Launch Dayton Startup Week Presented by Fifth Third Bank is the top gathering of the year for the Dayton region’s new and aspiring entrepreneurs. Sept. 12-15, 2023, hundreds of bold makers, innovators, dreamers and doers will converge at The Hub in downtown Dayton to be inspired and empowered at this community-driven conference. The week-long schedule includes powerful talks, impactful hands-on workshops, and vibrant networking opportunities. Register today and build your custom conference agenda!
All experiences are welcome — whether a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the community, there is space to jump in.
Launch Dayton Startup Week draws hundreds of attendees each year to celebrate, inspire and empower the Dayton region’s startup founders & business owners. The week-long, free conference offers high-quality talks, hands-on business workshops and vibrant networking opportunities for our entrepreneur + startup community.
The 2023 conference will be fully in-person Sept. 12-14 at the Dayton Arcade and The Hub Powered by PNC. Park at the Reibold Garage on Fifth Street, or park at meters available around the building, and enter the conference through the subway entrance at 35 W. Fourth St.
All experiences are welcome — whether a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the community, there is space to jump in.
We have an incredible lineup of speakers who are experts in their respective fields, ready to share practical tips, real-world experiences, and actionable advice to help you succeed in the startup world.
Jacqueline assists mission-based, values-forward entrepreneurs and businesses in identifying and addressing their legal needs, from start-up phase through financing rounds, to conversion and exit strategies. Committed to advancing racial equity through social entrepreneurship, the sharing economy, and community & economic development strategies that promote local sustainability, Jacqueline aims to bring about social and economic change. For that, she collaborates with coop incubators, community-based organizations, and instigates conversations about community land trusts, cooperatives, DAOs and other shared equity models. She focuses on democratic governance and employee ownership models, and DAOs and their overlap with cooperative practices and principles. She’s a partner and shareholder attorney at Jason Wiener p.c., a public benefit corporation, and a Legal Fellow with the Sustainable Economies Law Center.
My name is MalkiaNia I am an esthetician and owner of the Malkia Studio. I am a graduate of Aveda institute with a cosmology license: and I have been a full time entrepreneur since the age 21. I specialize in services such a brows, makeup, full body, waxing and facials. Along with providing services I also educate beauty professionals on how to enhance their skills. I have always been passionate about the beauty industry which has allowed me to build a six figure business. Under the umbrella of the Malkiania llc is the Malkia Project; a non profit organization with the the purpose to uplift and build the self esteem of young girls. This is done by holding events such as our annual prom dress drive giving away free prom dresses to youth in our community. The mission is to make everyone feel like someone.
Barry Besecker is the co-founder and CTO of 3D Cloud by Marxent (3Dcloud.com), the global leader in 3D product visualization software for 3D e-commerce, serving furniture, kitchen, bath, outdoor, office furniture, closet, and storage retailers. Previously, Barry spent 10 years building software, architecting web platforms, and designing content management solutions for major brands such as Pfizer, Exxon Mobil, and Miller Coors while leading the digital marketing practice as a VP at an Ohio-based software development firm.
I have been in the public accounting industry for 20 years; primarily helping startups, small & medium size businesses. 10 of my 20 years of experience have been as a small business owner. During that time period our firm has grown to 22 staff members across 3 locations. Best part of my job is getting to learn from all the rock star entrepreneurs I am lucky enough to work with!
Michelle is currently a Partner at McKinsey & Company and over her 20+ year career as been in a broad range of technical and executive roles working to connect people through aviation. She has led manufacturing transformations, mergers, strategy, labor disputes, and high-stakes negotiations, always achieving remarkable and lasting results by grounding people in common values and goals – with firmness, kindness, and empathy.
In addition to her corporate role, she is the co-founder of The Social Capital Project, a non for profit based in Dayton focused on advancing change in our communities. She believes in the importance of social capital and how share time, resources and connectivity can result in influence and innovation at
scale.
Means Cameron is a Cincinnati native raised in The Historic West End community alongside his 3 siblings. He is the second of four children, raised independently by mother Earlene Newton. At a young age, Means took his first go at entrepreneurship as the neighborhood’s candy man. It was years later that Means realized that he would have more fun and make more money selling shoes and clothing to people who wanted to dress the way he did. The shoe business didn’t last long, but the fashion side of things followed Means to Miami University (OHIO) where he studied Marketing at The Farmer School of Business. It was at Miami University, where Cameron got a deeper understanding of consumerism and the marketplace. It was also at Miami where Cameron gained a larger following for his art, pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and became the first African American to receive Homecoming Honors at the Predominately White institution.
Today, Means is Creative Director /Owner at clothing brand BlaCkOWned™ Outerwear, and blaCk Coffee Lounge. Since BlaCkOWned’s launch in 2011, the brand has been recognized as #1 Cincinnati Men’s Boutiques (Cincinnati Magazine 2022,2021, 2020), featured in box office films, and has had the day November 16th proclaimed as ‘BlaCk OWned Day’ in the city of Cincinnati.
More recently, Means is is navigating the development space with hopes of being apart of the revitalization of Cincinnati blighted neighborhoods. In 2022, Cameron joined the Seven Hills CDC Board to be closer to those projects that matter most to a developing community. Means sees real estate as a wealth building tool that directly connects to his first two operations.
Some of Cameron’s most known works include a NFL and Cincinnati Bengals Team apparel collaboration, Regional Emmy Award Winner 2021, and announcing The 2nd round draft pick for The Bengals at the NFL Draft on live tv.
