Military Entrepreneurship Forum (MEF) Speakers
Speakers
Meg Hendricks
Vice President and Head of Military and Veteran Affairs at Fiserv
Meg Hendricks, is a Vice President and Head of Military and Veteran Affairs at Fiserv, where she has focused on honing her expertise in Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Engagement, Entrepreneurship, and Military Employment. Her leadership of the Fiserv Salutes program has resulted in Fiserv being ranked in the top 10 on the Military Times “Best for Vets Employers” list for the last six years, being named an SVA partner of the year for 2021 and a Partner in Excellence for 2022, named a “5 Star Employer” by VETS Indexes, and more.
In addition to her experience with Fiserv, she served in the United States Army as a human resources officer and had the pleasure of partnering with organizations in the manufacturing and human capital management space in the civilian sector. Meg is passionate about creating and leading employee-centric programs that drive culture and have a positive impact on the community.
Meg holds a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Northcentral University, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The Colorado College, and the PHR certification.
Meg has a strong commitment to civic duty. As such, she is the President of the PTA at her daughter’s school, serves on the Advisory Committee for a University of Richmond certification course, and volunteers regularly with various local organizations. Meg is married to a fellow Army Veteran, with whom she has one daughter.
Caleena Shirley
Regional Director, North Florida, Black Business Investment Fund
Caleena Shirley is Regional Director (North Florida) for BBIF Florida. In her role Caleena is responsible for developing an eco-system consisting of community partnerships, capital resources and financial technical assistance for the purpose of growing underserved businesses. Since opening the North Florida regional office in Jacksonville, FL, in 2019 BBIF has deployed over $6 million in capital to small businesses in the region. Caleena brings nineteen years of community and economic development experience working with local governments, small businesses and non-profit organizations.
Dedicated to community service, Ms. Shirley serves as the Vice President and Legislative Chair for the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC), interim President for the North Florida Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and Vice President for the Greater First Coast Chamber of Commerce Innovation and Technology. Previous community appointments include serving on the City of Jacksonville’s Environmental Protection Board, Board of Directors for the Hannibal Square Community Land Trust (Winter Park, FL) and The Gardens at DePugh Nursing Home (Winter Park, FL). Ms. Shirley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Civic Urbanism with a minor in Economic Development, Cum Laude from Rollins College.
DeLisa Clift
Founder & CEO, Global Business Development Strategist
DeLisa Clift is a business strategist with Global Business Development Strategist LLC, where she works with clients to build sustainable business models for growth. The clients she works with see revenue growth in as little as six months by implementing strategies that are designed from a human centric perspective.
Her entrepreneurial background spans thirty years of experience working with private and public clients in various industries such as government, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics. Her career background includes being the VP of Accounting and HR, Regional Accountant, Director of Workforce Development, and Program Coordinator.
A military spouse DeLisa owns Strategic Development & Growth, Inc which is not-for-profit organization that focus on financial literacy and income tax preparation as a VITA Partner with the IRS.
DeLisa’s academic background includes an MBA in Human Resources and a BBA in Accounting. She has served as an adjunct instructor at Savannah Technical college in the business and accounting departments.
Demika Jackson
Founder & President, Jacksonville Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Demika Jackson is a US Army Retired (OEF/OIF) Veteran, Founder and President of the Jacksonville Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Chief Executive Officer of ReInVentU, LLC, owner and publisher of the ReInVentU Publishing company. Her company assists veterans and nonprofit organizations with professional and transformational services, specializing in technical writing support and providing high-quality training solutions for organizational scaling and increased sustainability. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Armstrong Atlantic State University and currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration and Master’s in Psychology. In addition, she is a certified trainer within various disciplines, including over 20+ years of experience within nonprofit, military operations, leadership development and training, sexual assault prevention, mental health, and program development. Her background includes advocating and working with diverse populations, including the military and multicultural communities. She has experience providing education as a Dean of Students, advocacy as a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Department of Defense Mobile Training Consultant, mental health services as a Clinical Program Coordinator, and additional programs to assist communities in thriving. Additionally, she serves as the President for Women’s Army Corps- Chapter #56, the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, Mayor’s Hispanic American Advisory Board, The Mission Continues, and several other veteran organizations.
