A startup and innovation ecosystem builder and economic development professional, I thrive in bringing together diverse stakeholders to create a community of like-minded folks who support and celebrate startup innovation and economic success. Working primarily within nonprofit, government, and startup entities, I consider myself an intrapreneur – one who works creatively inside an organization to create and execute the programs and products needed for mission success. I do this by being curious, collaborative, always learning from colleagues, partners, business leaders, and academic articles. I enjoy realizing broad goals from concept to execution in a systematic yet flexible manner. My passion is in building the systems, programs, and policies required to support and grow tech startups (including biotech/life science) and innovative entrepreneurs. The success of this strategy can be seen in my work, creating the (International Economic Development County - IEDC) award-recognized entrepreneurial program for Loudoun County, Virginia. Starting from zero, I spent three years building an ecosystem for high-growth entrepreneurs in the non-dense Washington, DC suburb. The ecosystem is robust with growth, mergers, and acquisitions and is used by the economic development team to support and attract companies. My current role focuses on supporting and recruiting life science and high-growth companies to Prince William County, VA. Today, I am working to create a robust life science/ innovative ecosystem through partnerships, collaboration, events, and marketing. I am also the proud founding member of VA Bio Connect, a new initiative designed to link and grow regional bio hubs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia into one virtual bio hub. In addition to working with startups, I have extensive experience supporting small business owners. While at the nonprofit, Small Business Majority, I developed and scaled the national online platform, Venturize, and created the federal partnership program. As the Assistant Director at Loudoun County SBDC, I worked one-on-one with hundreds of small businesses, helping them start and succeed. I have a BA in English Literature from UVA and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) in Public and Economic Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.