WBDC Team
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Staff3a-scaled.jpg)
WBDC Leadership Team
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/W32A9811-Version-6AvivaMallerPhotography-scaled.jpg)
- Fran
- Pastore
- Chief Executive Officer
Fran Pastore founded the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) more than 25 years ago and continues to serve as the organization’s CEO. WBDC is Connecticut’s leading organization championing female entrepreneurship. Ms. Pastore is a devoted catalyst of women’s economic equality across the country and around the globe.
In addition to her work with WBDC, Ms. Pastore has served as a member of The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC), an independent source of counsel to then President Obama, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Brenda-Thickett-V.P.-of-Programs-Business-Services.jpg)
- Brenda
- Thickett
- Chief Operating Officer
Brenda Thickett is WBDC’s Senior Vice President, Programs & People. She is responsible for ensuring the implementation and delivery of quality entrepreneurial programs and services across the state.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Brenda-Thickett-V.P.-of-Programs-Business-Services.jpg)
Email:
bthickett@ctwbdc.org
- Brenda
- Thickett
Chief Operating Officer
Brenda Thickett is WBDC’s Chief Operating Officer. She is responsible for ensuring the implementation and delivery of quality entrepreneurial programs and services across the state. As a member of the Senior Management team, Brenda is responsible for developing and implementing cross-functional strategies and systems, raising the profile of the organization with key partners and stakeholders, and helping shape the future direction of the organization.
Brenda served WBDC on the Board of the organization for 8 years, as Treasurer, Vice Chair and Board Chair, before joining as an employee. Previously, she worked at the Boston Consulting Group for over 20 years, managing and leading teams, while driving strategy from approach to implementation and impact. She served BCG clients as well as supported the growth of the firm with roles in the Knowledge Team, Global Staffing and Mobility and Social Impact. She spent the majority of her time at BCG building and managing the Social Impact practice, serving nonprofit clients all over the world. Before BCG, she worked in banking and advertising, and with small businesses at the Wharton Small Business Development Center and beyond.
Brenda has a BA summa cum laude in Quantitative Economics and International Relations from Tufts University, an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in International Relations from the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tasha-Jackson.jpg)
- Tasha
- Jackson
- Chief Financial Officer
Tasha Jackson is a seasoned nonprofit executive with more than 20+ years of driving organizational capacity, adaptability, and sustainable growth.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tasha-Jackson.jpg)
Email:
tjackson@ctwbdc.org
- Tasha
- Jackson
Chief Financial Officer
Tasha Jackson is a seasoned nonprofit executive with more than 20+ years of driving organizational capacity, adaptability, and sustainable growth. In her prior positions, she has developed and instituted the infrastructure and systems to ensure scalability while maximizing efficiencies and effectiveness.
Tasha is dedicated to working with organizations who missions strive to improve the lives of underserved and disenfranchised women, girls, and people of color. Over her career, Tasha has provided strategic direction and leadership for Finance, Human Resources, Risk, Information Technology and Facilities teams.
Tasha holds an MBA in Leadership from Post University and a bachelor’s degree in finance and insurance from the University of Hartford.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dorothy-Bratchell-Chief-Operating-Officer.jpg)
- Dorothy
- Bratchell
- Chief Advisory Officer
Dorothy Bratchell’s diversified business background both in business education, management and as an entrepreneur serves her well as WBDC’s Chief Advisory Officer and Co-Founder.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dorothy-Bratchell-Chief-Operating-Officer.jpg)
Email:
dbratchell@ctwbc.org
- Dorothy
- Bratchell
Chief Advisory Officer
Dorothy Bratchell’s diversified business background both in business education, management and as an entrepreneur serves her well as WBDC’s Chief Advisory Officer and Co-Founder.
As Chief Advisory Officer, Dorothy is involved in overseeing all aspects of operations, programming, finance and administration for all WBDC locations. As part of the executive management team, she also participates in setting the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring that organizational goals are accomplished.