Diane Denslow
Faculty, University of North Florida, Coggin College of Business
Diane Denslow is an Associate Instructor in Entrepreneurship at the University of North Florida and a Certified Business Analyst for the Small Business Development Center. She was previously on the faculty at Florida State University and served as the Associate Director for the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship. At the JMI she consulted with businesses and developed programs for business development. She has taught numerous university classes on Entrepreneurship and Management. She initiated and developed the Entrepreneurship Minor in the Coggin College of Business at UNF where she currently teaches. In 2017 she won the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award at UNF. Additionally, she started the Entrepreneurs Creators Innovators, ECI, a student professional organization and has been the Faculty Advisor since August 2005.
She has published in the Industrial Marketing Management, Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Journal of Small Business Strategy, and Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, among others. Diane is the co-author of a text entitled So You Need to Write a Business Plan. She has research interest in small businesses, purchasing and supply management, and sustainability. Diane’s area of expertise in consulting is in the areas of small and family-owned business.
She has over twenty years of experience consulting with businesses. Diane previously owned ABN Group, Inc., a Jacksonville, Florida based consulting firm specializing in business plan development, strategies for growth and financial analysis. She has been involved with the Veterans FL Entrepreneurship Program since it started six years ago.
Dinah L. C. Mason
Administrator, Equal Business Opportunity Office/Jacksonville Small & Emerging Business
Dinah Mason is a native of Louisiana and have live in Jacksonville, FL for over 20 years. She is employed with the City of Jacksonville and has held the position as the city’s Ombudsman. Her department was the City of Jacksonville clearinghouse for all contractual issues that affect the City of Jacksonville, contractors and Duval County citizens. As Ombudsman, her responsibilities included: conducting systemic reviews relating to principles of administrative fairness; Mediating contractual issues pertaining to construction and professional services regarding the City’s executed contracts; while ensuring the fairness and equitable application of laws, policies, procedures, and practices of the governing bodies.
After 8 years as Ombudsman Ms. Mason began work with the Department of Public Works as a Special Projects Manager. She is currently the manager of the Equal Business Opportunity Office and is the Administrator over the Jacksonville Small Emerging Business Program (JSEB). This position requires management of the EBO Office (EBO) and implementing and monitoring the JSEB program which consist of breaking larger contracts into smaller components, working with departments to review budgets and set proper goals in accordance with city ordinances as well as establishing Project specific goals that are adequate for the JSEB’s currently in the program. She has been working on the forefront of Jacksonville’s progression through developing recommendations and implementing practices as a brand for the City to promote and delivery’s economic growth and community revitalization by bringing a strong Small Business Program that effect change through small business development.
She holds a Master of Art in Counseling from Webster University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Columbia College and an AA degree in Paralegal Studies. She is a Veteran, that served in the United States Army
Gregory Grant
Assistant Director of Special Program, Florida Small Business Development Center
Gregory Grant is the Assistant Director of Special Programs at the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UNF, Government Contracting Specialist with the Procurement Technical Assistance Center at UNF, and an Adjunct Business Instructor for FSCJ and TBC. His expertise is in business management and operational improvements. Gregory has diverse business experience ranging from corporations to entrepreneurship. Over the past 25 years, Gregory has managed retail locations, corporate operations, and owned several businesses.
Gregory began entrepreneurship in Jacksonville, Florida at an early age. He worked in his family business as an Independent Tile Contractor from 1989 to 1996. Gregory realized that he wanted to learn new knowledge and skills in multiple industries. This curiosity prompted him to join the United States Army in 1996. After years of active military service and reserve duty in leadership roles, Gregory began using his managerial skills in retail management and corporate operations for large corporations in Florida. After working multiple years in management roles, Gregory began building independent companies.
Gregory is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of North Florida in the study discipline Doctor of Education (ED.D) program.
