phil weilerstein

Phil has led VentureWell since its founding in 1996 and today serves as President and CEO. By developing and expanding VentureWell’s programs on a national and global scale, Phil has helped advance VentureWell’s mission to solve global challenges through science- and technology-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. He’s accomplished this goal by designing and overseeing a suite of programs that encourage and support the deeper engagement of higher education and research institutions in curricular innovation, and developing and strengthening innovation communities. Phil is committed to sharing VentureWell’s learnings and resources to support the creation of inclusive and more equitable pathways for student innovators to succeed in venture creation. Under Phil’s leadership, VentureWell has collaborated with key science funding agencies, major philanthropies, and hundreds of universities to train and support thousands of emerging students, researchers and faculty innovators. After celebrating VentureWell’s milestone 25-year anniversary in 2021, Phil remains driven to fortify the broader innovation ecosystem and continue guiding the launch of groundbreaking innovations.

Phil attended the University of Massachusetts where he was a co-founder of a biotechnology company developing naturally occurring pest control products. He is a Founder and Past Chair of the ASEE Entrepreneurship Division, and a recipient of the 2008 Price Foundation Innovative Entrepreneurship Educators Award, the 2014 Engineering Entrepreneurship Pioneers Award from ASEE, and the 2016 Deshpande Symposium Award for Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education. pweilerstein@venturewell.org

chithra adams

Chithra Adams brings to the Director of Learning and Evaluation role 15 years of experience in program evaluation, including successfully leading an evaluation team for the last nine years. She has worked across multiple disciplines evaluating programs of varying scale in: special education, employment, mental health and substance use, community integration, health and wellness, translation science, and assistive technology. Chithra has a masters degree in public administration and a doctoral degree in educational sciences from the University of Kentucky. cadams@venturewell.org

jameelah adas

Jameelah provides support for federally-funded programs at VentureWell including NSF I-Corps™, I-Corps™ at NIH, and Industry-University Cooperative Research Center Assessment Management Program. She brings experience from the Chicago nonprofit and philanthropy space in the financial development and programmatic support of emerging organizations and social entrepreneurs. Jameelah holds a BA in Psychology and Communication and an MA in Nonprofit Management, both from DePaul University. jadas@venturewell.org

rachel agoglia

Rachel leads VentureWell’s Information Systems team, which is responsible for securing, maintaining and scaling the organization’s IT infrastructure and delivering technology solutions that enhance mission-critical business operations. Rachel’s work prior to VentureWell centered around nonprofit organizational capacity building, education, and combating food insecurity. She holds a BA from Bates College. ragoglia@venturewell.org

gila aispuro

Gila is responsible for the day-to-day configuration, maintenance, and improvement of the Salesforce database in addition to serving as a partner in community engagement tools. Her work at VentureWell began as a program officer for the I-Corps and Frontier Set programs. Through that role, she had the opportunity to help redesign a Salesforce site and later became a system administrator after discovering that she really enjoyed it. Gila has a BA from the University of Arizona and an MSc in Practicing Sustainable Development from Royal Holloway University of London. gaispuro@venturewell.org

camillo archuleta

Camillo coordinates activities that are key for the implementation of the VentureWell Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) Assessment Management Program. He supports the development of a range of industry partners to support the VentureWell early stage innovators and a vibrant i&e ecosystem. Previously he worked as a commercial lines underwriter, consultant, and startup co-founder. His education background includes a BBA in Finance and Operations and an MBA with a focus on data analytics from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. carchuleta@venturewell.org

cara barnes

Cara leads VentureWell’s early stage innovator programs both domestically and globally and has deep experience in medtech venture development. With a background technology development and public health, she helps innovators address the challenges of developing and implementing innovative solutions in complex global health systems. Prior to joining VentureWell, Cara was a scientist at Diagnostics For All, where she developed point-of-care diagnostics for low-resources settings and led field trials in Zambia. Cara has an MS in chemistry from the University of Utah and an MPH from the Johns Hopkins University. cbarnes@venturewell.org

thomas bartlett

Tom specializes in endpoint, server, and app management and automation and brings twelve years of experience managing complex technological systems in higher education. He loves problem solving, improving workflows, and getting technology out of the way to enable users to do their job effectively and enjoyably. Tom has a BA in history from Rowan University as well as certifications in ethical hacking, agile and lean methodologies, ITIL, and Mac management. tbartlett@venturewell.org

