About the IEE

As Senior Program Director of the Membership department, Urban & Community Entrepreneur Program, and the Entrepreneurial Fellows Class, Rhonda Carson Leach is responsible for developing and implementing entrepreneurial programs focused on providing business leaders with the direction, knowledge and connections to take their businesses to the next level. She is also lead facilitator for the IEE’s Urban Power to Prosper, a nine-month certificate program for small business owners in urban neighborhoods that explores such topics as access to capital, financial management, strategic planning, sales strategies, access to new markets, and managing human resources.

Rhonda Carson Leach has over 16 years of experience motivating small business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit leaders, groups and individuals in a career or life transition to use their innate abilities to master their goals and achieve success. Her areas of expertise include leadership development, conflict resolution and group dynamics. She is also an executive life coach, management consultant, corporate trainer and motivational speaker in the Pittsburgh area.

Rhonda Carson Leach was honored as one of 50 Women of Excellence by the New Pittsburgh Courier in 2009 and as a Minority Small Business Champion by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2005. A member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, she has served on the boards of the American Society for Training and Development, YWCA of Pittsburgh, Children/Adults Recreational Services, Urban Youth Action, Inc., and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Tara Gerek joined the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) in 2012. In her position she is responsible for all of the details and various aspects of the IEE membership program including: event logistics, membership intake, renewals, stewardship, Peer Forum placement/coordination and management of all membership information systems. Tara serves as the IEE’s point person for all communications and questions regarding membership and programs. In addition, she provides assistance coordinating the logistical components for the Entrepreneurial Fellows Class.

Prior to joining the IEE, she worked for five years at Concord Hospitality Enterprises, coordinating special events in Marriott brand hotels in the Greater Pittsburgh region.

In her spare time, Tara is a member of the Meeting Professionals International – Pittsburgh Chapter, volunteers for the University of Pittsburgh’s United Way Campaign and is the Event Chair of the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship’s Networking Committee.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown

Victoria joined the IEE in 2015 as a consultant with the Pitt SBDC, helping guide local businesses and entrepreneurs in Washington, Greene, and Allegheny Counties. Her work’s primary focus was on strategic planning and financial feasibility, work that has resulted in helping businesses raise over $2,000,000 in capital and support over 300 jobs annually. She has championed community-based initiatives, such as Small Business Saturday, and assisted in the development of educational programming like the creation of specialized programming for businesses based on local economic trends. She has worked tirelessly to help business owners navigate COVID-19 closures, apply for financial assistance, and manage workforce issues.

Her most recent role with the Pitt SBDC was as Manager of the Emerging Enterprise Program, an initiative in which she led a team of student consultants assisting local entrepreneurs and small businesses with strategic planning and consulting services. Now as PantherlabWorks Director, Victoria harnesses her management consulting experience to lead the IEE’s center focused on product development and commercialization. Prior to joining the SBDC, she worked at Penn Commercial Business/Technical school in financial aid, career services, and in its education department. While there, she developed curricula for technical skills majors that is still being used.

Victoria was the youngest recipient of the Young Athena Leadership Award presented by Power of Southpointe in 2018. In her spare time, Victoria is involved with charities and organizations focused on tourism, education, and business development.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, Grove City College

Terri Kennelly-Cook began her career at the University of Pittsburgh in August 2006 as the Department Administrator in the Swanson School of Engineering Office of Diversity. Ten years later she transferred to the IEE as an administrative assistant handling the front desk duties and projects for the IEE with Pitt students. Prior to the University of Pittsburgh, Terri was a Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Regional Supervisor with Zink Partners, Inc., Johnstown Management Co. and Cushman & Wakefield working in various states in commercial and residential properties.

Education

Master of Studies in Law, University of Pittsburgh

Graduate Certificate, Human Resources Law, University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor’s of Business Administration & Management, LaRoche College

Bachelor’s of Arts, English Literature, LaRoche College

Zachery Patton is a Management Consultant at the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center. Currently, he works with startups and small businesses out of the Washington and Waynesburg offices. Zachery brings experience in the restaurant industry, business development, as well as sustainability initiatives. His focus is to help entrepreneurs position themselves to succeed and prosper.

Before he joined the Small Business Development Center, Zachery was the Technology Transfer Coordinator at the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Masters of Business Administration, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Lauren Scholtz joined the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence in 2007. She is responsible for monitoring and analyzing financial reports, processing accounts payable and receivable documents, and rendering her professional recommendation for cost effective and efficient financial policies.

In addition, she collaborates with the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Research, Research Cost Accounting and Institutional Advancement departments to prepare essential grant and program reports for proper correspondences with donors, pledges and other stakeholders.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Master of Business Administration, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh

As Marketing Director, Brett sets the strategic direction and tactical approaches for the IEE’s marketing efforts. He works across the organization to promote the IEE’s offerings, to build recognition for the Institute and its centers, and to support membership and events. Brett also supports the IEE’s clients through marketing and communications consulting and contributes to the IEE’s educational offerings. He brings a varied and developed background to the role with experience in higher education, consulting, nonprofit, technology, and financial services.