Ikram Mansori
Chief Operating Officer of VetsinTech. US Army Combat Veteran
She began her career serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, 18th Airborne Corps and 573rd Military Intelligence in the enlisted ranks. She served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. She transitioned from Military to Civilian DoD, she then pursued a career in technology and entrepreneurship as SME in trust and safety. Over the past four years, Ikram has been an integral senior team member of Vetsintech, where she spearheaded entrepreneurship programs. In her role, she has guided current and returning veterans with re-integration services, connecting them to the national technology ecosystem. She also serves on SXSW advisory on entrepreneurship and pitch.
Ikram is currently the president of Veterans Affairs Commission in the City and County of San Francisco. The commission passed four bills including veteran preference for affordable housing under her supervision. She holds a Master of Science in entrepreneurship and Innovation from University of San Francisco, and currently is a PhD candidate at Golden Gate University.
Jonel Hein
District Director, North Florida, U.S. Small Business Administration
Jonel Hein was appointed district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) North Florida District Office on December 19, 2022. As district director, Ms. Hein oversees the delivery of agency programs such as financial assistance, management counseling and business development. She is responsible for the daily operation of the district office in Jacksonville and an Alternate Work Site in Orlando, FL.
Her focus is on building and maintaining a viable network of collaborative partnerships with small business stakeholders and serving as a local resource representing the SBA at significant engagements. Additionally, her responsibilities include advancing the SBA brand recognition through SBA initiatives, MOU’s and Strategic Partner Alliances.
The North Florida District office encompasses the 43 counties north of Orlando and through the Florida Panhandle and services more than 1.6 million small businesses. The district office’s recent successes for fiscal year 2022 include generating almost $830 million in loan approvals which created over 12,000 new jobs and over $745 million in contracting opportunities for our 8a firm portfolio.
Mrs. Hein has been with the SBA for 31 years; previously serving as an SBA Loan Officer for over 6 years. Prior to her civil service, she worked in consumer lending with several banks in Florida and Washington State.
She is married, has 4 sons and 3 grandchildren.
Jose Ramos
Senior Area Manager, North Florida, U.S. Small Business Administration
Ed Ramos is the U.S. Small Business Administration senior area manager assigned to Orlando Florida. He oversees delivery of SBA programs and support services that help small business owners and entrepreneurs secure financing, technical assistance, business training and federal contracts in the assigned territory. He joined the Puerto Rico-U.S. Virgin Islands SBA District staff in 1998 as their Business Resource Center manager, and in 2003 relocated to Orlando Florida, as a business opportunity specialist/senior area manager assigned to the North Florida SBA District.
Ed is a graduate of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico (Magna Cum Laude, 1982) with a bachelor’s in Biology and Mathematics and of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps 4-year program at the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras campus (1982), where he received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. He completed a master’s degree in public administration from Troy State University in 1988. While on active duty he was a communications-electronics staff officer and was stationed at Keesler AFB, Biloxi MS; Griffiss AFB, Rome NY; Torrejon Air Base, Madrid Spain; Langley AFB, Hampton VA; Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; Ramstein Air Base, German. Ramos separated in 1995 at Patrick AFB, FL.
As one of his most notable unclassified achievements, in 1994, USAF Captain Ramos led a USEUCOM/J6 communications, air traffic control and landing systems contact team to Lithuania where he visited and inventoried the former Warsaw Pact Nation C4 capabilities. These visits provided a written assessment and capability baseline that was presented to the US and NATO as part of Lithuania’s request to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Ten years later, in March 2004, Lithuania became a full-fledged member of NAT
Karen Bowling
Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of North Florida
Karen Bowling is a highly accomplished senior executive with more than 40 years of success in both public and private companies within the healthcare, government and education industries.
Karen was a 1977 graduate of the University of North Florida and was delighted to have the opportunity to join the staff in 2019 to help launch the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Her experience also includes serving as a Public Affairs Director at Foley & Lardner LLP, representing clients in all aspects of government affairs. In 2011, Karen accepted the position of Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Jacksonville, FL where she oversaw a billion-dollar budget and more than 5,000 full-time employees.