Dorothy has 35+ years of business education, workforce and economic development, management, and counseling experience. A former teacher, she was also the founder of AWS, a firm providing technical writing, consulting services, and training programs for Fortune 500 corporations.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Louise-Lisboa-Director-of-Impact-Operations-Child-Care-Business-Program-Director.png)
- Louise
- Lisboa
- VP of Child Care Program & Impact
Louise Lisboa is Vice President of Impact, Operations, and Child Care at the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC).
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Louise-Lisboa-Director-of-Impact-Operations-Child-Care-Business-Program-Director.png)
Email:
llisboa@ctwbdc.org
- Louise
- Lisboa
VP of Child Care Program & Impact
Louise Lisboa is Vice President of Child Care Program and Impact at the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). She is responsible for ensuring the implementation and delivery of quality child care entrepreneurial programs and services across Connecticut. As a member of WBDC’s Senior Management team, Louise is responsible for developing and implementing cross-functional strategies and systems, raising the profile of the organization with key partners and stakeholders, and helping shape the future direction of the organization.
Prior to spearheading WBDC’s child care division, Louise spent 7 years with the organization building impactful business development programs and reporting systems. Before joining WBDC, she worked within the education sector in Connecticut and overseas, enabling children’s learning, advocating for stronger investments in school systems, and designing reporting systems for national non-profits and universities. Louise has an MBA in International Relations from the University of Bridgeport.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/joann.jpg)
- JoAnn
- Gulbin
- Marketing and Communications Director
JoAnn Gulbin serves as Marketing and Communications Manager for the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC).
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/joann.jpg)
Email:
jgulbin@ctwbdc.org
- JoAnn
- Gulbin
Marketing and Communications Director
JoAnn Gulbin serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). Prior to joining WBDC, JoAnn spent many years in human resources and benefits communications consulting for Mercer, a global consulting firm, and as an independent contractor. Throughout her career, JoAnn has collaborated with clients such as GE, Merrill Lynch, and Citigroup, as well as countless smaller businesses, to develop and implement communications strategies.
JoAnn received a BA in English, with a concentration in business and technical writing, from the University of Delaware.
WBDC Team Members
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![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Kenyetta-scaled-e1664379698543.jpeg)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lucia-Bawot-Marketing-Assistant-scaled.jpg)
- Lucia
- Bawot
- Habla Español
- Marketing Assistant
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lucia-Bawot-Marketing-Assistant-scaled.jpg)
Email:
lbawot@ctwbdc.org
- Lucia
- Bawot
Marketing Assistant
Lucia Bawot serves as the Marketing Assistant for the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). She is passionate about transforming ideas into tangible projects. Her motto: “Making the invisible, visible.” Before joining WBDC, Lucia spent a decade working as a storyteller and photographer specializing in the coffee industry. She helped leading coffee companies in the US, form supply-chain narratives and communicate the value of their sustainability projects. This endeavor took her to engage with coffee rural communities, and women throughout Central and South America. Lucia is also a published author; in March 2023, she published We Belong: An Anthology of Colombian Women Coffee Farmers.
Lucia received a Cum Laude BA in photography from Universidad de Palermo in Buenos Aires, Argentina and has specializations in Content Strategy, Project Management, and Sustainability.
Lucia Bawot es la Asistente de Marketing Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). Lucía es una apasionada por transformar ideas en proyectos tangibles. Su lema: “Hacer visible, lo invisible”. Antes de unirse a WBDC, Lucía pasó una década trabajando como storyteller y fotógrafa especializada en la industria del café. Su principal rol fue ayudar a empresas líderes de café en los Estados Unidos a formar narrativas de la cadena de suministro y comunicar el valor de sus proyectos de sostenibilidad. Este trabajo la llevó a involucrarse con comunidades rurales cafetaleras y mujeres a través de Centro y Sur América. En marzo de 2023, Lucía publicó su libro debut Pertenecemos: Una Antología de la Mujer Caficultora Colombiana.
Lucía tiene un pregrado Cum Laude en fotografía de la Universidad de Palermo en Argentina y tiene especializaciones en Estrategia de Contenidos, Gestión de Proyectos y Sostenibilidad.
