, and operational support. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nPrior to joining the WBDC, Kyrie served as a Data Entry and Management Assistant with Michigan State University's Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Science, where she specialized in data validation, reporting, and research support. She also gained operations and customer service experience at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nKyrie earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a Minor in Quantitative Data Analytics from Michigan State University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/7-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/7-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/7-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/7.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Shawni Jackson<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-23713\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-23713\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-23713\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Shawni Jackson<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Shawni Jackson<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p>Shawni Jackson is Director of Established Business Program and Services for the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s St. Louis office. Shawni supports women business owners in growing their businesses, and our corporate partners in developing and identifying certified WBEs as vendors. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nShawni brings over 23 years of experience as a business school faculty member in the concentration of Organization Management and Human Resource Management and over 13 years running an entrepreneurial education program and doing small business consulting.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nShawni holds a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Truman State University; an M.B.A from Webster University; and a Ph.D. from Capella University in Organization and Management. In addition, she has a certification in Life Coaching.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Cynthia-Johnson.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Cynthia Johnson\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Cynthia-Johnson.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Cynthia-Johnson-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Cynthia Johnson<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1483\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/CynthiaJohnson\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:cjohnson@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1483\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1483\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Cynthia Johnson<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Cynthia Johnson<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/CynthiaJohnson\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:cjohnson@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Cynthia Johnson is Director of Established Business Program and Services at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Chicago office. Cynthia coordinates and delivers relevant programs and procurement events with WBDC corporate partners to help women-owned businesses build capacity and sustain profitable growth. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nCynthia has extensive entrepreneurial experience as founder and CEO of a business that she managed for 30 years. Cynthia also fulfilled executive leadership positions with several non-profit organizations and served on the WBDC Board of Directors.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nCynthia holds a B.A. from Purdue University. In addition, she has taken M.B.A. courses at North Park University Axelson Center for Non-Profit Management and Business Management professional development courses at Northwestern University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/processed-BD979226-AC7C-4E9D-8381-B43B1AD3A30B-e1733431944195-300x300.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/processed-BD979226-AC7C-4E9D-8381-B43B1AD3A30B-e1733431944195-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/processed-BD979226-AC7C-4E9D-8381-B43B1AD3A30B-e1733431944195-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/processed-BD979226-AC7C-4E9D-8381-B43B1AD3A30B-e1733431944195-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/processed-BD979226-AC7C-4E9D-8381-B43B1AD3A30B-e1733431944195-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/processed-BD979226-AC7C-4E9D-8381-B43B1AD3A30B-e1733431944195-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/processed-BD979226-AC7C-4E9D-8381-B43B1AD3A30B-e1733431944195-500x500.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/processed-BD979226-AC7C-4E9D-8381-B43B1AD3A30B-e1733431944195.jpeg 1851w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Ashlee Kingery<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-32115\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/ashleekingery\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:akingery@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-32115\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-32115\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Ashlee Kingery<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Ashlee Kingery<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/ashleekingery\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:akingery@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Ashlee Kingery is the Associate Director of Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I, at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Chicago office. Ashlee provides one-on-one business advising and business development services to new and established women entrepreneurs.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nAshlee has experience in business development, marketing and communications, and advocacy. She has held various roles in the non-profit space working with entrepreneurs and established small businesses from multiple industries.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nAshlee has a B.A. in Communication from Michigan State University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Kinga-Kosmala-1-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Kinga-Kosmala-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Kinga-Kosmala-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Kinga-Kosmala-1.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kinga Kosmala<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I  | Director, Women Business Center Chicago<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22878\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/KingaKosmala\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kkosmala@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22878\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22878\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Kinga Kosmala<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Kinga Kosmala<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I  | Director, Women Business Center Chicago<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/KingaKosmala\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:kkosmala@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Kinga Kosmala is Director of Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division I, at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Chicago office and Director of the Women Business Center - Chicago. Kinga provides one-on-one business advising and business development services in English and Polish to new and established women entrepreneurs. She also runs education and training programs in Polish and English.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nKinga brings more than 20 years of higher education and nonprofit management experience.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nKinga holds a Doctor of Philosophy and an M.A. in Slavic Studies from the University of Chicago.