Te’Jal Cartwright is the executive producer and host of “What’s the Biz with TJ”, a digital platform that tells the stories of Black-owned businesses in communities across the nation. Under Te’Jal’s leadership, What’s the Biz has helped increase the visibility and brand awareness of more than 100 Black-owned businesses in Dayton. Te’Jal has 4 completed seasons, has garnished over 72,000 views in season 3 alone, and has partnered with organizations like the Greater West Dayton Incubator and Launch Dayton to connect local Black owned businesses to much needed resources. Te’Jal has also interviewed legendary artists like, Jo Jo Brim and Christopher “Play” Martin from Kid N’ Play.
Te’Jal Cartwright has been a natural advocate for storytelling and a part of the LORE team in a variety of capacities since January 2019. In June 2021, Te’Jal decided to take on the role of a story coach and in 2023 she officially assumed her position as the co-owner of LORE. Learning the art of Storytelling has improved every aspect in her life so she’s enthused to share these tools with the world. She enjoys helping her clients find confidence in their storytelling which creates room for people to connect even further!
Nicole launched Billie Gold Bubble Tea as a side hustle so she could travel and adventure while working. It grew beyond and was lifted and received with love by the Dayton area. It grew from converted school bus to now a lounge in the Belmont neighborhood, though you can still find the bus popping up around the Dayton area. When Nicole is not out with the bus, you can catch her with her kids and dogs, traveling, or wandering in the woods — if possible, all three together.
Emily Fehrman Cory, Ph.D. is the owner of Airship Consulting LLC. Airship Consulting LLC augments the executive leadership of startup-to-small businesses through periods of explosive growth and pivotal change. With a focus on R&D, commercialization and manufacturing, Airship Consulting guides you through collaborating with academia, government and industry to amplify your vision. Leverage expert knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies, rapid prototyping, innovation techniques, technology transfer and transition, commercialization, and strategic planning, along with practical experience in leading research and development programs and business incubation programs, to guide your business to new heights.
Andy Cothrel is President of Rushlight Ventures, where he is focused on monetizing the IP of small to mid-sized aerospace & defense firms, as well as spinning up and curating commercially-oriented new companies leveraging de-risked technology portfolios. He is also active as a founder, investor, and/or board member to a number of early-stage companies.
Prior to Rushlight, he founded Blue Marble Medical, where he spent 13 years developing and commercializing medical/health technologies and consulting in strategy, M&A, and new product development & commercialization, from both BigCo and Startup perspectives. He has led seven startups, transacted four exits, and raised in excess of $60MM at various companies in various roles.
His initial 20-year corporate career spanned progressively responsible roles at Exxon, Abbott Labs, and Roche, where he ended his BigCo days as VP/Site Manager of Roche’s life sciences research business area and a corporate officer for the North American operating entity. His academic background is a BS and MS in mechanical engineering complemented by business education and University of Michigan, Cranfield University, and London Business School. He resides in Oakwood OH.
Dayton, Ohio native Juanita-Michelle Darden-Jones is the owner of Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar and Third Perk Express. Juanita-Michelle is a dreamer who works hard at turning her passions into reality. Juanita-Michelle is also an Assistant Professor of Developmental Mathematics at Sinclair Community College where she has served since 2008.
Juanita-Michelle the wife of musician Robert Jones, the mother of Kenan, Kendell, Kayland, Christopher, Renatta and Anthony. She is the proud grandmother lovingly known to her Grands as G. Her Grands are Jaiden-KeAna, Keyshawn, Nayomi-Violet, YaNiah, Aden, Ashton, Karter, Bralen and Landon.
Juanita-Michelle has become a Social-Preneur assisting entrepreneurs in Dayton, Ohio with capital to begin and grow their business through the Dreamer’s Gala. Capital being her biggest challenge in the beginning. The Dreamer’s Gala is an annual event that raises monies for local entrepreneurs. She is committed to making sure that the struggle of small business endeavors are not ignored and that she become an agent of change to make sure that the community understands that small businesses must be supported from beginning to end if they are expected to start and survive.
Aaron Davis is the Founder and CEO of Recless Tech, a technology and executive search firm. Aaron is the host of the Being Built podcast, where he is regularly heard interviewing innovators and tech leaders about how building cool products builds them along the way. He was previously the Chief Operating Officer of Smart Data, and the Director of TA for CareSource. Aaron did his MBA at Wright State University. He’s married with four children and lives in Springboro.
Richard (Ricky) is part of the Fifth Third Business Banking Team in Dayton. As an experienced financial professional, he brings over 13 years of Commercial and Business Banking experience, specifically working with Startups, Non-profits and Medium sized Businesses. His expertise in Lending helps to educate Business Owners on accessing Start-up Capital the right way. He is focused on helping business owners by understanding their objectives in helping them grow and be successful. He has served on various non-profits through the years such as the Dayton Walk of Fame and is a Member of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce and I-70/75 Development Association.
Chataun R. Denis is the CEO of Grant Source, LLC and Shop Black Biz Dayton, LLC. Chataun holds Master’s Degrees in Urban Planning, Business Administration, and Entrepreneurship. After spending the last 20 years in Cleveland and Atlanta, she has returned home and is now serving Dayton’s Black owned businesses. Honored as the University of Dayton’s Greater West Dayton Incubator 2023 Volunteer of the Year, in just 12 months, Chataun has helped nearly 30 Black-owned businesses generate nearly $100,000 in grants, loans, and corporate contracts.