![Taylor Bergeron](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Taylor-Bergeron-Program-Specialist-scaled.jpg)
- Taylor
- Bergeron
- Program Specialist
![Taylor Bergeron](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Taylor-Bergeron-Program-Specialist-scaled.jpg)
Email:
tbergeron@ctwbdc.org
- Taylor
- Bergeron
Program Specialist
Taylor Bergeron recently graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in Business Administration. She is beginning her career at WBDC as a Program Specialist. Taylor’s work experience consists of customer service, marketing, and sales.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Laura-Blake-Program-Manager-1.webp)
- Laura
- Blake
- Program Manager
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Laura-Blake-Program-Manager-1.webp)
Email:
lblake@ctwbdc.org
- Laura
- Blake
Program Manager
Dr. Laura Blake has over 20 years of experience in higher education in management, business strategy, and marketing, supporting her passion for teaching, curriculum development, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Before joining WBDC as Program Manager, Eastern Region, Dr. Blake was the Management Chair and Associate Professor at Nichols College School of Business and was active with the Nichols College Susan Engelkemeyer Institute for Women’s Leadership (IWL) supporting female business students. She has also held faculty positions at Assumption University and Mitchell College.
Outside academia, Dr. Blake has an extensive background in the business world, having worked with notable companies such as Canon USA, Dentsu America, Inc., and Quesited Market Research. Her roles as Vice President and Client Services Account Manager demonstrate her proficiency in client relations, marketing communications and business development.
Dr. Blake’s commitment to community service is highlighted through her pro bono consulting work with local businesses and nonprofits, where she strategically advised start-up ventures and incorporated experiential learning opportunities for students. She continues to teach in the Nichols Graduate School MBA and Executive Academy programs part-time.
As a lifelong learner, Laura holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Pace University. She has also earned a Master of Science in Management & Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Summa Cum Laude) and a bachelor’s in business administration with a focus on Marketing from Pace University.
In summary, Laura is a dynamic professional with solid experience in education, marketing, business management/strategy, and community service. Her story is one of continuous learning, leadership, and a desire to have a profound impact on entrepreneurs, students of business, and the broader community.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Joy-Braddock-Torrington-Business-Advisor-1-scaled.webp)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Carol-Cheswick.jpeg)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Samantha-Cross.jpeg)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/W32A0149AvivaMallerPhotography-scaled.webp)
- Alicia
- De Sena
- Opportunity Fund Program Manager
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/W32A0149AvivaMallerPhotography-scaled.webp)
Email:
adesena@ctwbdc.org
- Alicia
- De Sena
Opportunity Fund Program Manager
Alicia De Sena serves as WBDC’s Opportunity Fund Grant Program Manager, overseeing all aspects of WBDC’s Ignite and Launch Pad Grant Programs, as well as our municipality-specific grants. Alicia brings a rare fusion of experience in marketing, small business management, and environmental science to WBDC. She graduated with a BS in Marketing and a minor in Geography from Central Connecticut State University, where she is also pursuing her Master’s in Geography with a specialization in Sustainability. She strives to help women entrepreneurs navigate the business landscape in Connecticut.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Linda-Fecteau.jpeg)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jOSEPHINE.webp)
- Josephine
- Genereux
- Impact Intern
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jOSEPHINE.webp)
Email:
jgenereux@ctwbdc.org
- Josephine
- Genereux
Areas of Expertise
Josephine Genereux serves as the intern for the Women’s Business Development Council’s Impact Team. She is very excited to learn more about needs small business entrepreneurs are looking for in Connecticut, and how WBDC can help accelerate their launch. Josephine just finished her 2nd year at the University of Virginia where she is majoring in Urban and Environmental Planning, she is also on the Varsity Track, and Field team. Lastly, she is an Army ROTC cadet.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Tracy-Gibbons-Chief-Financial-Officer.jpg)
- Tracy
- Gibbons
- Comptroller
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Tracy-Gibbons-Chief-Financial-Officer.jpg)
Email:
tgibbons@ctwbdc.org
- Tracy
- Gibbons
Comptroller
Tracy Gibbons serves as the Controller for WBDC. She is a CPA who worked in public accounting for many years, most recently with Marcum LLP. Over the years, she has worked with businesses, charitable organizations, foundations, business executives, employee benefit plans, trusts and estates. Prior to joining WBDC, her focus was on tax compliance and financial planning, working primarily with high-net-worth families and hedge fund investors.