Prior to joining the IEE, Brett served Chatham University for nearly seven years as Web Marketing Manager and was an adjunct instructor for graduate-level communications programs.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Advertising/PR), Pennsylvania State University
Master of Science in Advertising, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

In his role as Supply Chain Consultant for the IEE, Michael will continue to build and broaden IEE’s supply chain training capabilities with partner organizations and regional entrepreneurs. He joined the IEE to infuse his passion for entrepreneurship and education in support of the University’s mission for regional economic development. He has worked with the IEE team to achieve its goals in fostering innovative ideas to strengthen and expand the University’s strategic outreach.

Prior to his current role, Michael served as Associate Director of the Pitt SBDC, assisting business owners with profitability and sustainability through trainings, education and consulting. He has also worked previously with the IEE as their Educational Program Manager from 2004–2008.

Following his first stint with the IEE, Michael was an entrepreneur as a co-owner of a family business in the financial services industry. A steadfast advocate for small business owners and entrepreneurship, Michael has spoken as a panel member at the U. S. Capitol Building for a Senate sub-committee on SBA financing, presented at the ASBDC annual conference, and has published research with his dissertation focused on “Educating Entrepreneurs: Strategic Methods Utilized by Small Business Development Centers in the U.S. to Deliver Educational Programs.”

Education

Bachelor of Education, University of Toledo
Masters of Education, University of Pittsburgh
Doctorate of Education, University of Pittsburgh

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Lynne began her career in retail management before transitioning to a project management position with PNC Bank. While at PNC Bank she was responsible for implementing bank marketing initiatives at the telebanking center and coordinating all aspects including training, operational support, and telecommunications. She held the position of accounting manager at an automotive dealership and most recently worked as a licensed and certified occupational therapy assistant, providing school-based occupational therapy in local school districts. In her spare time, Lynne enjoys spending time her with family, reading, and walking her two golden retrievers.

Brent G. Rondon is currently the Senior Management Consultant for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Innovation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. In that capacity he consults with export-import clients who want to engage in international trade as well as immigrant/international entrepreneurs who are newcomers to the Pittsburgh region and want to open their own businesses.

Previously, he was the Manager of the Global Business Program at the Duquesne University SBDC. Brent managed export projects to assist U.S. equipment manufacturers to enter Latin American countries of U.S.-Made equipment. He has traveled extensively and led trade missions to countries such as Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, China, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Brazil.

He received a Master’s Degree of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and a Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. His undergraduate studies were in Lima, Peru, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Engineering from the La Molina National University. He is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) from NASBITE International, on the board of Global Pittsburgh, Mayor Peduto’s Welcoming Pittsburgh initiative, the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sister Cities International, NASBITE International and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Diverse Communities Group.  He is fluent in Spanish and intermediate Portuguese.

Robert Stein brings to his role more than 20 years of economic development, entrepreneurial, and technology expertise. Under Bob’s leadership, the IEE’s SBDC in 2020 was named #1 in the country in economic development by the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as contributed to the university winning the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) “Place” Award for IEE’s work in the Homewood neighborhood. A senior advisor with the IEE since 2005, Bob created a specialized information technology consultancy service within the IEE and led the department in helping dozens of companies achieve multi-million dollar growth. Bob’s extensive experience in project management and implementing cost-effective integrated information systems has earned him respect from long-standing tech leaders such as Steve Ballmer and Meg Whitman. Prior to the University of Pittsburgh, Bob was the founder of ActiveWin.com, an online publication for Microsoft products, in addition to holding several positions at his family’s business CLI USA, Inc. For 14 consecutive years, Stein has earned the title of Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professional and has been featured in many national publications (i.e., Wall Street Journal, USA Today, NY Times, Washington Post, and American Business Journal). In 2014, Pittsburgh Technology Council named Bob as a finalist for its CIO of the year award. In 2018, Bob graduated from the community-focused Leadership Pittsburgh. Additionally, Bob has extensive board expertise, residing on several privately owned, family business boards in a variety of industries. Bob holds a B.S. in Operations and Information Systems Management from Pennsylvania State University, an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and an Executive MBA equivalent from the Harvard Business School.

Jonny Gamble is a Management Consultant with the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center. At the SBDC, Jonny works closely with clients in all stages of business growth. Currently, Jonny splits his time between the IEE office in Oakland, the Riverside Innovation Center on the North Shore, and the Community Engagement Center in Homewood.

Before joining the Small Business Development Center, Jonny worked as Community & Events Manager for OneValley, an online entrepreneurship platform and co-working space in Hazelwood Green.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems, University of Pittsburgh

As Membership Sales Lead, Tara works with local businesses to introduce them to the many benefits available through membership with the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, including educational programs, peer forums, consulting, and networking opportunities. Her role includes matching the needs of these companies to their appropriate tier of membership as well as being a conduit for other resources available to the IEE network.

Before joining the IEE team, Tara worked as the Dosimetry and Office Administrator for Radiation Safety at the University of Pittsburgh. She also previously worked in media and advertising sales for ten years in the greater Pittsburgh area.