Karen co-founded Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care (now CareSpot) in 2001 and served as CEO for ten years. Under her leadership, the company became a leader in applying retail concepts to urgent care, including price transparency, online registration, gift cards, telemedicine, and developed a unique “Feel Better Guarantee”.
In addition to her entrepreneurial career, Karen has been on many notable boards. She currently serves on the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 4th Judicial Circuit. She served on the Florida State College of Jacksonville Board of Trustees and several other corporate and not-for-profit boards.
Karen is a graduate of both Leadership Jacksonville and Leadership Florida. As a proven thought leader, Karen has written articles in various healthcare journals and publications and is regularly sought after for speaking engagements about topics in her field and women’s issues in the workforce. Karen holds a BA in Literature/Communications from the University of North Florida
Lake Ray
Entrepreneurship Project Manager, IVMF
Lake Ray is President and Executive Director of the First Coast Manufacturers Association. The Association represents manufacturers in Northeast Florida with over 45,000 workers, accounting for about 15% of our regional GDP. Currently, he is working with other associations around Florida forming a unified voice for manufacturers representing over 1,000 manufacturing companies and over 150,000 employees.
Lake served as a councilman for the city of Jacksonville from 1999 to 2007. In 2008, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives where he served until terming out in 2016. Among his many accomplishment legislatively, Lake lead the legislature in policies related to our sea ports, logistics and manufacturing. Policies he championed changed Florida’s position in international shipping and increased funding for our ports from $8 Million annually to investing over $1.2 Billion over his eight years in office. Additionally, he led policy development for natural gas in the State, manufacturing, and logistics. His legislation on Freight Mobility has been incorporated into the Florida Department of Transportation operating plans which later was made a part of the US DOT policy which was recognized nationally as one of the top ten initiatives in the country during his tenure of office.
Laura Wages
Director of Policy and Engagement, Office of Veterans Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Ms. Laura Wages is the Director of Policy and Engagement for the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In this role, Ms. Wages oversees OVBD Policies and Veteran engagement events and outreach for veterans, service members (active duty, National Guard, Reserve), and military spouses.
Ms. Wages joined the SBA in 2016, serving in a number of positions, most recently as the Programs Director for OVBD. Prior to the SBA, she held numerous leadership positions with the US Army, including Deputy Assistant for Awards and Promotions for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs and the Deputy G1, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Ms. Wages has first-hand military experience, having served 28 years as an active duty enlisted soldier and officer in the US Army. In 2012, she retired from the military and purchased a franchise in the senior home health care industry. She holds an BA in Literature from the University of Texas at El Paso and an MA from Air University.
Linda Ford
Owner, the Forde Firm
Linda has spent nearly a decade in public accounting working on everything from tax returns, reviews, and compilations to bookkeeping, payrolls, and sales & use taxes. She has worked with clients from various industries, including construction, manufacturing, food/bar service, retail, and more. Linda is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and has taught client and community classes to improve QB efficiency and effectiveness. Linda is a member of the AICPA and the FICPA.
Linda has worked in every accounting position available in the industry, from AP/AR to CFO. This broad expanse of experience gives her a unique approach to solving problems and finding solutions for your business. She has hands-on and supervisory experience with everything from health insurance selection and purchase to tax returns. This gives you the opportunity to work with a full-service business consultant.
Linda is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. She served overseas during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield providing critical parts to support the air mission. We would like to celebrate all of our veterans so please let us know if you are a veteran too.
Linda graduated from Wilmington University with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Business Management both Summa Cum Laude. She holds an active Florida CPA license and has been licensed in Tennessee (inactive), Texas (inactive) and Alabama (inactive). Linda has been a QuickBooks ProAdvisor certified in Desktop, Enterprise Solution and Point of Sale as well as QBO. She takes her continuing education seriously because she knows it is the way to provide you the most up to date knowledge and expertise.
