WBDC Team
WBDC Leadership Team
- 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).
- 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.
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.
- Tasha
- Jackson
- Chief Financial & People Officer
- Tasha Jackson is a seasoned nonprofit executive with more than 20+ years of driving organizational capacity, adaptability, and sustainable growth.
Email:
tjackson@ctwbdc.org
- Tasha
- Jackson
Chief Financial & People 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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
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.
- JoAnn
- Gulbin
- Marketing and Communications Director
- JoAnn Gulbin serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC).
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.
- Danielle
- Ruggiero
- Director of Programs
- Danielle Ruggiero is the Director of Programs at the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC), where she oversees entrepreneurial classes, business advising services, and manages the team of regional Program Managers and Business Advisors.
Email:
druggiero@ctwbdc.org
- Danielle
- Ruggiero
Director of Programs
Danielle Ruggiero is the Director of Programs at the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), where she oversees entrepreneurial classes, business advising services, and manages the team of regional Program Managers and Business Advisors. With over two decades of leadership experience in program and product development, Danielle has a proven track record of driving innovation, increasing revenue, and building strategic partnerships.
Prior to joining WBDC, she held executive roles at Excelligence Learning Corporation and Really Good Stuff, where she led multi-location teams, managed P&L responsibilities, and developed proprietary solutions for the educational sector. She is committed to fostering inclusive, entrepreneurial environments and supporting small business owners in achieving sustainable growth.
Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Boston College and is Dare to Lead™ trained and AGILE certified. Passionate about community building and client outreach, she thrives on empowering individuals and teams to reach their full potential.
- Marian
- Gryzlo EdD
- Vice President of Philanthropy
- As VP of Philanthropy, Marian is responsible for creating and executing WBDC’s development strategy, including attracting new sources of sustainable funding from the private sector and individuals to support program growth and impact.
Email:
mgryzlo@ctwbdc.org
- Marian
- Gryzlo EdD
Vice President of Philanthropy
As VP of Philanthropy, Marian is responsible for creating and executing WBDC’s development strategy, including attracting new sources of sustainable funding from the private sector and individuals to support program growth and impact.
For over 30 years she has advised leaders on design and implementation of strategies that combine profit and purpose to drive business and social value. She has worked for notable brands including Mastercard, Fujifilm USA, TAMPAX, Thomson Reuters and Ronald McDonald House New York in the areas of grantmaking, fundraising and strategic alliances.
Marian served as faculty for Goldman Sachs Foundation’s 10,000 Small Businesses program in New York, trained business owners for the Women’s Enterprise Development Center in Westchester and taught graduate leadership and communications as an adjunct at LIU and Manhattanville College.
She has a doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, MBA in Marketing from Iona University, and a Certificate in Organizational Coaching from NYU.
WBDC Team Members
Not sure who you should contact?
- Kenyetta
- Banks
- Program Manager and Business Advisor
Email:
kbanks@ctwbdc.org
- Kenyetta
- Banks
Start ups, Business Planning, Strategy
In addition to being a WBDC Business Advisor, Kenyetta is the Program Manager in WBDC’s New Haven office, where she manages programs and services to assist aspiring and existing business owners with achieving their business goals. Kenyétta serves clients that are idea stage and emerging businesses. Her goal is to support aspiring entrepreneurs with answering critical questions to develop a clear path forward for their business. She has seen many clients with ideas turn into profitable businesses.
Following her strong passion to help people who are stuck, Kenyétta is also a Certified Life Coach.
Kenyétta considers herself a lifetime learner, which helps her be a positive motivator for others. She earned a BS in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and a Master’s in Public Administration/Nonprofit Management from University of New Haven. Kenyétta also has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit world. Kenyetta’s hobbies include cooking/baking, creating fairy gardens, Feng Shui and Aromatherapy.
- Taylor
- Bergeron
- Program Specialist
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.
- Laura
- Blake
- Program Manager
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.