em beauchamp

Em ensures the quality and reproducibility of VentureWell’s data through utilizing best collection and management practices. She joins VentureWell from the financial sector where she applied machine learning methods to large scale marketing and investments data. Prior to that, she cleaned and analyzed longitudinal social networks surveys in her role as research assistant for a study on cyberbullying. Em holds a BA in Sociology from Smith College. ebeauchamp@venturewell.org

yasmin belkhyr

Yasmin supports the marketing of VentureWell early-stage innovator programs, faculty initiatives, and the annual OPEN conference through content creation, copyediting, and email marketing campaigns. Yasmin first became interested in social entrepreneurship while attending the African Leadership Academy in South Africa and her passion for sustainable, equitable innovation has only grown at VentureWell. She studied race and gender in media at Hampshire College. ybelkhyr@venturewell.org

adam blandford

Adam analyzes the impacts of VentureWell’s programs and assesses their outcomes using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. His prior experience includes applied economics research on behalf of public, private, and not-for-profit organizations, with specific emphasis on the energy industry and economic impact analyses. Adam holds an MA in International Commerce with a concentration in Development Economics from the Patterson School at the University of Kentucky. ablandford@venturewell.org

andrew bogacz

Andrew (he/him/his) brings 13 years of experience to the IS team. Most recently, he was a Creative/Teacher with Apple. Andrew also worked with advanced robots at Springfield Technical Community College’s School of Health to facilitate experiences for students earning their degrees in the health sciences field. Andrew has degrees in Theater and Mortuary Science. abogacz@venturewell.org

julianne boulware

Julianne works with team leaders to ensure that VentureWell’s culture supports growth, learning, and development across the employee lifecycle. Prior to joining VentureWell, Julianne partnered with executive leaders in the nonprofit, municipal government, and private sectors to align their organizational goals to their programs and talent processes. She has a background in education entrepreneurship, program development, talent acquisition, and organizational effectiveness. Julianne has a B.A. in Psychology from Purdue University and a B.A. in Psychology andMEd. in Special Education from George Mason University. jboulware@venturewell.org

patricia boynton

Patricia oversees the efficient intake, review, processing, and finalization of all submitted student and faculty grant proposals and competition entries. She manages pre- and post-award processes and works with student and faculty grantees and institution sponsored research staff to ensure procedural compliance on funded awards. During her time at VentureWell Patricia has worked on many student and faculty programs. Patricia has a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. pboynton@venturewell.org

sarah bucko

Sarah assists with financial reporting and accounting functions at VentureWell, including federal award compliance, budget management, and account reconciliations. She is also responsible for overseeing accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Sarah is a CPA with a background in Audit and received her BBA with a concentration in Accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at University of Massachusetts Amherst. sbucko@venturewell.org

dani cattan

Dani manages the development team’s data systems and provides support for a wide breadth of grant proposals, concept notes, and funder reports. Prior to VentureWell, Dani worked in the arts nonprofit sector, where she developed, coordinated, and managed a portfolio of programs and funding opportunities centered in social justice and accessibility. Dani received a BA in Latinx Studies, Art Activism and Photography from Hampshire College, and an MPA in Nonprofit Management and Social Welfare Policies from the City University of New York – Baruch College. dcattan@venturewell.org

allyson chabot

Allyson leads the financial reporting and accounting functions at VentureWell including grants accounting, funder/federal compliance, tax matters, and budget management. She also oversees the payroll, accounts payable/purchasing, and accounts receivable functions of the organization with a focus on internal controls and process efficiency. She holds a BA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst as well as a MS in Accounting degree from Western New England University. achabot@venturewell.org

nadine coleman

Nadine brings over 20 years of experience in national recruiting and executive search experience to VentureWell. She has led full-cycle talent searches, and successfully recruited diverse leaders across sectors for organizations including City Year, Teach for America, the Boston Consulting Group. In her work as a Vice President of Executive Search with Koya Leadership Partners, Nadine evaluated and placed executives at multiple non-profits and institutions of higher education. Nadine holds a B.A. in Business from Northeastern University. ncoleman@venturewell.org