Linda is currently the Treasurer for Fourth & Gold, Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition, Operation New Uniform and Jax Hope. Linda is active in the Florida Institute of CPAs and is the proud mother of a future FSU Seminole.
Nicole Chapman
Regional Director, Northeast Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
Nicole Chapman, the Regional Director for the Northeast & Florida Inns Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). FRLA is the state’s premier hospitality trade association, working to protect, educate and promote’ Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry including 1.5 million hospitality employees statewide. Nicole joined FRLA in 2017 and was involved with the merger the North Florida Hotel & Lodging Association with the Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns Association. Before joining FRLA, Nicole managed the Convention Services team at Visit Jacksonville.
Robert Schaefer
Co-founder and Chief of Staff, American Freedom Distillery
Robert W. Schaefer is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer (Green Beret), diplomat, and entrepreneur with over 30 years’ experience advising heads of state, senior foreign defense officials, and business leaders. He served as the on-air Security Analyst for NBC’s official coverage of the 2014 Olympic Games and is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author.
Rob is an owner and original member of American Freedom Distillery, maker of Horse Soldier Bourbon, one of America’s fastest growing spirits. He is the Chief of Staff and serves on the Board of Directors.
Prior to entering the public sector, LTC(R) Schaefer served and participated in virtually every U.S. overseas operation since 1990. He began his career as a Special Forces Engineering and Demolitions Sergeant before earning his commission in 1993. He is a “double-sewn” Green Beret, having successfully completed the entire Special Forces course a second time as an officer.
As a Special Operations Officer, Rob was awarded the Singlaub Award as US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) “Award of Excellence” (given annually to one person) for his historic achievements with Russian Airborne Forces. He is the first documented U.S. officer in history to lead Russian forces in combat operations.
As a primary planner of the first unclassified mission of the War On Terror following 9-11, his Program of Instruction (POI) for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency was adopted as the standard for all future deployments by all U.S. Army Special Forces. He later served as the Chief of Central and South Asia Branch of International Military Affairs, overseeing the development and implementation of security assistance and engagement programs for two continents.
He served in multiple diplomatic postings in Russia, Ukraine and most recently as the Military Attaché to the country of Estonia where he helped create Estonian Special Forces and their Cyber Security Command. He was awarded the Estonian Defense Forces Distinguished Service Cross, the Ministry of Defense’s Cross of Merit, and the White Cross of the Estonian Kaitseliit – the only foreigner in contemporary Estonian history to have been decorated by all three organizations.
Rob earned his Master’s Degree from Harvard University and is an inaugural member of the University of Louisville’s ROTC Hall of Fame (undergrad).
He is the host of National Public Radio’s Memorial Day Special 2007-2013, and his book The Insurgency in Chechnya and the North Caucasus, From Gazavat to Jihad, won critical acclaim from the New York Times and The Economist, and was named a “Best of 2011” by Kirkus Reviews. He is a certified leadership instructor for The 7 Habits series of courses by Franklin Covey and Ray Dalio’s Principles program.
Sean Rotolo
Owner & CEO, Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning
Sean Rotolo has proudly served his country in the United States Navy Active and Reserves for 16 years and counting. He has a background in logistics, a deployment to Afghanistan, and 8 years in recruiting allowing him to grow his skills as Director of Production and Program Manager. No matter what his position was, he always lead his sailors to achieve their best and to grow within their careers while putting family first.
Mr. Rotolo is currently the President and CEO of Rotolo Corp. with under it he owns and runs Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning of Northeast Florida. Though the hurdles and challenges he has faced and overcome while starting his business, he quickly realized the value of having a strong diverse network of experience, knowledge, and resources.
His company has won numerous awards
Bold City Best Carpet Cleaning Company 2019,2020,2021, & 2022
Best of Clay Carpet Cleaning Company 2021 & 2022
Best of St. Augustine Carpet Cleaning 2021 & 2022
Best of St. Augustine Commercial Cleaning and Cleaning company 2022
Franchise Rockstar 2020 with Franchise Business Review
TES Client of the year 2021
Sean is proud husband and father of two children. He strives to pave the way for his family by keeping his practices of Family First, Last , and Always. Leading by example and showing his children that nothing in life is free but if you work hard, stay focused, and good mentors you can achieve your dreams.
