John Kozsey
As the Multimedia Designer, John creates an impactful visual look and feel for all events and communications across the organization through the print, digital and environmental spaces. Prior to joining JumpStart, John spent more than 20 years as a designer and art director for several agencies in the Cleveland area creating successful campaigns for clients
José Colón
As Sr. Manager, Latino/Hispanic Services, José Colón is the initial point of contact for Latinx and Spanish-speaking applicants seeking services and/or capital from JumpStart and its partners. Specifically, José’s role involves engaging with early-stage and small business clients, identifying their service needs, providing value-added advising and making referrals within JumpStart, the BGC network, the NEO
Justin McKeal
As an IT Systems Coordinator, Justin McKeal supports the maintenance and management of information technology systems and networks at both JumpStart and neighboring tech centers. He provides end-user support, hardware and software installation and management, as well as network monitoring and security tasks. In addition, he is also responsible for maintenance and support on cloud
Kaleigh Gallagher
As Vice President, Tech Services and Network Management, Kaleigh Gallagher leads the team responsible for helping tech founders accelerate their growth and secure their first round of VC funding. Specifically, she is responsible for driving the strategy to attract and support entrepreneurs in building venture-backed companies in Northern Ohio. Kaleigh manages strategic partnerships to create
Ke’Lani Hall
In her role as Venture Analyst, Ke’Lani is responsible for research that helps determine the commercial viability and potential of healthcare technology. Ke’Lani works with innovators, scientists, entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, and collaborating stakeholders in order to gather information and conduct interdisciplinary assessments to develop the best go-to-market strategy. Prior to joining JumpStart, Ke’Lani worked
Kenya Fike, MBA
As the Advancement, Data, & Account Manager, Kenya Fike effectively combines her business acumen with her passion for mission-driven work. In this role, she is responsible for aligning compliance, data insights and strong communication principles to support JumpStart in generating new and diverse revenue streams. She has over fifteen years of experience in project management,
Larissa Corraide da Silva
As the Manager, Data Analytics, Larissa helps collect and interpret data on the entrepreneurs and small businesses that JumpStart and its partners serve. She assists in creating written and visual reports while assuring the accuracy and integrity of the reported data. Before joining JumpStart’s full-time staff as a data analyst, Larissa worked with the Data
Laura Beans Sika
Laura Beans Sika is a professional writer, storyteller and content creator with a background in publishing. As JumpStart’s Advancement, Communications Manager, Laura integrates the Advancement and Marketing teams to increase impact and further fundraising goals. Prior to joining JumpStart, Laura spent more than 12 years working at PR firms and marketing agencies in Northeast Ohio. She has extensive experience leading marketing initiatives
Lauren Smith-Petta
As Director, Educational Services, Lauren Smith-Petta leads Jumpstart’s strategy for delivering scalable educational offerings to the entrepreneurs and small businesses we serve. Prior to joining JumpStart, Lauren made a career in everything entrepreneurship. Over the course of the last 10 years, Lauren has taught entrepreneurship courses to undergraduate and graduate-level college students, educated over one
Mary Paxton
Mary brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector including advancement operations, grants management, fund development and program development. As Senior Director, Advancement, Mary is responsible for planning, organizing and directing JumpStart’s fundraising. Prior to joining JumpStart, Mary was the Director of Development for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio. She
Matt Riehl
Matt Riehl serves as JumpStart’s Director of Government Relations. He is responsible for building and enhancing relationships with key government officials at the federal, state and local levels, as well as leading JumpStart’s advocacy agenda. Prior to joining JumpStart, Matt worked as the Director of Government Affairs and Business Development for Arconic Corporation, a $7
Mery Sanchez
Mery Sanchez’s role as the Latino/Hispanic Deal Flow Analyst is to help Latino entrepreneurs in the community develop a business plan or business idea and guide them through the process of building their company. She is responsible for connecting clients with resources in the community that can also contribute to this process. Her job is