My work: Unlocking potential

Two things have shaped my work: a belief in people and a belief in possibility.

For nearly 30 years, I have worked with entrepreneurs and innovators as they transformed ideas into businesses, opportunities, and solutions. Along the way, I have seen entrepreneurship unlock human potential in remarkable ways—building confidence, fostering creativity, creating jobs, and strengthening communities.

Those experiences led me to a simple belief: lasting impact begins with strong roots. The most successful founders are not just building businesses; they are cultivating purpose, resilience, relationships, and stewardship. When founders are rooted, they are better equipped to navigate change, seize opportunities, and create meaningful value for others.

I do this work because I believe entrepreneurs have the power to shape a better future. Whether solving challenges in their communities, driving innovation, or creating positive environmental and social impact, founders can be catalysts for change. My goal is to help people grow the roots they need to build businesses—and lives—that thrive.

 I am grateful to have experienced a vibrant career in supporting entrepreneurs and innovators. I am currently the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) Director (https://uncw.edu/cie/). 

CIE nurtures emerging startups and accelerates the entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeastern North Carolina as a vibrant hub of innovation and a central facility that offers educational events, UNCW connections, and a state-of-the-art incubator space.  In particular, check out the All Blue initiative (https://allbluenc.org/) that is taking on issues such as sustainable aquaculture and coastal resiliency. 

Prior to joining CIE, most recently I have led the UNCW North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), the SBTDC Statewide Business Launch Initiative, and the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Thousands of entrepreneurs and small businesses have been supported by me and my teams to help them start, grow, and prosper.

I have also been an Adjunct Professor, teaching online entrepreneurship classes for Penn State. I love teaching the students, and in particular teaching student teams how to build startups that solve sustainability and disability issues, while also learning how to tap into each team members' superpowers to make this happen.

 I have also had fun creating and/or supporting programs such as Penn State Global Entrepreneurship Week (gew.psu.edu), Happy Valley LaunchBox (launchbox.psu.edu), Invent Penn State (invent.psu.edu), TechCelerator@State College (cnp.benfranklin.org/are-ben-franklins-techcelerator-boot-camps-right-for-you), and The Investment (https://wpsu.psu.edu/tv/programs/theinvestment/). 

I have a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Penn State, a M.S. in Energy and Mineral Engineering from Penn State, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Environmental Engineering. I am the proud mother of three incredible children who are now adults and are creating wonderful journeys to help others as well.

Conferences

"Building North Carolina’s Innovation Clusters"

 NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM Summit, Raleigh, NC · November 2025 

 Facilitated and participated in a panel discussion about North Carolina’s diverse industry clusters that are catalyzing economic growth and entrepreneurship across the state.  

" Building Bridges Through Conversations"

University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Summit, Huntsville, AL · October 2025 

 Entrepreneurial success depends on more than individual effort; it requires strong, connected ecosystems built on meaningful collaboration and deliberate support structures. Panelist with other higher education representatives. 

 "Navigating to Commercialization: Expert Guides and Roadmaps to Resources" 

NC Biotech Summit, Charlotte, NC · September 2025 

 Turning discoveries into real-world solutions takes more than innovation—it requires timely resources. This panel features the tools, funding, mentorship, and support that help researchers and entrepreneurs move from bench to business and reach the market faster.  

 "Building Innovation Ecosystems: Perspectives on EDA Hubs, NSF Engines, and Other Regional Collaboration Efforts" 

NORDP, Memphis, TN · May 2025  

Panelists discussed university roles in building innovation ecosystems. Highlighted UNCW and Wilmington successes what we have learned. 

 "Climate Change and Coastal Resiliency: Knowledge to Action" 

University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Summit, South Bend, IN · October 2024 

 Reviewed how a community problem was identified to focus on as a university-based entrepreneurship and innovation center, and the programs developed in the past 4 years to engage problem solvers and changemakers.