In her spare time, Tara enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult children, reading and tap dancing!

Nicole Hudson is the Director of Strategic Connections and Opportunities within the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Center of Excellence, Entrepreneurial Fellows Center (EFC), and Urban & Community Entrepreneurship Program (UCEP). In her role, Nicole takes the lead on all things entrepreneurial, from outreach and recruitment to program execution. She is also the acting corporate partner liaison for special programs across all centers.

With a wealth of experience, Nicole brings a unique blend of over 15 years in Higher Education and firsthand entrepreneurial expertise as a small business owner. Her return to the IEE after working with Sabika Jewelry, Inc. is a testament to her commitment to fostering economic development.

Nicole’s dedication extends beyond her role, as she actively participates in various entrepreneurial committees and councils. She also generously volunteers her time both within the University and externally, supporting underserved communities and University-wide events and initiatives. Nicole is a driven contributor to the success of the IEE and its mission to empower entrepreneurs and businesses for a brighter future.

Annia Aleman is an innovation, business strategy, and impact design professional with over a decade of experience driving organizational sustainability and development for local government, businesses, and nonprofits. Her expertise includes strategic planning, program development and management, human-centered design, and leadership development.

As the Innovation Director at Ascender, a business incubator in Pittsburgh, Annia has been responsible for designing educational programming that empowers entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. She considers it an honor to support local entrepreneurs as they create impactful business solutions in Pittsburgh.

Previously, she worked for the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Innovation & Performance, where she launched PGH Lab, connecting startups with city government, and supported the citywide Inclusive Innovation Plan. She also contributed to Pittsburgh’s success in the 2018 National Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge pilot testing innovative ideas to improve government services. Annia has also worked as a consultant leading convenings for Common Cause Consultants and the Boston Center, using human-centered design tools to unlock new strategies and collaboration between stakeholders with similar missions and goals.

Annia holds a Master’s in Public Policy & Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s in Global Policy from Chatham University. She has been recognized in the Pittsburgh Business Times’ 2023 Personalities of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Business Times 30 Under 30 (2018) list, and The Incline’s “Who’s Next: Technology.”

Elaina DeHoratius is a Technical Management Consultant with PantherlabWorks, with over 8 years experience working with entrepreneurs.  Before joining Pitt, she was based in Philadelphia and worked as a business consultant at the Temple University Small Business Development Center.  She joined Temple’s SBDC as a Business Consultant in March 2020. She has been full-time in the consulting field for the past few years but has experience working in and with nonprofits, custom brokerage firms, market research facilities, and financial institutions in departments such as Organizational Effectiveness, Talent Management, Legal, Compliance, and Risk. She has experience counseling and working with entrepreneurs, with business plan creation and development, and conducting and providing customized industry, market, and competitor research/analyses. She graduated from Temple University’s Fox School of Business Honors program with a BBA in Human Resource Management and International Business, with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, and holds a MS in Globalization and Development Communication from Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication and a MS in Digital Innovation in Marketing from Temple University’s Fox School of Business.  She is currently pursuing her Graduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

Valerie Shaffer joined The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence in April 2025, as an Environmental Consultant.  Her efforts will support the Pitt Small Business Development Center with environmental permitting and compliance needs as part of the Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) in Pennsylvania.

Valerie joins The University of Pittsburgh from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection where she was an Air Quality District Supervisor.  Prior to her employment with Pennsylvania DEP, Valerie was an Environmental Manager for a manufacturing and mining company in York, PA.  Valerie started her environmental career as a field inspector for the Cleveland Division of Air Quality.  She enjoyed working for the City of Cleveland for over 10 years until moving to Pennsylvania.

Valerie has a law degree from The University of Akron School of Law and a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Youngstown State University.

Talpha Harris is a serial entrepreneur and change maker in the economic development space. She comes to the University of Pittsburgh SBDC, having previously worked throughout the Western PA region with various organizations to connect minority-owned and women-owned Pittsburgh entrepreneurs with resources to start, grow and maintain their business. Previously, Talpha directed Bridgeway Capital’s entrepreneurship hub, creating and managing technical assistance programs, accelerators, and incubators. She is also a consultant for Chatham’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship, assisting entrepreneurs in obtaining financing and capital. As CEO and Co-Founder of Sustainible, an online business feasibility platform that evaluates business models for economic viability, Talpha assisted entrepreneurs in creating sustainable business models and collaborated with organizations to create entrepreneurial programming. Talpha also creates educational and scriptural content for kids. She loves to code, is an author, a video creator, and has a passion for all things sustainable and saving the planet. She holds a degree in Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship from UNC Chapel Hill.

As the Marketing Coordinator for the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), Khushi supports the organization’s marketing strategy by creating and managing engaging content across social media, online platforms, and print materials. She also assists in coordinating marketing efforts for programs and special events, with the goal of raising awareness and celebrating the achievements of both the IEE and the entrepreneurial community it serves.

Before joining the IEE, Khushi worked at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, where she managed and grew the Made in PGH social channels, creating engaging content that highlighted local businesses, events, and community stories.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Certificate in Digital Media, University of Pittsburgh