She has an BA in Economics from Colgate University, a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Hartford, and recently completed a Graduate Certificate program in Public Policy at UConn.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Susan-Hackett-Program-Coordinator.jpg)
- Susan
- Hackett
- Program Coordinator
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Susan-Hackett-Program-Coordinator.jpg)
Email:
shackett@ctwbdc.org
- Susan
- Hackett
Program Coordinator
Susan Hackett is a Program Coordinator, responsible for coordinating and implementing key programs and services throughout the Eastern region and in WBDC’s virtual classroom. Susan oversees WBDC & AARP’s Work For Yourself @ 50+ and Academy for Small Business programs and handles development of WBDC’s eLearning Library.
Susan is a graduate of Emerson College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Outside of WBDC, Susan enjoys a nice cup of tea, photo-documenting her view of the world, serving as a museum docent, and creating masterpieces with fabric.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Karen-Ham-Finance-Director.jpg)
- Karen
- Ham
- Finance Director
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Karen-Ham-Finance-Director.jpg)
Email:
kham@ctwbdc.org
- Karen
- Ham
Finance Director
Karen Ham has been with WBDC since 2009. She serves as the organization’s Finance Director. Prior to joining WBDC, Karen ran her own accounting and bookkeeping business.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Janet-Johnson-Business-Advisor-1-e1681149857834.jpeg)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Tanya-Kelley.jpeg)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Patricia-Klapper2.jpg)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sherry-Konwerski-Business-Advisor-2.jpg)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/W32A0408AvivaMallerPhotography-scaled.webp)
- Juliette
- LaRock
- Ignite Grant Program Coodinator
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/W32A0408AvivaMallerPhotography-scaled.webp)
Email:
jlarock@ctwbdc.org
- Juliette
- LaRock
Ignite Grant Program Coodinator
Juliette LaRock coordinates all aspects of WBDC’s Ignite Grant Program. She graduated from Clarkson University in May 2023. She received a bachelor’s degree in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and pursued a minor in Psychology, New Product Development, and Marketing. Juliette was on the Clarkson Women’s Soccer team and a member of the Sigma Nu Tau entrepreneurship honor society.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Frame-150.png)
- Koch
- Leslie
- Development Director (Acting)
Email:
lkoch@ctwbdc.org
- Koch
- Leslie
Development Director (Acting)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Erin-Mercede-program-manager-1.jpg)
- Erin
- Mercede
- Program Manager
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Erin-Mercede-program-manager-1.jpg)
Email:
emercede@ctwbdc.org
- Erin
- Mercede
Program Manager
Erin Mercede serves as the Program Manager of the West Region for WBDC. Prior to joining WBDC, Erin ran the Bridgeport Regional Business Council’s leadership programs (Leadership Greater Bridgeport, Women’s Leadership Network, and Thrive: Emerging Leaders), and held various analytical and customer service roles at Santa Energy in Bridgeport and Ellington Management Group in Old Greenwich. She is also a graduate of Leadership Greater Bridgeport.
Erin received an MBA from UConn Stamford and a BS in Business Administration, with a concentration in finance, from the University of New Hampshire
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Nicole-Brown-Program-Impact-Specialist.jpg)
- Nicole
- O’Brien
- Impact Manager
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Nicole-Brown-Program-Impact-Specialist.jpg)
Email:
nobrien@ctwbdc.org
- Nicole
- O’Brien
Impact Manager
Nicole O’Brien serves as Impact Manager for WBDC. She plays a key role in measuring, enhancing, and communicating WBDC’s economic impact. Prior to joining WBDC, Nicole worked in the Office of Grants & Funded Research at Central Connecticut State University, and she has over a decade of customer service experience. She has worked on a variety of research projects in conjunction with faculty during her time at CCSU and UConn. She is passionate about ensuring data integrity and sharing clients’ success stories to showcase WBDC’s impact.