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Erica-5-10-scaled-e1739290168497-300x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Erica-5-10-scaled-e1739290168497-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Erica-5-10-scaled-e1739290168497-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Erica-5-10-scaled-e1739290168497-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Erica-5-10-scaled-e1739290168497-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Erica-5-10-scaled-e1739290168497-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Erica-5-10-scaled-e1739290168497-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Erica-5-10-scaled-e1739290168497.jpg 1706w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Erica T. Kuhlmann<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>President and Chief Executive Officer<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-33281\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:ekuhlmann@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-33281\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-33281\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Erica T. Kuhlmann<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Erica T. Kuhlmann<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>President and Chief Executive Officer<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:ekuhlmann@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Erica T. Kuhlmann is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Erica works directly with the WBDC team, Board members, partners, and clients to support and accelerate business development and growth while advocating for business owners across the Midwest.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nPrior to Joining the WBDC, Erica spent over 30 years at BMO Financial Group, having served in various leadership roles throughout her tenure at the bank. Over the last 15 years,  Erica was a Managing Director and Market Executive of BMO Commercial Bank's Food, Consumer and Agribusiness Group. Erica has worked with agribusiness companies, branded and private label food manufacturers, front line commodity processors, protein processors, input suppliers, wholesale distributors, and grocery chains throughout her career, providing banking services, capital, and advice to companies in this sector. In November of 2024, her team was honored with the 2024 Leadership Award by the economic development organization Global Midwest Alliance.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nErica is a board member of IFAMA, the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network, and Naturally Chicago. She has received numerous accolades for her business leadership, including being named by Crain\u2019s Chicago Business as one of the Most Influential Women in Commercial Banking, as well as being recognized by American Banker as part of BMO\u2019s Most Powerful Women in Banking team.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nErica holds a BA from Northwestern University and an MBA from the Booth School of Management at the University of Chicago. <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Jennifer Lauer<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Senior Director, Development<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22882\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:jlauer@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22882\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22882\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Jennifer Lauer<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Jennifer Lauer<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Senior Director, Development<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:jlauer@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Jen Lauer is Senior Director of Development at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Jen helps identify, cultivate, and sustain resources for the WBDC. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nJen initially worked as an advertising copywriter. Since moving to the nonprofit sector, she has led development and marketing efforts for organizations throughout the region. Jen also has extensive entrepreneurial experience.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nJen holds a B.S. degree from Iowa State University and recently received her Master of Nonprofit Management degree from DePaul University. Her graduate research analyzed successes in overcoming racial and gender inequalities through targeted employment training. <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Jessie-Leonard.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Jessie Leonard\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Jessie-Leonard.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Jessie-Leonard-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Jessie Leonard<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1132\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:jleonard@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1132\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1132\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Jessie Leonard<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Jessie Leonard<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Established Business Program and Services<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:jleonard@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Jessie Leonard is Director of Established Business Program and Services for the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Milwaukee office. Jessie supports women business owners in growing their businesses, and our corporate partners in developing and identifying certified WBEs as vendors. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nJessie brings over 17 years of experience as a diversity practitioner and has over 20 years in administrative and human resources management in both the private and non-profit sectors.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nJessie holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Business Management from Aleverno College. In addition, she has obtained certifications in Project Management, Human Resource Management and the Law, and the National Minority Supplier Development Council Supplier Diversity certificate.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Griselda-Llerenas.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Griselda Llerenas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Griselda-Llerenas.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Griselda-Llerenas-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Griselda Llerenas<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Certification Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1141\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:gllerenas@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1141\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1141\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Griselda Llerenas<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Griselda Llerenas<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Certification Program and Services<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:gllerenas@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Griselda Llerenas is Associate Director of Certification Program and Services at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Chicago office. Griselda supports women business owners in the certification and recertification process in order to provide them with a nationally recognized tool to market and grow their businesses.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nGriselda has worked in the non-profit sector and acquired experience in project coordination, social enterprise operations, and fundraising. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nGriselda holds a B.A. in Political Science and English from DePaul University. She also completed a program in executive fund development conducted by the University of Notre Dame.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Georgia-Marsh.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Georgia Marsh\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Georgia-Marsh.