She is a 16-year business owner and through her company Grant Source, LLC, she has helped generate nearly $20 Million in income for under-resourced nonprofit and for-profit businesses. In her spare time, she mentors, guides, and supports Dayton’s Black entrepreneurs with business strategy, grant writing, and fiscal analysis. She loves hiking, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Born into the kitchens of his family’s California Pizzerias, Chris has hospitality in his blood. After studying at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, he immediately went to work for some of LA’s top restaurant groups and hasn’t looked back since.
Over the first decade as an operational consultant, Chris led opening teams at CASA, The Churchill, Franklin & Co Tavern, Rock & Reilly’s and West Hollywood juggernaut Toca Madera before relocating to Dayton, Ohio with The Idea Collective in 2016. The hospitality development group owns and operates cocktail lounge Tender Mercy (2019) and Sueño (2021), and has 2 more concepts slated for 2024 in the Dayton region.
With 15+ years of experience opening and operating a myriad of unique properties, Chris is driven daily by the constant progress he sees in his restaurants and in the people who make them successful. Marrying an entrepreneurial spirit with an inherent passion for service and a zest for personal relationships, Chris continues to prove that in his business, hospitality is a feeling.
Jamaal Durr is a Contemporary Artist known for his figurative mixed media works and portrait drawings. With materials such as oil paint, charcoal, and graphite, the artist often creates timely and significant narratives that focus on masculinity and self reflection. Born in 1992 in Lima, Ohio, he now resides in Dayton, Ohio where he received formal training at Stivers School for the arts. He also had a brief stint at Pratt Institute studying architecture. His work has been exhibited at galleries such as The Contemporary Dayton, ADC Fine Art Gallery in Cincinnati, the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, and the Springfield Museum of Art where he also has a seat on the Curatorial Affairs Committee.
Danielle Edwards is the owner of Sweet P’s Handcrafted Ice Pops, a Dayton-based popsicle company. Sweet P’s operates out of 2nd Street Market and is opening a location in the Oregon District. She is also the Principal Consultant of New Impact Partners, a collective of strategists and subject matter advisors who partner with clients to solve big challenges and define inclusive and equitable paths forward. Additionally, until July 2022, Danielle served as the Vice President of Talent, Communications, and Operations at Teach For America for more than seven years. Leading a team of 14 responsible for hiring and recruitment, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, learning and training, and cross-team engagement for a larger team of 110 people.
Danielle began her career in strategy and technology consulting with Accenture. For more than ten years, she worked to design and implement strategic solutions for both corporate and non-profit clients. Today, she leverages her skills and abilities in her entrepreneurial ventures and volunteer positions.
Danielle is a proud Alumna of Spelman College and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. She also earned an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management –Northwestern University, where she studied Finance, Management, and Strategy. She is married to Dr. Kevin Edwards, and they have three amazing children Zoe, Izabel, and Kevin.
Tobi Ewing, also known as BeautyAsAMetaphor online, is an interdisciplinary artist, designer and care practitioner from Dayton, Ohio making art, designing brand visuals and guiding & concepting meaningful spaces of expansion for communities. Described as a “stewart of beauty, comfort and space keeping”, Tobi’s heart, imagination and work is guided by the power of expression, intentional care and exploring beauty & tending as a tool of healing and creativity. Tobi is the founder of Frances Bernice Design Studio, an independent practice focusing on warm design and production. Tobi has had the pleasure of working with and bring her soulful approach to organizations like Skidmore College, Antioch College, 614 StartUps, Maroon Arts Group and The Contemporary to name a few.
Introducing Will Foster, Portfolio Manager at The Entrepreneur’s Center overseeing a diverse portfolio of over 90 tech start-ups and supporting nearly 20 EIRS. Alongside this role, Will is actively engaged in various entrepreneurial ventures. He co-owns Revolution Group Fitness, a popular gym in Lebanon, Ohio, and The FEniks Project, a personal training business dedicated to promoting well-being. He also founded Quantum Foam Initiatives, a company that offers strategic planning, consulting, and project management services to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs. At the heart of everything he does, Will embraces empathetic leadership, conscious capitalism, and a deep passion for improving the community. Furthermore, as the dedicated project manager for the Dayton Q+ Youth Center Project, he spearheads the anti-suicide project, working towards creating a safe and affirming space for Q+ youth and allies. When not working, Will enjoys running, lifting weights, and exploring Dayton’s incredible food scene with his partner, Lauren. His commitment to making a positive impact is woven into both his professional endeavors and personal pursuits.
Dana Graham is a multidisciplinary creative, social curator, and community manager from and currently based in Dayton, OH. She attended Stivers School for the Arts and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies with a concentration in Directing from Wright State University in 2015. She is the Founder + Creative Director of Scripted in Black, a creative collective that produces high vibe experiences centered in Black arts + culture + community.
She believes the intertwining of different creative mediums bring important layers to narratives that reflect how vibrant and multidimensional Black + Brown culture, perspective, and experiences are. These human processes move us to create work that challenges our reimagination of how art reflects life and what holistic representation truly looks like in the arts + entertainment industry.
LeKeisha is dedicated to helping aspiring and existing small business owners navigate the hurdles of entrepreneurship and business building. As program manager, she gets the opportunity to assist start-ups in moving their technologies forward while appreciating their creativity in innovation. Prior to her current role, she was a small business advisor with the Small Business Development Center at the EC.
