AWBC BOARD

Klassi Duncan

Chair

Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

New Orleans, LA

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Klassi R. Duncan currently serves as Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) at the Urban League of Louisiana based in New Orleans, LA. CEI operations include: the Women’s Business Resource Center, the Contractor’s Resource Center, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development DBE Supportive Services Program. The CEI provides small business education, counseling services, and access to resources to women and minority entrepreneurs across Southeast Louisiana. Under her leadership, the Women’s Business Resource Center was awarded the 2019 Region VI Women’s Center of Excellence Award and the 2017 Women’s Business Champion Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana District Office for their work in promoting and developing women-owned businesses across the region. Prior to joining the Urban League of Louisiana, Klassi served as the Director of Business Support & Evaluation for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at Delgado Community College, New Orleans, La.

Roberta McCullough

Past Chair

National Institute of Minority Economic Development

Durham, NC

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Roberta McCullough serves as Senior Vice President of Operations for Institute Capital, a CDFI program for the National Institute of Minority Economic Development. She leads her team to provide investment capital for affordable housing developers, small businesses, and community-based organizations. Additionally, encouraging HBCU collaboration by training, educating, and funding its future entrepreneurs in their student bodies. McCullough has continually served the economic development industry for over 30 years to alleviate systemic economic injustices. She holds a BS in Mathematics from Shaw University.

Nicole Liatos

Vice Chair

WBC of Northern Ohio

Cleveland, OH

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In 2018, Nicole was announced the Director of the Women’s Business Center of Northern Ohio. Nicole’s responsibilities include implementing new WBC entrepreneurship curriculum and programming, one-on-one coaching, organizing and leading training and workshops, and managing the day-to-day operations. Nicole cultivates relationships within the community and works to ensure the WBC executes on its goals to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the world of business today by providing the much-needed support system, coaching, and fundamentals. As an entrepreneurial-minded individual, Nicole brings a vast knowledge of business strategy. She has worked across a range of industries to deliver programs that aligned with the organization’s strategic vision.

Kathryn Rudloff

Secretary

weVenture WBC at Florida Tech

Melbourne, FL

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Kathryn Rudloff joined weVENTURE Women’s Business Center in the Bisk College of Business at Florida Tech in January of 2020. As Executive Director, Kathryn oversees the center’s low and no-cost business education programing. During her tenure, she has helped modernize WBC operations, expand support for businesses in distant areas of the expansive region, and increase the number of ethnic and racial minorities the center serves. She has secured over $1.2 million dollars in additional grants and donations to support the program. Prior to joining weVENTURE WBC, Kathryn worked in strategic messaging, communications and fundraising for political committees, campaigns and business advocacy groups in Washington DC, California and Florida. She has worked on campaigns at every level – local, state, federal and even a 2007 presidential campaign as Florida Director of Field Operations. Kathryn currently serves on the AWBC Advocacy Committee.

Ruth Garcia

Board Member

New Economics for Women Women’s Business Center

Los Angeles, CA

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Ruth Garcia-Corrales is the Director for New Economics for Women- Women’s Business Center. For her leadership, innovative workshops, providing access to capital, and exceeding the Center’s goals, Ruth was awarded The Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award for District IX from the SBA. Before the Women’s Business Center Ruth managed the West Valley Business Source Center a program from the Los Angeles Mayor's Office. Ruth is the former Consul General of Republic of Costa Rica for the U.S. West Coast, appointed by the President of Costa Rica. She holds a degree in Engineering from the University of Costa Rica, co-founder of the Central American Federation of Nations, composed of all the Consul Generals of C.A., working together on issues affecting their communities. She is the author of What it Takes, from $20 to $200 Million.

Austin Goble

Board Member

REACH Women's Business Center

Clanton, AL

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Austin Goble is a coffee-drinking, crazy-sock-wearing, dog-loving, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and Alabama native who has a real passion for people. He joined the Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship team as the REACH Women’s Business Center Director to launch Alabama’s second women’s business center in August 2021. His background is primarily in public relations, leadership development, event planning, and government affairs. Austin holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of North Alabama and a master’s in public administration (MPA) from Valdosta State University. In 2023, Austin opened his company, River & Vale Event Co., to provide event services to clients across Alabama. Outside of professionally minding your business, you can usually find him repotting plants, reading a good book, or going on adventures with his husband and two goofy dogs.

