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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Concilia “Cece” Ndlovu is the Program Manager for the WBDC Hartford Capitol Region. With a deep passion for supporting entrepreneurs, Cece is committed to using her background to help others grow their businesses and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. In her role at WBDC, Cece aims to build strong connections within the Hartford and Tolland County communities while advancing women’s entrepreneurship.

Cece’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked during her time at Trinity College, where she co-founded Diverse Au Pairs with her sister. Based in her hometown in South Africa, the organization empowers young women by providing opportunities to participate in cultural exchange programs in the United States, fostering both personal growth and economic independence.

Before joining WBDC, Cece worked in banking, marketing, real estate, alumni relations, business development, and most recently as an economic development specialist for a major municipal government in Connecticut.

Cece holds a BA in International Studies, magna cum laude, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Urban Planning from Trinity College in Hartford. She is currently pursuing an MBA with a focus on Project Management. In her spare time, Cece enjoys traveling, hiking, painting, and writing.

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.

Kevin joins the WBDC as an Impact Specialist, bringing three years of experience as a clinical research study coordinator at UConn Health. He holds a master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in community psychology. During his time in graduate school, Kevin interned at the CT Afterschool Network and the Center for Public Policy and Social Research contributing to projects such as a needs assessment and client satisfaction evaluation. His primary research interests focus on evaluating community programs designed to enhance the lives of individuals and youth.

As an Impact Specialist at the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), Radiah analyzes survey and program data to identify trends and measure the organization’s economic and community impact. She supports data evaluation, ensures data integrity, and helps turn insights into strategic improvements. Radiah previously interned as a Data Analyst at Westville Community Nursery School, where she focused on analyzing educational and student data, identifying behavioral trends, and gathering insights from teacher feedback to support student development and program improvement. She holds a Master’s degree in Data Science from the University of New Haven. During her graduate studies, she completed projects in predictive modeling, natural language processing, and data-driven decision-making. Outside of work, Radiah runs an online bakery and is passionate about using data to support women-owned businesses and strengthen community programs across Connecticut.

As Child Care Opportunity Fund Lead, Sonique handles most elements of WBDC’s  Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, a grant program for qualified child care businesses in Connecticut. Additionally, she conducts assessment counseling, provides technological education, and serves as a facilitator for WBDC’s child care programs.

Sonique has over 6 years of experience in child care and is a valuable community resource. Prior to joining WBDC, Sonique worked with a local community bank dedicated to serving individuals, families, businesses and nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about guiding entrepreneurs and 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.

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.

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.

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.