As an entrepreneur herself, LeKeisha began her small business journey in 2012 with the founding of Ambition Unlocked, where she has the privilege of sharing stories of new entrepreneurs, shining a light on an often-forgotten segment. She recognizes that starting out is hard and it’s even harder to get someone to talk about you and your venture when you’re new. In 2015 she became co-owner of Transformers Fitness, a concept created out of the love of fitness, healthy living, and the desire to share that information. It fuels transformations of the body as well as the mind. Previous professional experience includes roles at Farmers Insurance and American Red Cross, where she was an AmeriCorps Member.
Cassandra Guard has over 25 years experience in talent acquisitions and has an employee retention rate of 97%. Her career has been filled with valuable lessons, but none as valuable as owning a company where the usual leverages that keep employees, like certain pay and benefits, weren’t commonplace. Figuring out how to find and keep her amazing team when no one “needed” the job unlocked secrets to a productive and satisfied team. Cassandra feels every great workplace should know these secrets.
Char Hagans has over 5 years of experience in the financial industry helping people from all backgrounds with their personal and business credit. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Indiana Wesleyan University. Char’s expertise lies in providing personalized financial advice to clients across various industries. She strongly believes in building long-term relationships with her clients, and her goal is to help them achieve their financial objectives.
Chef Anthony T. Head, Sr. is a Dayton native and graduate of Colonel White High School for the Arts. He received his culinary training at Sinclair Community College and Workforce Development education at The Ohio State University. Known as “The People’s Chef” and “Gem City Chef” on social media, he is a professional chef, educator and business consultant. He the leader of the Ujamaa Mission Restaurant Group which includes the Chicken Head’s Ghost Kitchen in Kettering and Jegna Coffee Company. He is also the founder of In Their Best Interest, a nonprofit aimed at assisting fathers play an active role in their child’s development. As a “Son of this City,” Chef Head is a product of its investment in him as a young man and business professional who is leveraging all of his talents for the benefit of The People. The Gem City is rising, and He’s proud to be an active part of it.
Reginald is a strategist, creative, and disruptor.
Born and raised in dayton, he’s dedicated much of his effort to developing the people and communities he served.
In his current role on the Launch Dayton team, he facilitates a business development bootcamp, coaches budding entrepreneurs, and support partners in the ecosystem.
Reginald appreciates all aspects of design, loves instrumental music, and devours worldly foods. Spark up a conversation to learn more.
Carly Hensley started working for FUSIAN before they opened their Dayton location in 2011, after recently graduating from the University of Dayton. From her first role as an hourly team member, to becoming a restaurant leader, community engagement specialist, catering director, marketing manager, regional operations director, and then director of operations, she spent her career doing every job within the start-up. In 2020, FUSIAN expanded and diversified the business model and began opening pizza restaurants (Wizard of za) and a fried chicken concept (Hunnybee’s) in addition to their 11 sushi shops. As of 2023, she has taken over the role of vice president overseeing all three arms of these three growing brands.
Katie Hill is Founder and CEO of UnlistedHomes.com a fast-growth proptech software company where off-market is no longer off-limits. Unlisted attracted tech industry giants as advisors, investment capital, and first-place wins at the 2023 Flyer Pitch at University of Dayton and 2022 Alumni New Venture Challenge at University of Chicago. Katie also serves as an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at the Entrepreneurs’ Center supporting dozens of Dayton’s most promising tech startups. She previously. co-founded Commuter Ads, a Dayton-based, VC-backed transit media company. Katie started her career at Leo Burnett ad agency working for some of the world’s biggest brands. Katie was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Illinois State University, 40 Under 40 by the Dayton Business Journal and Mass Transit Magazine, and attended a White House reception as part of the President Obama’s Better Make Room campaign. She holds a B.S. in Marketing from Illinois State University and an MBA from Chicago Booth.
Kathleen Hotmer is the owner of Pink Moon Goods, a retail shop in the Historic Huffman that specializes in products that are beautiful, practical, and sustainable. Each day she works hard to develop an inventory that reflects the ethics that are important to her and to the consumers who visit her shop.
A native Middletonian, Jelani Johnson has spent the majority of his career in customer service. For well over a decade, Jelani has been leading teams in the hospitality field as a Director of Sales, Catering Director and General Manager for brands such as Hilton, Marriott and Landry’s. He believes that every successful business, large or small, emphasizes quality customer service. Currently, Jelani serves as the Director for the Minority Business Assistance Center for the Dayton region, serving 12 counties at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
Corinne is a cognitive scientist working on a PhD in Experimental Psychology at the University of Cincinnati. She specializes in perception topics like memory, attention, and decision making.
Corinne is also is a business leader with 15 years’ experience specializing in defense, research, and engineering. She is currently COO of Redpoint AI, an engineering company specializing in edge AI, spiking neural networks, AI for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and explainable AI.
She is a widely published author with bylines at outlets such as Winning the Business and Trajectory Magazine. In 2018, Corinne was recognized on APMP’s 40-under-40 list for her work in proposal management.
Réka Juhász {ray-ka u-has} is a Hungarian-born, American-trained designer, owner, and sole proprietor of paperreka.
Paperreka is an award-winning boutique branding experience that helps sort out your brand DNA with a compelling visual identity system through self-discovery, brand excavation work, and an anti-hustle mindset.
