Tell us about yourself:
I am the Program Manager for K-8 Relationships at the Young Entrepreneur Institute. I have a passion for engaging the community and supporting youth programming, in particular connecting students and educators to entrepreneurial resources and opportunities.
How do you support students in northeast Ohio?
Short answer: I support students by helping teachers!
Long answer: The Young Entrepreneur Institute provides resources and guidance for educators interested in entrepreneurial education and the entrepreneurial mindset. The entrepreneurial mindset is important because it will help students in all areas of their life – personal, academics and future career success, even if they don’t become entrepreneurs themselves. We connect educators to appropriate activities, lessons and curricula to meet the unique needs for their class and content area. In addition, we host monthly professional development workshops with a focus on tools for the classroom and best practices as they relate to entrepreneurship and life-skill building.
I am also the primary contact for both the Young Entrepreneur Market and Lemonade Day Northeast Ohio. Both of these programs offer real-world selling opportunities for students. Our team also hosts the Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge – registration is open! I would welcome a conversation with anyone interested in learning more about how to get your students involved.
If you have one goal for students or teachers in northeast Ohio, what would it be and why?
Every student should be given the opportunity to understand and experience entrepreneurship, especially those in the lower grades. Students who engage in entrepreneurial activities at a young age and through their school years learn critical life lessons that will prepare them for future success. Encouraging hands-on experiences and activities help them to become strategic thinkers, problem solvers, effective communicators, collaborative, resilient and the confidence to believe in themselves and their abilities.
What would you consider yourself an expert in and how did you gain your expertise?
This might not be an answer you were expecting, but I am an expert in asking questions and seeking information. I am an active listener and enjoy helping others find a solution. I provide constructive, helpful, feedback and recommendations. My career history has been in a few different sectors, which has enabled me to build a broad and diverse network of colleagues throughout the community and state. From those combined experiences, I have the ability to help identify strengths, needs, challenges and offer realistic approaches for collaboration and partnership.
What is a school, teacher, group, organization or learning community in northeast Ohio that holds a special place in your heart?
Young Entrepreneurs! There are so many talented young people in our community who are sharing their creativity and gifts with us by starting their own businesses. Think about that – it is scary to start something new, take on a risk and being afraid to fail – and they are all doing that before they turn 18. I know a lot of adults that are hesitant to take on that sort of challenge. These students are rock stars and have learned to “fail forward” and rise to challenge of having an idea, making a plan and then putting it into action to achieve their goals.
Why are you excited to be part of the #weteachCLE community?
I am excited to be a part of we teach CLE, because I want to connect, engage and learn from educators. I want to celebrate your victories and success, but also be a support and work together to collaborate and fill gaps where needed.
What is your favorite space in northeast Ohio?
Oooh this is hard! As a lifelong resident of the region, there are so many amazing places to visit and explore. Squire’s Castle in the North Chagrin Reservation is probably at the top of the list. My family enjoys exploring the gatehouse, walking the trails, packing a picnic in the summer months, and of course sledding.
Share with us your favorite way to combat the Sunday Scaries.
I don’t want to jinx anything, but I haven’t had a case of the Sunday Scaries in a very long time. Each day at the Young Entrepreneur Institute is different and fun! It is a privilege to get the opportunity to work with educators to bring high quality programming into their classrooms and engage with students in such a unique way. Helping students reach their full potential and assisting them in the process is very rewarding and I am grateful that I get to be a part of their entrepreneurial journey.