Nikki Hahn

Board Member

Women's Enterprise Development Center

White Plains, NY

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Nikki A. Hahn, WEDC's CEO, brings a wealth of development experience to the nonprofit
sector. Ms. Hahn was previously with Volunteer New York! where she developed corporate
social responsibility programming for local business leaders. In addition, she has served as
the chair of the Scarsdale School Board Nominating Committee, President of the Junior
League of Central Westchester, and the Client and Partner Development Director of The
Acceleration Project. Ms. Hahn is actively involved in many community initiatives and
currently serves as Vice President of the Westchester Children's Chorus Board of Directors
as well as on Cure JM Foundation's Board of Directors as the Development Director and
Chair. She earned both a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree
from New York University.

Gwen Pokalo Hart

Board Member

Center for Women & Enterprise

Burlington, VT

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Gwen Pokalo joined CWE’s exciting tradition of developing & delivering high quality programming and technical assistance to women in business. She holds an MS in Community Development & Economic Development from the University of Vermont, where she developed a microbusiness incubator to assist emerging Vermont value-added-food and artisan entrepreneurs through a retail store and academic technical assistance model. Most recently, Gwen worked as Director of the Women’s Small Business Program and was awarded Vermont Business Magazine’s Rising Start Award. While there, she further developed the 25-year-old organization to expand offerings in business planning, personal finance, and networking.

She is delighted to have opened and currently direct the Center for Women and Enterprise Vermont.

Katty Ibarra

Board Member

San Diego & Imperial Women’s Business Center

San Diego, CA

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Katty Ibarra is the Director of the San Diego & Imperial Women's Business Center, hosted by Southwestern College. Katty is a bilingual small business owner excited to empower female entrepreneurs by leading the WBC, creating programs, providing business advising, and training to secure women's economic justice and entrepreneurial opportunities. Katty holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the Universidad del Valle de Mexico and a Master's of Science in Marketing from National University, with extensive branding, marketing, and social media experience. Katty owns a binational marketing firm and has more than 15 years of experience in small business and marketing strategies.

Sophia Kanaan

Board Member

California Capital Women’s Business Center

Sacramento, California

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Sophia Kanaan is the Director of California Capital Women’s Business Center, a mission based non-profit dedicated to serving underserved communities in the Sacramento region. With a Master’s in Public Administration from McGeorge School of Law and bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the University of California, Davis, Sophia is passionate about community growth and the success of small business owners and entrepreneurs. In her free time, Sophia loves to spend time with her husband and 2 year old daughter.

Danette Nguyen

Board Member

Maryland Women’s Business Center

Rockville, MD

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Danette Nguyen assumed the role of Managing Director at the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) in November 2022. In this capacity, she oversees operations across two women’s business centers: the Maryland Women’s Business Center and the Bowie State University Women’s Business Center. Danette has led significant growth, expanding the MWBC Shop Local retail incubator program from one to three locations.

As Managing Director, Danette cultivates relationships with diverse stakeholders to empower women entrepreneurs in Maryland’s Capital Region. She also serves on the Capacity Committee for the Association of Women's Business Centers and is a Fellow of the Maryland Public Policy Conflict Resolution. Additionally, she is part of the inaugural class for the Leadership Maryland Emerging Leaders program.

Danette earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems and Marketing from George Mason University, providing her with a solid foundation for her impactful work in economic and community development.

Cindy Ramos-Davidson

Board Member, Governance Chair

El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

El Paso, Texas

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The El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to be the preeminent resource for the success of small, minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses. Ramos-Davidson’s vision led her to take that mission and transform it to full entrepreneurial generating complex. She managed to bring three important centers to one convenient location, a key component in economically enriching the borderland region. The Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance Centers comprise of the Minority Business Development Agency (funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce), the Women’s Business Border Center (funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration), and the Texas Business Opportunity & Development Center (funded by Texas Department of Transportation). Borderland businesses are able to access quality and valuable networking events, seminars, capital, technical assistance, certifications, and procurement opportunities. It is because of these initiatives that in 2001 Ramos-Davidson received the U.S. Small Business Administration Minority Advocate of the Year Award.

Luz Sellers

Board Member

Women's Business Center, True Access Capital

Wilmington, DE

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Luz A. Sellers, with an MBA in Project Management, brings a diverse set of experiences to her role as Program Director at the Women’s Business Center, True Access Capital. Her career has touched upon several sectors, including lottery and gaming, biotechnology, real estate, and library services. Her varied career path equips her with the ability to offer practical and relevant advice to new entrepreneurs.