With 13 years of experience from non-profit, to design agency, to freelancing for clients small and large—paperreka focuses on intentional, holistic, and sustainable rebrands.
Sarah Kallile is the founder and CEO of Lunnie, a postpartum intimates brand for modern mothers. Lunnie disrupted the market with their innovative All-Day Leakproof Nursing Bra. This community-led brand is not only creating products, but launching a movement to support postpartum women who have been underserved.
Lunnie is the 2023 Soin Award for Innovation winner, 2022 University of Dayton Flyer Pitch winner, and 2021 Female Founder Collective pitch winner. Sarah is the proud mother of 3 girls under 5 whom Lunnie is named after.
Stacy Kessler helps women solopreneurs build and grow businesses that are in alignment with who they are and the things that are important to them so they can leave their signature stamp on the world in a way that makes ‘em wanna do a happy dance.
She specializes in helping these small business entrepreneurs make sense of all their scattered thoughts and ideas to discover the hidden gems that make them brilliant in order to create a business that’s not only magnetic and memorable but also feels oh-so-right.
Stacy believes in being radically intentional in business and life, ditching the hustle, distinctly leaning into who we each uniquely are, experimenting and having fun in business, using business for good, and knocking client’s socks off.
You can learn more about Stacy at www.stacykessler.me.
April Kline is a Midwife, Lactation Consultant, Craniosacral Therapist, Trauma Release Therapist, professor, and the founder and owner of The Well: A Center for Women’s Wellness. April is an experienced and inspiring speaker and educator, having spoken on stages and panels from classroom to stadium-size. She has also facilitated workshops and forums for over thirty years, has taught online and in-person to groups large and small, and has shared her unique perspective on how to move trauma out of the body from the TEDx stage. April is particularly skilled at making complex concepts accessible to everyone, pulling from both personal experiences, the literature, and her twenty-two years in private practice with people from all walks of life.
Brian Kohr – CEO of TriKohr Advisors LLC and TriKohr Capital LLC
TriKohr is a family office consisting of both investment and consulting arms. Currently has 11 direct investments in the portfolio and provides strategic planning, guidance and leadership coaching to many of its investments as well as external clients.
Brian’s Background
Scott Koorndyk is President of The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC), a modern economic development organization that powers progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship. The EC supports more than 1,100 start-ups and small businesses through a variety of programs. Under Scott’s leadership, the EC launched and leads the Technology Acceleration Project (TAP), a nationwide program to identify, assess and commercialize technologies of interest to the US Air Force. Since program inception, more than 450 companies have participated in the program, and have generated more than $320M in follow-on funding. In addition, in partnership with the State of Ohio, the EC leads the Entrepreneurial Services Provider Program, which provides more than $7.2M of support to technology start-ups annually.
Throughout his career, Scott has focused on technology development and commercialization in diverse for-profit and nonprofit businesses. Prior to his role at the EC, Scott was the COO of the Dayton Development Coalition, overseeing the $22.5M pre-seed venture program. Prior to joining the DDC, Scott served 15 years at LexisNexis in business and venture development roles, including the management of venture investment, strategic alliances and a licenses with a combined portfolio value of more than $480M, and the acquisition and integration of corporations ranging from $500K to $80M in size.
Jay Martinez the poet. International spoken word artist from Newark NJ by way of Dayton OH. The 2x Ted-X speaker is an author of two books, and co-founder of Metaphorically Speaking Dayton. Host of Lyrical lounge open mic, MS Slams, and Dayton School Slams. Performer/ Assistant Director of Tonights Conversation Podcast tour.
Over Angela’s 25-year career in technology and across a broad range of industries, she’s focused on leading people and organizations through big data and digital transformations. She has extensive experience working in complex systems which have improved the accessibility of technology within the health care industry. Angela has been named for the third consecutive year as one of the Chief Data Officers Magazine Global Data Power Women and is a 2023 CIO 100 Award recipient.
In addition to her corporate role, she is the co-founder of The Social Capital Project, a non for profit based in Dayton focused on advancing change in our communities. She believes in the importance of social capital and how shared time, resources, and connectivity can result in influence and innovation at scale.
Jason “Thor” Molnar is a serial team builder and communicator with nearly 20 years of experience in both government and industry. He is a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran who served as an Armored Reconnaissance Platoon Leader during the “surge” years in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Jason continues to serve as a committed advocate for veterans’ medical rights, K-12 teaching opportunities, and veteran advocacy across several verticals. He serves on several board of directors to support and further his commitment to fellow service members. For Infinity Labs, Jason is responsible for synthesis and socialization of corporate strategy and vision. He serves as the focal point for business development relationships with customers and collaborators throughout state, local, and federal government, industry, and academia. Further, Jason leads all facets of marketing and corporate communications to include advertising, website content, branding, social media presence, public relations, and messaging.
Sonya is the Chief Execution Strategist and CEO/Owner of Moore Planning & Consulting LLC, a boutique virtual administrative consulting and support firm, committed to helping overwhelmed entrepreneurs and team leaders organize their business from the inside out to gain peace, order and more profit. With Sonya’s more than 30 years of strategic planning and execution expertise, she helps her clients turn ideas to income with STRATEGY to connect the dots and maximize income; build STRUCTURE with processes and back-office automation; and provide SUPPORT to create consistent communication, turning chaos into systems and prospects into paying clients.