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Georgia-Marsh-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Georgia Marsh<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Chief Development Officer<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1145\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:gmarsh@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1145\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1145\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Georgia Marsh<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Georgia Marsh<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Chief Development Officer<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:gmarsh@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Georgia Marsh is Chief Development Officer for the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Georgia leads the Development team\u2019s work to identify, cultivate, and sustain resources for the WBDC.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nBefore joining the WBDC, the bulk of Georgia\u2019s career was spent in public sector executive and leadership positions at the state and federal levels. Georgia also worked in the private sector and has extensive entrepreneurial experience, including running a consulting firm that provided advisory services for government and not-for-profit entities.  <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nGeorgia received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Clark-Headshot-1-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Clark-Headshot-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Clark-Headshot-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Clark-Headshot-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Clark-Headshot-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Clark-Headshot-1-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Clark-Headshot-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Clark McCain<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22883\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:cmccain@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22883\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22883\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Clark McCain<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Clark McCain<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:cmccain@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Clark McCain is Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Clark is responsible for developing and implementing the WBDC\u2019s strategy for growing and sustaining partnerships by creating connections and leveraging the strengths of organizations locally, regionally, and nationwide to better support clients.  <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nDuring a career spanning the financial services, consumer products, and private foundation sectors, Clark has enabled collaboration by curating meaningful connections between people, teams, and organizations.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nClark holds a B.A. in Economics from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Izel-Michel-1-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Izel-Michel-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Izel-Michel-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Izel-Michel-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Izel-Michel-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Izel-Michel-1-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Izel-Michel-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Izel Michel<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Marketing <\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-28374\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:imichel@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-28374\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-28374\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Izel Michel<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Izel Michel<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Marketing <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:imichel@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Izel Michel is the Associate Director of Marketing at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. She provides day-to-day support for a range of marketing and communications functions to promote WBDC programs, services, and events, including graphic design, collateral development and distribution, social media, and website updates.<br \/>\r\n\u00a0<br \/>\r\nPrior to joining the WBDC, Izel served as a nonprofit marketing coordinator and a graduate marketing assistant\/coffee roaster.<br \/>\r\n\u00a0<br \/>\r\nIzel holds a B.A. in Marketing and an M.B.A from North Central College.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Plan-for-Profit-Benefits-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Plan-for-Profit-Benefits-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Plan-for-Profit-Benefits-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Plan-for-Profit-Benefits-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Plan-for-Profit-Benefits-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Plan-for-Profit-Benefits-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Plan-for-Profit-Benefits.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Maura Mitchell<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division II <\/br>\r\n<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1170\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/MauraMitchell\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:mmitchell@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1170\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1170\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Maura Mitchell<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Maura Mitchell<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Managing Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division II <\/br>\r\n<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/MauraMitchell\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:mmitchell@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Maura Mitchell is Managing Director of Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services, Division II, at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Maura partners with entrepreneurs to develop their business plans and raise capital in order to profitably grow their companies.  <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nWith a long history of helping small businesses and nonprofits with strategy, legal, and financial issues, Maura provides insights on what it takes for small businesses to thrive in today\u2019s evolving environment.<br \/>\r\n <br \/>\r\nMaura holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Saint Mary\u2019s College, an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Briavael-OReilly.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Briavael O&#039;Reilly\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Briavael-OReilly.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Briavael-OReilly-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Briavael O&#8217;Reilly<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p> Managing Director, Risk and Internal Operations<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1174\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:boreilly@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1174\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1174\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Briavael O&#8217;Reilly<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Briavael O&#8217;Reilly<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p> Managing Director, Risk and Internal Operations<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:boreilly@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Briavael O\u2019Reilly is the Managing Director of Risk and Internal Operations. Bri works with staff, clients, and other stakeholders to capture information on who the WBDC serves and the impact the WBDC makes in the community. She also manages the day-to-day operations of the WBDC.