tricia compas-markman

Tricia implements and supports VentureWell’s early-stage entrepreneur programs, providing training for innovators on topics ranging from customer discovery to investment-readiness. Previously, Tricia founded and led DayOne Response, a science and technology startup providing clean drinking water solutions to vulnerable communities. During her tenure, she built a company with international reach, developed key partnerships, invented and scaled water technologies, and secured financing, which resulted in reaching 35+ countries and saving lives. Tricia received her BS in Civil Engineering and MS in Civil/Environmental Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. tcompas@venturewell.org

nick d'amico

Nick builds and enhances software tools that help VentureWell realize its mission of change. He strives to engineer simple solutions to complex problems. He holds a BS from Boston University. ndamico@venturewell.org

chris desrosiers

Chris manages the financial and accounting functions of the organization. Some of the activity he oversees includes accounting, grants and contracts, financial reporting and budget management. Chris gained his business and accounting experience as an entrepreneur primarily in the mortgage and real estate industries. He earned his MBA from American International College and is also a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with a BA in sociology. cdesrosiers@venturewell.org

katie dzugan

Katie has always embraced her entrepreneurial spirit. She has designed learning experiences around innovation, entrepreneurship, and design thinking for incubators, student startups, and global communities of learners. Prior to returning to Venturewell, she scaled a global leadership program across 15 countries through community development, efficient operations, and overall program management. Katie holds an MBA and MA in Nonprofits & Communication, with an undergraduate degree in Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. kdzugan@venturewell.org

cindy eisenberg

cory georgopoulos

Cory Georgopoulos evaluates the I-Corps™ national courses, I-Corps™ at NIH, and the SBIR Bootcamp, among other federal programs. She brings 5 years experience teaching, evaluating, and researching on behalf of university, government, and non-profit foundations. Cory lives amongst the common loons of Minnesota and has a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in History from Carleton College. cgeorgopoulos@venturewell.org

max germer

Max is the designer for marketing and communications for VentureWell and partner programs. He oversees the visual brand voice throughout the organization and strives to create engaging, impactful design in print and web. Max has 25 years of leading creative teams, including as senior designer for Ecommerce at Yankee Candle and Art Director for Darby O’Brien Advertising. Max holds a BS in Graphic Design from Keene State College. mgermer@venturewell.org

kristen golden

kelly gorman

Kelly supports the intake and processing of accounts payable, and assists with consultant contracting. Drawing on her strong background in administration and customer service, she cheerfully balances the routine of regular implementation against the ever changing tide of as-needed items. Her prior work experience is predominantly administrative, but also includes several years of organic farming. She is deeply invested in sustainability, as well as supporting innovators and entrepreneurs working to change the world. kgorman@venturewell.org

elizabeth heald

khandle hedrick

Khandle is passionate about equity and inclusion and promotes both through the implementation of US and global venture development programs. Khandle has been managing projects between higher education, government, NGOs, and industry for over ten years. Her expertise ranges from programs with a grass roots local focus to those with a global impact.

A former Peace Corps Volunteer to the Dominican Republic, Khandle holds a BA in Spanish and a BS in International Business from Pepperdine University and a MA in Communication from Arizona State University. khedrick@venturewell.org

Hannah Henza

Hannah works with colleagues across the organization to tell the story of Venturewell programs while stewarding donor relationships and grants in support of our development goals. Hannah has extensive experience as a nonprofit program director and philanthropic fundraiser for regional, national, and international organizations with much of her work focused on the science of the environment and climate change. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Religious Studies from NC State University, and a M.S. in Nonprofit Management and Jewish Studies from Gratz College. hhenza@venturewell.org

jennifer holme

Jennifer champions a spirit of collaboration and open communications across all VentureWell departments and operations to provide leadership and ensure efficiency for organizational initiatives and priorities. She manages implementation of the strategic plan to ensure systemic alignment of the development, program, and functional units within the organization. She oversees the financial integrity, growth and stability of VentureWell and ensures that talent and technology act in support of administrative goals. Jennifer holds an MBA with a concentration in public and non-profit management from Boston University. jholme@venturewell.org

m jackson

M Jackson works on the federal innovation team focusing on the I-Corps™ national courses at the NSF and NIH. M is a National Geographic Society Explorer, TED Fellow, and three-time U.S. Fulbright Scholar including two U.S. Fulbright-National Science Foundation Arctic Research grants. M holds a post-doctorate and PhD in climate change and glaciology from the University of Oregon, a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Montana, a Bachelors of Arts from Western Washington University, serves as a Fulbright Ambassador, a climate change expert for the National Geographic Society, and was a Peace Corps Volunteer to Zambia. mjackson@venturewell.org