- Joy
- Braddock
- Torrington Business Advisor
Email:
jbraddock@ctwbdc.org
- Joy
- Braddock
Torrington Businesses, Marketing, Advertising
Joy Braddock joined WBDC in the summer of 2023 as a Business Advisor. She brings with her almost a decade of experience as a small business owner, and over 20 years’ experience in marketing and advertising. Joy is focused on supporting emerging and existing business owners in Torrington, as well as other areas.
As the co-owner of a local CT brewery, she understands the passion, drive and perseverance needed to start and run a small business. Consider her the unbiased, knowledgeable guide you need to help your business run like a well-oiled machine.
Joy’s deepest passion is empowering women to take on business ownership and flourish. Joy is the co-founder and President of the Bombshell Project, a non-profit on a mission to help women enter and lead in the male-dominated craft brewing industry.
In her spare time, she hikes, swims, cooks and travels to breweries around the country and world.
- Carol
- Cheswick
- Business Advisor
Email:
ccheswick@ctwbdc.org
- Carol
- Cheswick
Business Planning, Strategy, Marketing, Finance, Goal Setting, Growth, Food Businesses
Carol joined WBDC in 2012. She works with aspiring and established business owners who seek to start, build and grow their business. She focuses on improving profitability, identifying opportunities and clarifying goals. Carol conducts both one-on-one and group business advising, and teaches classes.
Carol brings over 40 years of experience in strategic planning, finance, marketing, investing and executive consulting to her clients at WBDC. She was a managing director at Appleseed Food Frontiers, where she worked with aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start and scale food businesses. Outside of WBDC, Carol helps companies refine and execute business strategies. She also works with individual clients, encouraging them to identify their own extraordinary talents.
Carol was a principal in her family’s investment management business, Cheswick Investment Co., Inc. She has also worked in a variety of positions at Citibank NA and Scudder, Stevens & Clark, (now part of Deutsche Bank). She is a graduate of Wellesley College and has an MBA in Finance from NYU’s Stern School of Business.
- Samantha
- Cross
- Business Advisor
Email:
scross@ctwbdc.org
- Samantha
- Cross
Access to Capital, Personal Finance, Business Finance, Strategy
Samantha Cross assists current and aspiring entrepreneurs with accessing capital, understanding their personal and small business finances, pricing and profitability strategies, and provides general business strategy counseling.
Samantha has a background in finance, having spent 15 years at two global banks, focusing on Finance, Operations and Strategy. She is more recently the founder of a company dedicated to teaching fundamental financial skills to all. Samantha founded the firm on the belief that understanding how to manage the complex world of personal finance starts with gaining a knowledge of the concepts involved, and she is dedicated to ensuring her clients understand them. When the foundation is strong, the possibilities are endless.
Samantha has an Undergraduate Degree in Finance from Fairfield University and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. She lives in New Canaan, CT with her husband and 2 daughters and, when time permits, loves a good jigsaw puzzle.
- Linda
- Fecteau
- Child Care Business Advisor
Email:
lfecteau@ctwbdc.org
- Linda
- Fecteau
Child Care, Business Strategy, Business Planning
Linda Fecteau is a Business Advisor dedicated to helping early childhood education and Child Care programs enhance their business practices. As a founder and former owner of a multi-site early childhood education operation, Linda now uses her expertise to consult with other Child Care programs and small businesses. Linda assists centers as they develop and implement fiscal policies and practices that save time and money. She is also the lead instructor for Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs for Charter Oak State College.
Her prior experiences includes Quality Advising for the CT Afterschool Network, leading the Family Enhancement Department at LEARN, The Regional Educational Service Center, and serving as the Executive Director of two Non-Profit Youth organizations.
Linda holds a Masters in Management from Albertus Magnus College and a BA from Norwich University. She is a trained Quality Advisor through the National Institute on Out of School Time and a graduate of the Georgetown University Leadership Institute. She is the Chairman of East Lyme Youth Services Commission and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, camping, and walking on the beach.