Nicole has a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Connecticut and an M.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Community Psychology from Central Connecticut State University.
![Adyanna Odom](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Adyanna-Odom-Launch-Pad-Grant-Coordinator-1.jpg)
- Adyanna
- Odom
- Habla Español
- Launch Pad Grant Coordinator
![Adyanna Odom](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Adyanna-Odom-Launch-Pad-Grant-Coordinator-1.jpg)
Email:
aodom@ctwbdc.org
- Adyanna
- Odom
Launch Pad Grant Coordinator
Adyanna Odom was born and raised in Houston, Texas but moved to Connecticut for college. As WBDC’s Launch Pad Coordinator, Adyanna manages all aspects of the Launch Pad Grant Program, our grant program for early stage businesses in Connecticut. Adyanna graduated from Trinity College in Hartford with a degree in International Studies and a minor in Community Action. Adyanna is a lifelong learner, outdoors enthusiast, and avid baker.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Terri-Piekara.jpeg)
![Denise Ramirez Lecca](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DeniseRamirezLecca.webp)
- Denise
- Ramirez Lecca
- Development Database Administrator
![Denise Ramirez Lecca](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DeniseRamirezLecca.webp)
Email:
dlecca@ctwbdc.org
- Denise
- Ramirez Lecca
Areas of Expertise
Denise Ramirez Lecca is WBDC’s Development Database Administrator. Her journey in the nonprofit world began simply, with a desire to help others, and has grown into a fulfilling career in donor database management. Denise excels in optimizing processes and strategic approaches to drive fundraising success. After graduating from Hofstra University, she’s enjoyed dedicating her work to organizations that create impactful change in their communities. Be it through fundraising, outreach, or otherwise, she is committed to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Zayed-Rodriguez.jpeg)
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sonique-Solis-Child-Care-Business-Case-Manager.jpg)
- Sonique
- Solis
- Child Care Opportunity Fund Program Lead
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sonique-Solis-Child-Care-Business-Case-Manager.jpg)
Email:
ssolis@ctwbdc.org
- Sonique
- Solis
Child Care Opportunity Fund Program Lead
Sonique Solis is a Child Care Opportunity Fund Program Lead, delivering ongoing business support and case management to Connecticut child care providers and pairing them with WBDC Business Advisors to support their progress towards business development goals. Additionally, she conducts assessment counseling, provides technological education, and serves as a facilitator for WBDC’s child care programs.
Sonique has worked in the child care industry and offered family support since 2012, spending time as an infant and toddler home care provider and a community resource. Prior to joining WBDC, Sonique worked with First County Bank, a local community bank dedicated to serving individuals, families, businesses and nonprofit organizations. She is very passionate about helping individuals to navigate their entrepreneurial journeys while making a positive impact on our community.
When she is not assisting child care businesses, Sonique can be found capturing mouthwatering food photography images in support of small businesses and her very own home cooking.
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- Diurka
- Tavarez
- Habla Español
- IT & Operations Manager
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Picture4.webp)
Email:
dtavarez@ctwbdc.org
- Diurka
- Tavarez
IT & Operations Manager
Diurka Tavarez was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States 30 years ago. She attended Westhill High School in Stamford and took courses at Norwalk Community College as a Business Major. Due to life changes, Diurka did not complete her classes at that time, but she has reinstated and registered for classes starting in May 2023 hoping to obtain her diploma.
Diurka worked at Norwalk Community College as an Administrative Assistant for the ESL Department and at Norwalk City Hall in the Planning and Zoning Department. Prior to those position, Diurka worked for AXA XL with a background in records management and operations.
Diurka considers herself to have strong leadership and interpersonal skills while being a great motivator for others.
![Katherine Torres](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kathy-Torres-Spanish-Language-Program-Manager.jpeg)
- Katherine
- Torres
- Habla Espanol
- Spanish Language Program Manager
![Katherine Torres](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kathy-Torres-Spanish-Language-Program-Manager.jpeg)
Email:
ktorres@ctwbdc.org
- Katherine
- Torres
Spanish Language Program Manager
Katherine Torres is an accomplished business professional with 18 years of experience in procurement, business banking, and management. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various roles and built a reputation for excellence in entrepreneurship and client relationship management.