ashley jurado

Ashley supports the marketing and promotion of VentureWell early-stage innovator programs, faculty initiatives, and the annual OPEN conference, and provides ongoing marketing and communications support. Prior to joining VentureWell, Ashley led digital marketing, event management, recruitment, and fundraising activities at the College of Arts and Sciences at New Mexico State University (NMSU). She is a proud first-generation college graduate, and received her BA from Eastern New Mexico University in Communication and Public Relations, and her MA in Education Administration from NMSU. ajurado@venturewell.org

margo kinney-petrucha

Margo assists with information management and communication for NSF I-Corps™, I-Corps™ at NIH, and the Industry-University Cooperative Research Center Assessment Management Program. Prior to joining the Programs team, she supported the Finance department by processing accounts payable, tracking consultant information, and facilitating panel discussions, with a primary focus on the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics initiative. She joined VentureWell as a Webinar Facilitator for NSF I-Corps™ and I-Corps™ at NIH. She is a 2020 Hampshire College graduate with a BA in Mixed Media and Creative Writing. mkinneypetrucha@venturewell.org

hope liu

Hope leads the Higher Education Catalyst Team, supporting faculty in developing programs that cultivate student innovators and promote institutional change. Prior to VentureWell, she was the founding Dean of the School of Continuing and Online Learning at Cardinal Stritch University and was the Senior Director of Knowledge and Learning at Social Current, a national nonprofit that services the social sector. She has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech. hliu@venturewell.org

tara loomis

Tara manages the I-Corps™ national courses, including faculty development and curriculum improvements. In addition, she leads the development of new I-Corps™ initiatives such as I-Corps™ at NIH. Tara also manages the Lean LaunchPad for Educators workshop, which takes place twice a year. She holds a BA in Sociology from Loyola University New Orleans, an MA in Higher Education Administration from the Ohio State University, and an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology.  tloomis@venturewell.org

mandy macleod

Mandy leads the implementation of VentureWell’s internal Knowledge Management strategy helping to create a culture of learning and sharing. She serves as a liaison across departments and roles within the organization, building awareness of existing tools and identifying ways these tools can be improved to better meet the needs of staff. She previously worked in libraries focusing on metadata creation and management in addition to reference services. Mandy holds a MLS from Simmons University and BA in Marketing from Baylor University. amacleod@venturewell.org

elisa mai

shaheen mamawala

Shaheen oversees the coordination of planning activities and resources across multiple stages of VentureWell’s program development and delivery, and supports the engagement of new strategic partners. She enthusiastically embraces the role of intrapreneur, and previously applied her passion for creating positive social change through cross-disciplinary collaboration as Health Policy Advisor to the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services at the New York City Mayor’s Office. Shaheen is the original project director for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Leadership Network and earned a BA from The College of New Jersey and an MPA from CUNY – Baruch College. smamawala@venturewell.org

mark marino

Mark leads the implementation of Venturewell’s growth strategy, including new business cultivation and portfolio expansion of individual, foundation, corporate, and government revenue. He also serves as Principal Investigator and Project Director for a number of VentureWell initiatives. Mark has over 18 years’ experience in US and global health organizations leading operations, business development, board governance, program development, and administration. He has a background in molecular biology and infectious disease diagnostics and received a BA in Zoology and Neuroscience from Miami University (OH) and a MPH from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. mmarino@venturewell.org

colleen matte

Colleen is responsible for full cycle contract administration with the many vendors and consultants VentureWell engages with. As a member of the Finance team, vendor relations and commitment management are among her top priorities. With a background in hospitality and corporate finance, Colleen brings a solutions based approach to the management and adherence of funder rules and regulations. Colleen holds a BS in Business Administration from Robert Morris University. cmatte@venturewell.org

victoria matthew

Victoria leads VentureWell’s collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Frontier Set, a network of 31 post-secondary institutions, all working to close the student opportunity gap. Previous to this role, Victoria led the NSF funded Pathways to Innovation program where she designed online and in-person programming that fostered the integration and institutionalization of innovation and entrepreneurship, and leveraged the power of faculty networks. Prior to VentureWell, Victoria worked for over a decade in higher education. She has designed, developed, and managed degree programs, and has experience teaching online, and recruiting and training online faculty. Victoria holds a BS from the University of Hull and an MS from Marlboro College. vmatthew@venturewell.org