Dr. Rajesh Naik is the Chief Operating Officer for Mined XAI, a Dayton-based start-up that specializes in explainable artificial intelligence solutions. In his current role, Dr. Naik oversees the development of the company’s business verticals, facilitates collaborations and partnerships, and supports the CEO in executing Mined XAI’s vision and strategy. With over 20 years of research and development experience at the US Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. Naik held a senior technical executive position as Chief Scientist for 711 Human Performance Wing and also served as acting Chief Technology Officer for AFRL. His extensive research has resulted in over 300 peer-reviewed articles, several book chapters, and 17 awarded patents. Dr. Naik has been recognized for his contributions with fellowships from the Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials Research Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, and American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University.
Chris Nalls is the founding attorney of Nalls Davis. Chris represents business owners, developers, lenders, and public entities in commercial and regulatory matters. Chris has provided counsel on transactions valued at more than $500 million in Ohio and across the United States. His representative matters include real estate projects, corporate governance issues, debt and equity financing, asset transfers, and litigation.
Chris was formerly an attorney at corporate law firms in Ohio and Washington D.C. Chris has presented at business programs/conferences for Launch Dayton, Greater West Dayton Incubator, Dayton Human Relations Council, and Parallax. He’s been featured or quoted in the Dayton Business Journal, WYSO, the Energy Law Journal, and the Washington Energy Report.
Chris received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and B.A. from the University of Dayton.
Bonita spent almost 15 years in the Corporate world as a Senior Leader in Operations for the Insurance and the Banking industries. She spent many years coaching, training and supporting over 100 team members. Her passion was helping people develop personally and professionally. After being displaced during the pandemic, she purchased an ActionCOACH franchise determined to continue her mission. ActionCOACH is a global business coaching organization with over 1000 coaches in over 80 countries around the world. The vision is world abundance through business re-education. Bonita continues to do what she loves most, coaching and developing people, but now she gets to partner with business owners, like you, and make a positive impact in our local community and local economy.
Ali Payne by trade is a software/data engineer. He’s worked with several entrepreneurs, startups, a major conglomerate within Ohio, and currently works for Stitch Fix, a Silicon Valley darling started back in 2011. He will be talking about what he’s learned from working with local entrepreneurs within Ohio, the significance of Dayton, OH, why The Rust Belt Neighbor Development Corporation choose Dayton, OH, and specifically The hub powered By PNC, partnered with the University of Dayton along with the economic development center for their headquarters location, and a new venture oneononecodingschool.com geared towards helping the youth within Ohio establish a vibrant startup/entrepreneurial community.
With over a decade of professional experience in executive leadership, retail hospitality, and business development, Teresa Perretta is the quality of person every organization wants and needs on their team. She obtained her Bachelor of Communication & Public Relations at the University of Dayton in 2009 and has several years of experience working in higher education. As the proud owner of Culture Refined Consulting, founded in 2018, Teresa dedicates her work’s focus to assisting small businesses with start-up and organizational development that will show them how to optimize their resources in order to reach projected sales goals and overall success in the marketplace.
In addition to her experience in executive leadership and hospitality, Teresa Perretta has over eighteen years of experience in restaurant & operations management formerly serving as the Vice President of Operations for FUSIAN. In recent years, Teresa has translated her start-up experience into the tech industry, focusing on custom software and digital product development through her work at ModWeb. She currently serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the Downtown Dayton Partnership to support small business development in Downtown Dayton, OH. Being a woman of many hats but also a woman of balance, Teresa enjoys many hobbies which include hiking, traveling, cooking and developing video games with her brother. Teresa Perretta is a force to be reckoned with in the Dayton community with a lot of love and experience to share.
Worked 26 years in Silicon Valley for numerous startups in CFO and operational roles. As an entrepreneur, co-founded three companies that were successfully sold. From 2018 to 2022 was a Partner at VC firm Tress Capital (NYC). In 2022, sold WasteTrakr Technologies, entity I co-founded and was funded by Tress, to a pubco Global Compliance Applications Corp CSE:APP. Named President of the USA entity and have worked to leverage the power of the blockchain to create new opportunities including our sustainability focused app for ESG reporting called www.clearESG.app and a new coupon app called Citizen Green Ventures.
Michael Ragsdale, founder, and CEO of Bailout Systems, has leveraged the power of neuroscience to craft and deliver compelling pitches throughout his career. Drawing on insights from industry leaders like Oren Klaff and Chris Voss, Michael has refined his pitching strategy to effectively engage with key emotional, instinctive, and cognitive aspects of his audience’s minds. He is eager to share this practical knowledge and experience with fellow entrepreneurs…
Kelly Redman is the Business Insurance Specialist at Redd Insurance Agency. She came to this specialty because of her love and passion for supporting small businesses growth in the Dayton area and understanding the leap from corporate America to small business world after she left her career of 18 years as a Social Worker to join the small business of Ronnie Redd in 2017. With her experience she understands how preparing for your worst day, instead of reacting to your worst day can help you professionally and personally.
John has over 40 years of experience in complex business matters, particularly relating to transaction structuring involving corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and individuals. He was on the Board (and chairman) of the MIT Enterprise Forum of Pittsburgh for many years and has also been listed as a tax lawyer in The Best Lawyers in America since 1995. He has handled numerous investments in early stage businesses representing either the investors or the company.