As a fluent speaker of both English and Spanish, she has leveraged her language skills to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of clients from different cultural backgrounds.
In her previous roles, she provided technical assistance to small, minority, and women-owned businesses, helping them increase their contracts with government and large corporations. She also offered guidance and consulted with business clients on procurement methods, strategies, and schedules.
Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and has obtained various licenses and certifications.
Overall, Katherine is a highly motivated, results-driven professional who is passionate about helping businesses achieve their financial goals. She is committed to building lasting relationships with clients and colleagues and delivering customized solutions that drive growth and success.
Katherine Torres es una exitosa profesional en negocios con 18 años de experiencia en adquisiciones (procurement), banca comercial y administración. A lo largo de su carrera, se ha destacado en varios roles y se ha ganado una excelente reputación en el enfoque de emprendimiento y gestión de relaciones con los clientes.
Como habla con fluidez inglés y español, ha aprovechado sus habilidades con estos dos idiomas para construir y mantener relaciones con una amplia gama de clientes de diferentes orígenes culturales.
En sus funciones anteriores, brindó asistencia técnica a empresas pequeñas, de propiedad de comunidades de minorías y de propiedad de mujeres, ayudándolos a aumentar sus contratos con el gobierno y las grandes corporaciones. También ofreció orientación y consultoría con clientes comerciales sobre métodos, estrategias y cronogramas de adquisiciones.
Por otra parte, Katherine tiene una Licenciatura en Administración de Empresas y ha obtenido una variedad licencias y certificaciones. Katherine es una profesional altamente motivada, orientada a generar resultados y apasionada por ayudar a las empresas a alcanzar sus objetivos financieros. Está comprometida con construir relaciones duraderas con clientes, colegas y a ofrecer soluciones personalizadas que impulsen el crecimiento y el éxito.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nicole-Willard-Development-Associate-2-scaled.webp)
- Nicole
- Willard
- Development Associate
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nicole-Willard-Development-Associate-2-scaled.webp)
Email:
nwillard@ctwbdc.org
- Nicole
- Willard
Development Associate
Nicole Willard is the Development Associate at the Women’s Business Development Council, working to secure funding for WBDC’s programs and services. After graduating from Dean College with a bachelor’s degree in arts and entertainment management, Nicole joined the development team at Moving For Life, a nonprofit organization offering free movement programs to older adults and people affected by cancer. Now as team member of WBDC, Nicole is excited to be exploring her interest in business from a fundraising perspective and supporting local women-owned businesses.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Megan-Wormser-Client-Services-Manager.jpg)
- Megan
- Wormser
- Client Services Manager
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Megan-Wormser-Client-Services-Manager.jpg)
Email:
mwormser@ctwbdc.org
- Megan
- Wormser
Client Services Manager
Megan Wormser serves as the Client Services Manager at WBDC. Prior to joining WBDC, Megan was an administrative assistant at David Monn LLC, a NYC-based event planning firm, where she provided coordination for a wide variety of events from small initiate dinner parties to large scale weddings and corporate events.
Megan received a BS in Integrated Marketing Communications from Ithaca College.
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Doris-Zhang-2-scaled.webp)
- Doris
- Zhang
- Impact Specialist
![](https://ctwbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Doris-Zhang-2-scaled.webp)
Email:
dzhang@ctwbdc.org
- Doris
- Zhang
Impact Specialist
As a WBDC Impact Specialist, Doris Zhang supports the collection and communication of the organization’s economic impact. She works on database management, data reporting and survey design, which allows the team to make evidence-informed client services decisions.
Doris is passionate about data analysis and policy research on topics related to women and children’s welfare. Her prior experience includes program development at Save the Children International, supporter engagement at UNICEF, as well as economic and industry research in the financial sector.
Doris holds a MS in Public Policy from New York University, and a BA in Economics from Fudan University in Shanghai, China. In her free time, she enjoys reading detective stories and exploring restaurants.