- Tracy
- Gibbons
- Comptroller
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.
- Susan
- Hackett
- Program Coordinator
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.
- Karen
- Ham
- Finance Director
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.
- Janet
- Johnson
- Business Advisor
Email:
jjohnson@ctwbdc.org
- Janet
- Johnson
Business Planning, Strategy, Finance, Manufacturing
Janet Johnson, MBA joined WBDC in the spring of 2023 to help Waterbury businesses develop and grow. She teaches workshops and provides one-on-one advising sessions to aspiring, emerging, and established business owners.
Janet brings almost 20 years of manufacturing experience to her role as a Business Advisor. Her family opened a factory in 1991 in Waterbury, before relocating it to Naugatuck.
Janet has ten years of experience as a Business Advisor, serving Greater Hartford’s woman-owned and minority-owned companies. Janet has a passion for helping her clients see past challenges and create actionable steps towards starting or revamping their businesses for success. She loves teaching clients how to strategize using their financials and to create efficient systems that save time and money.
As a continual learner, Janet earned her Lean Tools Certificate and became a certified Money Mindset and Business Coach. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Quinnipiac University.
- Tanya
- Kelley
- Business Advisor
Email:
tkelley@ctwbdc.org
- Tanya
- Kelley
Child Care, Start-Up, Finance, Accounting, Bookkeeping
Tanya Kelley is a seasoned finance professional focused on teaching and motivating start-ups and small business owners to become fiscally fit. Tanya works closely with family home Child Care providers to strengthen their finances, set up their QuickBooks, and address pain points in their business.
After twenty years of working as a fiscal controller in corporate America, Tanya took her corporate financial experience and used it to help many individuals and small business owners improve their financial literacy skills through accounting/bookkeeping/CFO services, coaching and mentoring. She takes great pride in watching individuals and business owners learn, grow and thrive by learning about finance one debit at a time.
Tanya graduated summa cum laude from the City University of New York with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. She later earned an MBA from Devry University – Keller School of Management.
Tanya enjoys traveling, dining and hiking with her family.
- Kristina
- Kendall
- Marketing Assistant
Email:
kkendall@ctwbdc.org
- Kristina
- Kendall
Marketing Assistant
A true Connecticut native, Kristina Kendall was born, raised, and educated in the state. She graduated from Trinity College with a BA in Public Policy and Law, focusing on Legal Policy and minoring in Human Rights Studies.
As a Marketing Assistant at WBDC, Kristina plays a key role in developing, creating, and executing the organization’s marketing strategy. She is passionate about advocacy, particularly for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, and is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, leadership, and positive impact. With an analytical and curious approach,
Kristina considers herself a self-starter driven by empathy and committed to making a difference in every environment she joins.
Prior to joining WBDC, Kristina worked at a NYC-based tech startup, where she helped build a financial platform designed to support minority-owned businesses in effective financial management and securing equitable debt capital for growth.
- Patricia Posada
- Klapper
- Habla Español
- Business Advisor
Email:
pklapper@ctwbdc.org
- Patricia Posada
- Klapper
Business Planning, Strategy, Personal and Business Finance
Pat Klapper has over 30 years of business experience in both the private and public sectors. She has worked across various industries as a Management Consultant and a Public Accounting Auditor. She has also served as CEO and CFO of her own consulting company.
Pat is passionate about helping small business owners optimize personal financial strength and business profitability. She aims for her guidance to shape ideas and strategy, identify and implement tactics, and instill consistent and disciplined business and financial practices.
Pat is first-generation Colombian, speaks Spanish and English fluently, and works with women in both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking communities to advance their businesses.
Pat has served on several boards of non-profit organizations, assisting with business strategy, operations and finance. She has a BS in Accounting from New York University and an MBA in Strategy and Finance from The Wharton School. She also received her certification as a CPA.