Jordan Roe received a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Ohio State University (2007) and a M.S. in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises, summa cum laude, from Oklahoma State University (2014). He has been with the Entrepreneurs’ Center since June of 2015; he started as the Program Manager for SBIR TAP (Technology Acceleration Program), an Air Force funded program to accelerate Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). Through SBIR TAP he has trained 100+ SBIR companies on technology commercialization and helped to raise more than $120M in angel, VC, and nondilutive funding. In 2017, the EC was awarded the Entrepreneurial Services Program (ESP), a state grant to provide early-stage technology-focused entrepreneurs with support and professional services. Jordan has helped to build this program from the ground up, and what was originally a $1.2M grant is now a $14.9M award. Jordan serves as the Director of Venture Development / Entrepreneur in Residence. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Dayton (Fundamentals of New Technology Ventures) and Wright State University (Applied Business Planning) where he teaches entrepreneurship courses focusing on commercialization of technology.
As an entrepreneur, over the last decade, Jordan owns/owed several businesses in various industries including: Life Sciences (Biodye), Real Estate (IronOak Ventures), Hospitality Management (South Park Tavern (sold)), Recreation (VJDS LLC), and Consulting (SmallBizBigger). Notably, in regards to his own businesses, he has raised over a half million dollars in funding, employees 25+, manages over a million in revenue, and continues to expand the reach of those businesses.
Beth is a social and digital expert, business owner, and advocate for small business. After of over a decade in the marketing industry, she noticed a gap: marketing solutions for small businesses. She founded L&L Collective in 2021 as an agency dedicated to providing professional, custom strategy, content and creative solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Beth has previously held executive and leadership positions at LMG, Speedway, Abercrombie & Fitch and Conde Nast.
Daniel Joseph Sessions, better known to his clients and peers as “DJ”, has been professionally helping people in financial services since 2002. His goal is to not only exceed in sales and service but to stand out from every other advisor by means of integrity, quality and professionalism. He has built a reputation for “Best in Class” customer service by adhering to a simple philosophy. First, always keep the process simple. Second, provide accurate and articulate communication. And third, work with the best organization and team to help facilitate those principles.
We are Masters in Mortgages and Mindset. Business Never Stops…
Dane Shipp, known as Chef Dane, has built a loyal, expansive, and diverse customer-base that continues to show up and keep him selling out in Dayton since 2017. Chef Dane studied Culinary Arts at Sinclair Community College, but gained his experience and reputation literally on the streets of Dayton and in the comfort of customer’s homes.
In 2020, Chef Dane was named the 2nd Best Chef in Dayton while working as the Executive Chef at Lock 27 Brewpub. Since launching his own business, Chef Dane cooks over 200 private dinners and hosts over 100 pop-ups a year at places like Toxic Brew Company and Yellow Springs Brewery. Chef Dane regularly caters for Dayton’s famous guests of Chappelle’s Summer Camp and Dayton Daily News named him one of 9 Dayton Chefs to watch in 2022.
Chef Dane has signed a lease at the Lumber Yard Eatery in Yellow Springs, OH, anticipated to open Spring of 2023. He is known for developing propriety recipes of any cuisine, while offering a vegan selection of every dish. His vegan recipes draw pop-up visitors from Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis.
Errin Siske is the founder of Spark Space Creative, a branding and design studio created in 2011. Errin and her team collaborate with companies to build their brands, tell their stories, and showcase their impact and importance.
Errin and her husband are co-founders of Soulfolio Co, a custom gift company launched earlier this year that offers a one-of-a-kind, meaningful keepsake created solo or collaboratively that makes the important people in your life feel SEEN and offers a new way for loved ones to create a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Errin has a B.A. in Visual Communications from the University of Dayton. She is a 2020 graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.
Brandon Smith (Uncle Boof) was born & raised in Dayton, Ohio. He is the grandson of Mayor Richard Clay Dixon. Born and raised in Dayton Ohio, Boof graduated from Meadowdale highschool and went on to attend school at Central State University. In 2008 Boof started his entrepreneur journey in Charlotte, NC where he
Boof is the owner of the World Famous Pancake Mix in which his product is available at local grocery stores like Gem City Market, Dorothy Lane Market, and a number of stores in Ohio. He’s also a co-creator of the Dayton Bike Meet and currently in the process of opening a restaurant called The Ugly Duckling.
Nate Sowder comes to us from 5/3 where he positions the bank as a collaborative leader by working with universities, startups and large companies to achieve advancement in innovation and research. At Cintrifuse in Cincinnati, OH, Nate contributes to the work being done at fintechfrontier.com and is an Executive in Residence. Nate is also a long-time supporter of the Dayton, OH startup ecosystem that supported him early in his entrepreneurial efforts and whom he now supports as Entrepreneur in Residence for The Entrepreneurs Center.
I’ve always been very creative and have spent my entire life dedicated to the visual arts in some way. I majored in Fine Art in college, and have a Master’s degree in Management. I started out teaching art, but over time I found myself working as a design assistant and fell in love with all things graphic-design related.
Since then, I’ve been working in the Dayton area as a multimedia designer for almost 15 years. The variety and quantity of work I completed has given me the skills and expertise to tackle any design project that comes my way.
I have provided creative direction for a variety of campaigns and events, including logo design and branding, print and digital ads, brochures, editorial layout, typography, web design and maintenance, video editing and everything in between
Devon has spent over three decades leading technology organizations, including the last 20 years in healthcare technology, focused on improving health outcomes and health equity by bringing healthcare into the digital age. In her current role as Chief Information Officer at CareSource, a not-forprofit managed care organization, she does this for two million members across eight states, including our most vulnerable citizens in the Medicaid system.