At the Women’s Business Center, Luz applies her understanding of different industry challenges and opportunities. She focuses on providing business owners with personalized support, aiming to help them achieve their goals. Luz is committed to creating an environment that supports the growth and success of entrepreneurial goals.

Rana Shanawani

Board Member, Advocacy Chair

Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Corp.

Chatham, NJ

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Rana Shanawani is the Executive Director for the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Corp. in Chatham, NJ (WCEC). Before working at the WCEC, she was a non-profit consultant helping international organizations in strategic management. In 2004, after working as a UN consultant for several years, she served as the CEO of BIDAYA, a chapter of the Prince’s Youth Business International in Syria. BIDAYA’s main objective was to provide under-served entrepreneurs with training, micro-loans, and mentoring. During her tenure there she received the Takreem Achievement Award for Best Young Entrepreneur and was selected to meet with President Barack Obama and Secretary Clinton at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship. Ms. Shanawani has received her Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins, and her Bachelors in biology from Cornell University. “I look at entrepreneurship, and all development work, through a health and human rights lens. When socioeconomic human rights are secured for entrepreneurs, it cascades into public health improvement for all.”

Jackie Scott

Board Member

Inland Empire Women’s Business Center

Temecula, CA

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Jackie Scott is the Director of the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center and has been a business consultant with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center. With 25 years of experience in seafood wholesale distribution, she is a passionate advocate for small businesses. Jackie has served on the board of the Microenterprise Collaborative of Inland Southern California and has been an active member of the advocacy committees for both the California Women's Business Center Network and the Association of Women's Business Centers. Her dedication to empowering individuals through entrepreneurship has earned her multiple regional awards. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from California State University San Marcos and has helped countless clients start their businesses, secure millions in startup funding, and significantly increase their sales.

Anne Flynn Schlicht

Board Member

Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University

Pittsburgh, PA

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Anne Flynn Schlicht joined the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University (CWE) in 2006. Anne received her Masters of Business Studies in Entrepreneurship from the University of Limerick, Ireland and a Best Practice in Teaching Entrepreneurship Certificate from the University of Cambridge, UK. Anne is a professor of entrepreneurship at the Center for Entrepreneurship Studies at the University of Limerick, Ireland, a certified Kauffman FastTrac Facilitator and as a business consultant, Anne has presented at seminars and conferences internationally. In 2016, Chatham University was awarded a Women Business Center (WBC) grant by the SBA and Anne was appointed as Director of Chatham’s Women Business Center (CWBC). In 2018 CWBC was awarded the National Women’s Business Center of the year.

Kassi Strong

Board Member

Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center

Billings, MT

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Kassi Strong is the program director of the WELL Women's Business Center. As a digital marketer and business strategist, she is passionate about helping companies grow and succeed by implementing thoughtful business plans and innovative marketing
strategies. Kassi is a born and raised Montanan and has started and grown multiple businesses of her own. When she isn't meeting with or advocating for women business owners in Montana you can likely find her strolling through an antique store or enjoying time outside with her husband and two sons.

AWBC BOARD

Klassi Duncan

Chair

Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

New Orleans, LA

Roberta McCullough

Past Chair

National Institute of Minority Economic Development

Durham, NC

Nicole Liatos

Vice Chair

WBC of Northern Ohio

Cleveland, OH

Kathryn Rudloff

Secretary

weVenture WBC at Florida Tech

Melbourne, FL

Ruth Garcia

Board Member

New Economics for Women Women’s Business Center

Los Angeles, CA

Austin Goble

Board Member

REACH Women's Business Center

Clanton, AL

Nikki Hahn

Board Member

Women's Enterprise Development Center

White Plains, NY

Gwen Pokalo Hart

Board Member

Center for Women & Enterprise

Burlington, VT

Katty Ibarra

Board Member

San Diego & Imperial Women’s Business Center

San Diego, CA

Sophia Kanaan

Board Member

California Capital Women’s Business Center

Sacramento, California

Danette Nguyen

Board Member

Maryland Women’s Business Center

Rockville, MD

Cindy Ramos-Davidson

Board Member, Governance Chair

El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

El Paso, Texas

Luz Sellers

Board Member

Women's Business Center, True Access Capital

Wilmington, DE

Rana Shanawani

Board Member, Advocacy Chair

Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Corp.

Chatham, NJ

Jackie Scott

Board Member

Inland Empire Women’s Business Center

Temecula, CA

Anne Flynn Schlicht

Board Member

Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University

Pittsburgh, PA

Kassi Strong

Board Member

Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center

Billings, MT

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