Hi there! I'm currently the Executive Director at The Verge OKC, where I'm on a mission to connect Oklahoma City's vibrant and ever-growing entrepreneurial community with the right people and resources to bring their big ideas to life. Think of me as a matchmaker for innovation—except instead of roses, I hand out opportunities and maybe the occasional cup of coffee.Before I found my home here, I was busy wearing multiple hats: I was the Startup Specialist at Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s AXIS Programs and the Code Lab Manager with the fantastic team at the Tom Love Innovation Hub at the University of Oklahoma. My entrepreneurial journey also includes advising my family's startup, Purepost, where I rolled up my sleeves and worked full-time before making the leap to Oklahoma.With over 15 years of experience across higher education and startups in Oklahoma, Texas, and California, I’m a big believer in the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic development. And I’m passionate about building ecosystems that make regional innovation thrive. My academic background includes a Masters in Organizational Development from the University of the Incarnate Word, a certification in professional and executive coaching from the University of Dallas, and a bachelor's degree from the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma. (Yes, I do love learning. No, I don't love student loans.)These days, I’m all about helping businesses and startups grow in the Oklahoma City metro area. I stay busy with roles like being the Global Entrepreneurship Week State Coordinator for Oklahoma, helping organize 1 Million Cups Oklahoma City, and serving as an Adjunct at OU's Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Department as a Price College Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Oh, and I also used to be a Board Member for Techlahoma—because, you know, why not add a few more things to the list?Hit me up to chat about your idea and join our entrepreneurial community in Oklahoma!