kd maynard

KD Maynard works with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Frontier Set, seeking best practices to promote the retention and success of college students. Leveling the playing field has been a theme in her career, which spans a number of roles in a variety of different institutions. Previously, KD also consulted on Venturewell’s Pathways to Innovation NSF grant, working to reframe the delivery of engineering education to undergraduates. KD earned an AB in Linguistics from Brown University and a MALS focusing on Women’s Studies from Dartmouth. kmaynard@venturewell.org

justin mcleod

Justin leads the development of VentureWell’s early-stage innovator programming that focuses on providing equitable access to underrepresented student innovators and underserved institutions across the US. With a background as entrepreneur and marketer, he helps innovators at the earliest stages of their startup journey identify a problem to solve, build a team, and create a minimum viable solution to transform their ideas into a business. Justin has a B.A in marketing from the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. jmcleod@venturewell.org

erika mijlin

Erika provides project management systems, cohort oversight, and manages staffing needs for several federally-funded programs at VentureWell, including NSF I-Corps and the SBIR Bootcamp. Her work in this role draws on long and varied experience as an educator, at institutions such as Temple University and Bennington College, and as a media producer, including the co-founding of Artifact Pictures, a documentary and animation production company in Philadelphia. Her education includes a BA from Vassar College and an MFA in Filmmaking from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. emijlin@venturewell.org

liz muenzen

Liz supports the Finance Department and the RADx Initiative in processing accounts payable and tracking consultant documentation. She has a background in Social Work and has worked in area nonprofits for five years in homelessness and mental health, with a focus on helping youth and young adults. Liz holds a BS in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

rebekah neal

Rebekah oversees VentureWell’s participation in the NIH Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative and provides support and expertise across VentureWell’s biomedical engineering and medical technology-focused programs. Prior to VentureWell, she managed a portfolio of investments in discovery science, technology, and innovation ecosystem development, focused on early-stage innovation and innovators as a Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Rebekah holds a PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Virginia and a BS in biomedical engineering from Georgia Tech. rneal@venturewell.org

olivia noel

Olivia supports VentureWell’s evaluation work across programs, including leading the Evaluation Team’s questionnaire development and methodology efforts. She brings a keen organizational eye from her previous positions with local and international nonprofits, which she uses to ensure consistency and efficiency in program evaluation at VentureWell. Olivia holds a BA in anthropology from Hampshire College, where her research focused on globalization and traditional foodways. onoel@venturewell.org 

michael norton

Michael provides administration, training, and support for both hardware and software solutions. He enjoys exploring new systems to improve workflow as well as helping bridge the gap between technology and users. Michael has a BA in International Studies from American University. mnorton@venturewell.org

megan o'grady

Megan oversees the payroll and benefits functions at VentureWell. She also assists the finance department with budget management and contract compliance. She holds an MBA and a BSBA with a concentration in Accounting, both from the University of Hartford. mogrady@venturewell.org

brandi orbin

Brandi secures funding for new and existing programs at VentureWell by collaborating with leadership, program staff, funding partners, and external experts in addition to colleagues on the development team to cultivate funder relationships and solicit mission-aligned gifts and grants. Brandi has spent more than 25 years working in the higher education and non-profit sectors, having served in multiple fundraising, marketing communication and advancement roles over that time for institutions such as Georgia Tech, NC State, Meredith College, Catawba College and Barton College. She holds a BA from NC State University. borbin@venturewell.org

jason owens

jeff plumblee

Jeff works on the higher education catalyst team to advance environmental sustainability initiatives across VentureWell programs, including developing and presenting knowledge, designing and leading workshops, and developing and refining curriculum. Prior to VentureWell, Jeff served as an assistant professor at The Citadel, teaching engineering and project management courses. He has over a decade of experience leading academic programs and courses, including managing sustainable infrastructure and economic development projects in developing communities. Jeff holds an MBA and BS, MS, and PhD in civil engineering from Clemson University. jplumblee@venturewell.org