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nBri has worked in the operations and management sector for over 20 years, with a focus on data management since 2011.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nBri holds a B.S. in Television\/Radio Production from Ithaca College.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rebekah-Rechtzigel-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rebekah-Rechtzigel-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rebekah-Rechtzigel-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rebekah-Rechtzigel.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Rebekah Rechtzigel<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Certification \r\nProgram and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-27841\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:Rrechtzigel@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-27841\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-27841\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Rebekah Rechtzigel<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Rebekah Rechtzigel<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Certification \r\nProgram and Services<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:Rrechtzigel@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Rebekah Rechtzigel is Associate Director at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Twin Cities office. Rebekah supports women business owners in the certification and recertification process to provide them with a nationally recognized tool to market and grow their businesses.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nPrior to joining the WBDC, Rebekah worked with a nonprofit shelter program supporting the development of teenage girls in need. Rebekah also worked at several refugee and community centers in Athens, Greece during the summers. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nRebekah holds a B.A. degree in Communications, with a focus on Leadership and Advocacy, from Winona State University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/4-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/4-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/4-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/4.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>LaMonica Scott<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Client Services Specialist<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22887\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:lscott@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22887\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22887\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">LaMonica Scott<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>LaMonica Scott<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Client Services Specialist<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:lscott@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>LaMonica Scott serves as Client Services Specialist at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. LaMonica connects our stakeholders with appropriate members of the WBDC team, ensures client intake information is retrieved from entrepreneur clientele, and assists with training and workshop registrations.  <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nLaMonica has extensive management, operations, and client service experience. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nLaMonica received a B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/GBomben-2-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/GBomben-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/GBomben-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/GBomben-2.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Grace Toll<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Development and Board Liaison<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22888\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:gtoll@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22888\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22888\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Grace Toll<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Grace Toll<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Development and Board Liaison<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:gtoll@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Grace Toll is Associate Director of Development and Board Liaison at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Grace provides high-level administrative, planning, and coordination support to the WBDC\u2019s President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as its Board of Directors. \u00a0She also serves as Development Associate, assisting with foundation research, grant proposal preparation, and report submission. In addition, Grace helps with individual donor stewardship and corporate and public sector partner revenue tracking.<br \/>\r\nBefore joining the WBDC, Grace served as a non-profit administrative and communications assistant.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nGrace holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Image-300x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Laurie Underwood\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Image-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Image-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Image-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Image-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Image-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Image-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Image.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Laurie Underwood<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Contractor, Director of Marketing<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1186\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:lunderwood@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1186\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1186\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Laurie Underwood<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Laurie Underwood<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Contractor, Director of Marketing<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:lunderwood@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Laurie Underwood is a Contractor and Director of Marketing for the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Laurie performs a range of traditional and digital marketing and communications functions, including graphic design, collateral development and distribution, and social media, to promote WBDC programs, services, and events.  <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nPrior to the WBDC, Laurie held roles in marketing and business development in a range of industries, including architecture, commercial real estate, fashion b2b, and ecommerce. She also provided various professional marketing services for women-owned businesses. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nLaurie received a B.A. in Retail Marketing and Management from The Illinois Institute of Art.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/GBomben-3-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/GBomben-3-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/GBomben-3-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/GBomben-3.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Yvonne Villalpando<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Childcare Business Program\r\n<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22682\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/yvonnevillalpando\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:yvillalpando@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22682\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22682\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Yvonne Villalpando<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Yvonne Villalpando<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Childcare Business Program\r\n<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/yvonnevillalpando\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:yvillalpando@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Yvonne Villalpando is the Director of the Childcare Business Program at the WBDC. Yvonne offers business development services and resources to childcare providers at various stages, including nascent, emerging, and established businesses. Her services include one-on-one business advising in both English and Spanish. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nPrior to joining the WBDC, Yvonne held accounting, finance, and administration roles in various companies across a range of industries. Yvonne also has extensive entrepreneurial experience.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nYvonne holds an M.B.A. from Universidad La Salle (Mexico City) and a B.S.A. from Tec de Monterrey (Mexico City).<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Roxanne-Ward.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Roxanne Ward\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Roxanne-Ward.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Roxanne-Ward-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Roxanne Ward<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Vice President<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-1188\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:rward@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-1188\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-1188\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Roxanne Ward<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Roxanne Ward<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Vice President<\/p>\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:rward@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Roxanne Ward is Vice President at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Roxanne provides a range of leadership and oversight functions at the WBDC, including in-house legal services and oversight of marketing, branding, and information technology.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nAfter starting her career as a public finance lawyer, Roxanne worked in a range of executive and leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, focusing on legal, governance, external relations, and small business development.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nRoxanne earned her B.A. and M.A. in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and her J.D. from Harvard Law School.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Erin-White-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Erin-White-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Erin-White-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Erin-White-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Erin-White-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Erin-White-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Erin-White.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Erin White<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Certification Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-30143\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-30143\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-30143\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Erin White<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Erin White<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Associate Director, Certification Program and Services<\/p>\n    <p>Erin White is Associate Director of the Certification Program and Services at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center in the WBDC\u2019s Chicago office. Erin supports women business owners in the certification and recertification process to provide them with a nationally recognized tool to market and grow their businesses.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nErin has extensive administrative experience in hospitals and medical offices and began honing her paralegal skills in the legal services field in 2018. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nErin holds a B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University, where she studied Studio Art and Media Communications. She later earned a Certificate in Paralegal Studies in 2018 from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-md-3 mb-4\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Regina-King-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Regina-King-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Regina-King-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Regina-King.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Regina Williams<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Program and Services, Division II<\/p>\n    <p class=\"clickable\">\n    <button data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\"#staff-bio-22879\" class=\"link-w-arrow\">\n      Bio      <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n    <\/button>\n  <\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/ReginaWilliams\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:rwilliams@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"staff-bio-22879\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"staff-bio-22879\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n    <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n      <div class=\"modal-content\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n          <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-close\"><\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"modal-body\">\n            <div class=\"\">\n    <article class=\"staff-carousel-item orange-trim\">\n      <div class=\"staff-watermark\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Regina Williams<\/span><\/div>      <div class=\"details\">\n        <header><strong>Regina Williams<\/strong><\/header>\n          <p>Director, Entrepreneurial Program and Services, Division II<\/p>\n  <p class=\"clickable\"><a class=\"link-w-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdcscheduling.as.me\/ReginaWilliams\" target=\"_blank\">Schedule an Appointment <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:rwilliams@wbdc.org\" class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><span class=\"d-none\">__('Email', 'wbdc-text-domain')<\/span><\/a>\n    <p>Regina Williams is Director of Entrepreneurial Program and Services, Division II at the Women\u2019s Business Development Center. Regina is responsible for delivering innovative programming that supports established businesses, as well as direct services to clients, including one-on-one and group advising, workshops, and events.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nRegina\u2019s career includes over 15 years of teaching and program management experience in post-secondary arts education. Regina also has extensive entrepreneurial experience and has worked with several entertainment companies and recording artists.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nRegina obtained a B.S. and an M.A. in Communications from Ohio University, an M.A.M. in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship from Columbia College, and a Masters in Industrial Design and Technology from Purdue University Global. Regina continues to work toward her Ph.D. in Education from Capella University.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/article>\n      <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"pagination\">\n\t<div class=\"nav-previous\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"nav-next\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":76,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-23715","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23715","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23715"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23716,"href":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23715\/revisions\/23716"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/76"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}