In addition to her corporate role, she is the co-founder of The Social Capital Project, a non for profit based in Dayton focused on advancing change in our communities. She believes in the importance of social capital and how shared time, resources, and connectivity can result in influence and innovation at scale.
Experienced product manager and tech entrepreneur with a focus on helping companies through initial funding and go-to-market hurdles. Following my passion for building communities, I am focused on working with early-stage healthcare startups through launch.
Danielle Watkins is a health and wellness coach, influencer, speaker, creator, plus size model, and servant. She fought off 190lbs. She is the owner of Nu Heights Nutrition Club which offers smoothies and teas as a healthier eating alternative. She is also the founder of The Queen Connection Support Group which is a National Women’s Empowerment Group that focuses on weightloss, spiritual health, and self confidence. She is proof that with persistence, dedication, and resiliency, you can have what your mind creates.
Dallas Webster is a retired software developer and project manager with over 40 years of experience in the IT industry. He has worked for notable companies such as GMAC Financing, LexisNexis, and spent the last decade as a consulting Project Manager for Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Fifth Third Bank, and Wright-Patt Credit Union.
Throughout his career in IT, Dallas developed strong business writing, presentation and excel skills, which he is now using to help small businesses and startups establish and achieve their strategic goals and objectives. With his extensive experience as a project manager, Dallas is equipped to provide valuable insight and guidance to companies looking to streamline their operations, improve their processes, and achieve greater success.
In addition to his work in the business world, Dallas is also an accomplished musician, known for his impressive guitar playing and soulful vocals. He has performed at venues across Dayton, Ohio, and beyond, showcasing his versatile style and dynamic sound.
Zackary Weiner is Executive Chef and co-founder of Pitchers Hospitality LLC along side partners Nathan Heil and Brendon Miller, a team of Dayton natives. Most notably, Zack, Nate and Brendon opened Jollity in 2021 in downtown Dayton’s Fireblocks District located at 127 E 3rd Street. During his culinary studies at Miami Valley CTC, Zack simultaneously launched his career with hands-on industry experience.
After college at the Midwest Culinary Institute, he returned to Dayton to expand his career working at independently-owned restaurants like Olive, an Urban Dive and alongside James Beard Award winner Chef Anne Kearney at Rue Dumaine. Zack is recognized as a culinary leader by Indie Chef, a group of current and future leaders in food communities across the US. Jollity, by definition, is a lively or cheerful activity or celebration. Zack and his team at Jollity aim to deliver that through their food and service every day.
Keely Weis has been a professional photographer for over 10 years, building a business around women empowerment through her unique brand of photography. While working several years to build her clientele to the point where she could move into her business full time, she also worked in a demanding non-profit job. This unique work experience helped her emotional intelligence, conflict management, time management, and communication skills that she now implements into her own full time business every day. A lover of tough conversations and conflict management, she has helped many of her peers gain the confidence to set boundaries, manage challenging customers and situations, and value themselves and their own work appropriately.
James Williamson is the Art Director at Spark Space Creative. James and the team collaborate with companies to build their brands, tell their stories, and showcase their impact and importance.
James graduated from The School of Advertising Art (now The Modern College of Design) in 2005 and has been a full-time creative professional ever since. A self-professed “design nerd”, he loves what he does for a living and is passionate about providing creative solutions for people and their businesses.
Tae Winston, a serial entrepreneur, and Dayton community event planner worked in Mental Health Services for over 8 years as a Case Manager until she decided to become a full-time entrepreneur. Tae is motivated by her prior experience in sales and her 13-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum. She commits fully to her mission of helping local businesses owners follow their passion while building economic wealth for their families.
Her vision has always been to assist in any way in the rebuild of west Dayton and the surrounding Dayton areas. She’s a well-rounded person and not just a businessperson, she is able to communicate with everyone. She loves helping people start their businesses and will continue to help them by reaching as many small businesses as possible. She is enthusiastic when it comes to promoting these businesses and will introduce these products and services to others, while helping all entrepreneurs achieve. Knowing that this creates commerce for these communities.
Tae works hard with her tenacious drive, and she wants to have influence in these communities. She has taken entrepreneurship to another level while helping all people. She was noticed in a short period of time, when the tornadoes hit Ohio and there was devastation throughout the city. She really wanted to be there, and she had to produce a plan and try help these people. She collected clothing and nonperishable food items and purchased water and food; she parked her fashion bus on Salem Avenue in Trotwood Ohio to give back to others. That was followed by introducing the first Fashion Meets Food Truck Rally at the Arena Sports Bar in Trotwood Ohio. This was an event where people could make money and get the things that they needed after being involved in this horrific storm. The city was hurting, and people was in need, and she was able to give them something to look forward to.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to Fifth Third Bank, our title sponsor, for their unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at the Startup Week conference.
Our incredible sponsors help us keep the conference free, empowering Launch Dayton partners to pursue our mission to build an equitable community where all entrepreneurs are welcome and supported.
Can’t afford a formal sponsorship, but still want to support Launch Dayton Startup Week? This year, we’re launching two donation-based tickets, in addition to our always-free attendee ticket.
Pay It Forward: Business Supporter ticket buyers can donate a minimum of $100 to have their business name listed. Business supporters will also be listed on the website, and if tickets are purchased by Aug. 31, listed on conference signage in the Rotunda.
Everyone is welcome at Launch Dayton Startup Week — whether a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the community, there is space to jump in. Register today!
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