- Sherry
- Konwerski
- Business Advisor
Email:
skonwerski@ctwbdc.org
- Sherry
- Konwerski
Accounting, Sales, Operations, Finance, Management, Bookkeeping
Sherry Konwerski helps companies identify and address areas of improvement that result in healthier financial rewards. She is the founder and principal of a consulting firm specializing in providing consulting and services to small businesses.
A corporate professional turned entrepreneur, Sherry had a 25-year career in corporate America, holding positions in the telecommunications and manufacturing industries. She holds a BA in Business Management, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration.
She is on the Board of Directors of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, serves as Past Chair of the Women in Networking Council, and is an Ambassador for the Shelton-based Chamber of Commerce.
When not helping business owners improve their bottom line, Sherry enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, and kayaking.
- Juliette
- LaRock
- Ignite Grant Program Coodinator
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.
- Erin
- Mercede
- Program Manager
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
- Nicole
- O’Brien
- Impact Manager
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
- Habla Español
- Launch Pad Grant Coordinator
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.
- Nicole
- Papadopoulos
- Habla Español
- Child Care Program Coordinator
Email:
npapadopoulos@ctwbdc.org
- Nicole
- Papadopoulos
Child Care Program Coordinator
As WBDC’s Child Care Program Coordinator, Nicole loves connecting people’s needs with solutions that truly make a difference. Her background in business strategy has allowed her to spot new opportunities and create strong value propositions around her work. Originally from Colombia, she speaks both Spanish and English, so she can easily support clients in either language. Now that Nicole is in the U.S., she’s excited to give back to the community that has welcomed her so warmly.
- Terri
- Piekara
- Social Media Business Advisor
Email:
tpiekara@ctwbdc.org
- Terri
- Piekara
Social Media, Instagram, Podcasting
Terri Piekara is a social media consultant, Instagram strategist and podcaster who believes deeply in the Three C’s – Communication, Connection and Community. She guides solopreneurs and small business owners to speak authentically about themselves and their businesses through social media.
Social media and social audio are, above all else, social and are most powerful when real conversations are happening. When business owners show up on their social platforms consistently, with value and authenticity, they build their brands, attract new followers, and grow sales.
Terri has a BS degree from Syracuse University. Before joining WBDC, she worked in the airline, retail and small business industries.
When she is not deep diving the latest social platform, Terri can be found listening to podcasts while walking her dog and drinking good coffee.
- Denise
- Ramirez Lecca
- Development Database Administrator
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.
- Zayed
- Rodriguez
- Habla Español
- Business Advisor
Email:
zrodriguez@ctwbdc.org
- Zayed
- Rodriguez
Child Care, Business Planning, Goal Setting
Zayed Rodriguez is a seasoned small business and wealth management advisor focused on helping entrepreneurs and business owners achieve their financial goals. At WBDC, he works as a Business Advisor helping Child Care businesses and Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs move their goals forward.
Before, he worked as a Financial Advisor on Wall Street and ran his own company for more than 7 years and has worked with small business owners from the start of a new business, to growing their business, to closing multi-million-dollar contracts.
Originally from Mexico, Zayed is a Business Management graduate of the University of Connecticut, with a Master’s in Management from KEDGE Business School in France; and holds a Retirement Income Certified Professional designation from The American College of Financial Services. He is involved with organizations that help the Hispanic community grow and succeed.
- Sonique
- Solis
- Child Care Opportunity Fund Program Lead
Email:
ssolis@ctwbdc.org
- Sonique
- Solis
Child Care Opportunity Fund Program Lead
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
- Habla Español
- IT & Operations Manager
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
- Habla Espanol
- Spanish Language Program Manager
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.
- Nicole
- Willard
- Development Associate
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.
- Megan
- Wormser
- Client Services Manager
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.
- Doris
- Zhang
- Impact Specialist
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.