lisa ponce

Lisa Ponce supports the implementation, training, and use of tools with a specific focus on event management and registration, marketing, and project management. She also ensures consistent support and delivery of quality virtual events. She brings to this role a background in event and hospitality management, as well as a BFA from Catawba College and an MA from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. lponce@venturewell.org

stacey read

Stacey is responsible for many aspects of our business, supporting staff in Finance, Program, and Human Resources teams, managing vendors, and providing top-notch customer service. Her incredible organization skills and friendly voice & face keep our team running smoothly and effectively. She takes great pleasure in making sure our staff and visitors are taken care of. Stacey has a passion for community development and a strong devotion to the nonprofit sector and appreciates how VentureWell helps improve the quality of life for many people around the world. sread@venturewell.org

ariel ricci

Ariel promotes learning and program improvement through monitoring and evaluating the impact of federal innovation programs. She brings experience of evaluating programs and outcomes of state economic development programs, along with a previous career as a trial attorney in England and Wales. In addition to her legal qualifications, she holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Southern Maine and an MA in Human Rights from the University of Essex (England). aricci@venturewell.org

angela russo

Angela supports the marketing and promotion of VentureWell early-stage venture programs, faculty grants, and events, as well as collateral development and design. Prior to joining VentureWell, she worked in publishing, higher education, and technology development, where she helped both corporations and non-profit organizations find their vision and stay true-to-brand. She has expertise in marketing strategy, collateral design and project management. Angela received a BA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. arusso@venturewell.org

laura sampath

Laura leads the programs staff in the planning, development, and execution of VentureWell’s diverse programs and initiatives. As a member of the executive team, Laura operationalizes new initiatives and leads the strategic growth of the organization. Prior to joining VentureWell, Laura ran the MIT International Development Initiative where she worked with students, faculty, and alumni to develop effective models of engagement in emerging markets. Laura has worked with USAID in Kenya and was a Fulbright Scholar and Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco. She received a BA from the University of Connecticut and a MA in International Development from Clark University.lsampath@venturewell.org

ursa scherer

Ursa leads strategic human resources for VentureWell with a focus on creating and sustaining a culture of belonging for all staff and enabling a values-driven, productive, and joyful work environment. She brings with her over 15 years of people-centric experience in non-profits, including leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion work at these organizations. Ursa has a B.S. in Management of Non-Profits from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. uscherer@venturewell.org 

harrison sharitt

Harrison maintains data integrity across various VentureWell systems and provides insights with his data analytic capabilities. He previously worked at an environmental engineering consulting firm where he produced statistical analyses and data visualizations for high-profile client projects. Harrison holds a MS in Statistics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. hsharrit@venturewell.org

mike sjostedt

Mike is the content marketing strategist for VentureWell. He manages the development of engaging content and helpful resources to impact the ecosystem that supports early-stage innovators on their entrepreneurship journey. During Mike’s 25 years of publishing and marketing experience, he cultivated and managed the online presence for many organizations and personalities including bestselling author Daniel Goleman. Mike holds a BA in Communications from Central Connecticut State University and a Certificate in Technical Writing/Web Content from California State University of Sacramento. msjostedt@venturewell.org

mandy sutton

Mandy organizes and implements GIST (Global Innovation through Science and Technology) programming for young innovators around the world. She brings to this role nearly a decade of higher education student services experience, having worked in the fields of study abroad and international entrepreneurship at UCLA and University of Texas-Austin. Mandy holds a BA in English from UCLA and an MS in Information Studies from University of Texas-Austin. msutton@venturewell.org

christina tamer

Christina oversees VentureWell’s early stage innovator and venture development programs. She has a decade of experience working with startups as an investor, instructor, coach, and program manager. Prior to VentureWell, she worked at a seed-stage impact venture fund where she built a portfolio of 18 companies around the world. Christina holds an MBA and a BS in Management from the University of Massachusetts Boston. ctamer@venturewell.org

cindy teixeira

Cindy oversees data management efforts at VentureWell. She brings over ten years of experience in the data archives field, where she focused on the areas of data quality, metadata development, and enhanced usability. Prior to joining VentureWell, Cindy managed the day-to-day operations within a public opinion data archive, and led efforts in the development and adoption of standards for digital curation. cteixeira@venturewell.org

grace wang

Grace ensures and enriches the quality and integrity of VentureWell’s data by implementing data maintenance processes and integrating third-party data. She holds a MS in Statistics and Data Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio. gwang@venturewell.org