Sherman Williams
Owner, Body Aqua
Sherman Williams Jr is the CEO / President of Body Water LLC. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1993 as a private (E-1) and retired as a Disabled Veteran Captain (CPT) of Logistics on 18 December 2017; serving in the United States Army for 24 years of continuous military service. His civilian education includes a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership, an Associate’s Degree in Business, an Associate’s in Maintenance Technology, HVAC 608 certification, and completion of Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), at Florida State University, FL. It was during combat (Operation Iraqi Freedom) that Body Aqua was forged from adversity. Body Aqua is the first flavored health beverage with the purpose to support weight loss, and healthier skin is diabetic-friendly, vegan-friendly, and contains no sodium or colors. Body Aqua is currently available Nation Wide in Sysco Foods, in 388 Winn Dixie locations in Florida, multiple VA hospitals in Texas, and in Wards Grocery located in Gainesville, Florida. Body Aqua is a line of nutrient-enhanced beverages that’s different from any product in its class. It’s NOT just a line of sports drinks, but an all-natural brand that includes Fitness, Well Water, Kids Aqua, and a Cosmetic Beverage that utilizes key nutrients to support our skin needs. That’s a new avenue not being addressed by other companies in the beverage field. Body Aqua is certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE), Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), and Veteran & Minority Business Certified with the State of Florida.
Tifanny Morales
Veterans Outreach Coordinator, City of Jacksonville
I am Tiffany Morales and I am the Veterans Outreach Coordinator for the Military Affairs and Veterans Department with the City of Jacksonville. I have been with the City for almost two years in this position. Before working here, I was a Case Manager at Changing Homelessness and I have also worked with NAS JAX as their FAP Educator and with the 377 TSC in Belle Chasse, LA as their Child, Youth and School Services Representative for the states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
I am a native Floridian being born and raised here in Jacksonville. I got my BS in Consumer and Family Science from the University of Georgia with a concentration on Child and Family Development. I am not a Veteran, but I do come from a family of Veterans. My father was in the Army. My uncle was in the Navy and Marines and another uncle was a WWII Submarine Veteran.
I love my job and helping our Veterans any way possible.
Yetunda Oyewole
Diversity Compliance Manager, Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Yetunde Oyewole is the Manager of Diversity Compliance in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Office at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). In her current role she is responsible for leading a team of professionals who assist the DEIB Office AVP with the administration and implementation of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and the Local Small Business Enterprise programs.
Prior to joining JTA in early 2017, Yetunde worked at JAXPORT and the City of Jacksonville where she gained valuable knowledge and expertise serving in the same role as her future one would be with the JTA in helping small and minority businesses gain access to these local Agencies. Over her twenty-five (25) career she has been able to focus on her true passion for assisting and developing small businesses and it has taken her down many different roads. She has had the incredible opportunity to work and coordinate efforts with many local, State, and Federal Agencies as well as organizations such as the US Small Business Administration (SBA), University of North Florida (UNF) Small Business Development Center, First Coast Business Alliance (FCBA), Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time, she is also a registered Real Estate Salesperson in the State of Florida which is in perfect alignment with her passion, in both her personal and professional lives, for helping others maximize their entrepreneurial potential as DBEs, LBSEs or other types of business owners. Yetunde’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Ife (Nigeria)and a master’s degree in Organizational Management (MAOM) from the University of Phoenix.
Yetunde is very active in her community. She is the immediate past President of the First Coast Business Alliance (FCBA), a local non-profit organization with the mission to uplift and promote small and minority businesses, as well as to foster awareness of business opportunities on Florida’s First Coast. She has been a member of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) for the past six years and has served on different committees. She also serves as a Mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Beyond School Walls” Program.
Awards Include:
· JTA Administration Employee of the Year Award (2022)
· JAXPORT’s 10-year Service Award (2017)
· City of Jacksonville Mayor’s Service Award (2007)
