top of page
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US
IN 2024
FLYWHEEL Investment CONFERENCe
thank you Speakers
Sandra Velasquez
CEO & Founder, Nopalera
Sandra Velasquez is the Chicana founder of Nopalera, a culture forward Bath & Body brand powered by the Mexican nopal. She launched Nopalera in the middle of the pandemic from her Brooklyn apartment with no outside funding or savings while working three jobs and raising her daughter. The brand can be found in Nordstrom, Credo, and over 400 boutiques nationwide. She is the winner of five grants and appeared on Shark Tank Season 14 where she turned down two offers by standing in her worth. After bootstrapping for two years she raised 2.6 Million in a seed round in 2022. Velasquez hosts The Nopalera Podcast and mentors other founders. Previous to Nopalera, she was the bandleader of Pistolera, a Latin-Alternative band that toured internationally and shared the stage with artists such as Los Lobos and Lila Downs.
Sandra Velasquez is the Chicana founder of Nopalera, a culture forward Bath & Body brand powered by the Mexican nopal. She launched Nopalera in the middle of the pandemic from her Brooklyn apartment with no outside funding or savings while working three jobs and raising her daughter. The brand can be found in Nordstrom, Credo, and over 400 boutiques nationwide. She is the winner of five grants and appeared on Shark Tank Season 14 where she turned down two offers by standing in her worth. After bootstrapping for two years she raised 2.6 Million in a seed round in 2022. Velasquez hosts The Nopalera Podcast and mentors other founders. Previous to Nopalera, she was the bandleader of Pistolera, a Latin-Alternative band that toured internationally and shared the stage with artists such as Los Lobos and Lila Downs.
Martin G. Tobias
Managing Partner, Incisive Ventures
Martin Tobias is the founder of Operator VC Incisive Ventures. He is Ex Accenture, Microsoft and a former Venture Partner at Ignition Partners. Martin is a 3X venture-funded CEO rising over $500M as CEO with two IPOs who has also invested in over 200 companies as an angel, 75 through Incisive Ventures, and is a limited partner in over a dozen VC funds. Martin was an early investor in Google, Docusign, OpenSea, and over a dozen Unicorns.
Martin Tobias is the founder of Operator VC Incisive Ventures. He is Ex Accenture, Microsoft and a former Venture Partner at Ignition Partners. Martin is a 3X venture-funded CEO rising over $500M as CEO with two IPOs who has also invested in over 200 companies as an angel, 75 through Incisive Ventures, and is a limited partner in over a dozen VC funds. Martin was an early investor in Google, Docusign, OpenSea, and over a dozen Unicorns.
Allison Persitz (Magyar)
Founder, Mentor and Life Enthusiast
Allie is a life-long entrepreneur renowned for her passion in fostering connections, crafting meaningful experiences, and developing impactful products through collaborative teamwork. With a track record of successfully scaling and exiting multiple companies, Allie places a strong emphasis on cultivating cultures that enable individuals to lead fulfilled and balanced lives. Her achievements have earned her accolades including Entrepreneur of the Year by the Oregon Entrepreneur Network, regional Entrepreneur of the Year Northwest Finalist by Ernst & Young, Founder of the Year by TiE Oregon, Entrepreneur of the Year by Smart Meetings Magazine among a variety of awards for her companies. Currently serving as the Chairwoman of the Board for the Technology Association of Oregon and Director of TiE Oregon, Allie is deeply involved in giving back to the community. She actively volunteers and mentors early-stage startups in the greater Portland area, all while savoring precious moments with her kiddos. Allie is also known for her zest for life, marked by celebrating the journey and hosting epic costume parties.
Allie is a life-long entrepreneur renowned for her passion in fostering connections, crafting meaningful experiences, and developing impactful products through collaborative teamwork. With a track record of successfully scaling and exiting multiple companies, Allie places a strong emphasis on cultivating cultures that enable individuals to lead fulfilled and balanced lives. Her achievements have earned her accolades including Entrepreneur of the Year by the Oregon Entrepreneur Network, regional Entrepreneur of the Year Northwest Finalist by Ernst & Young, Founder of the Year by TiE Oregon, Entrepreneur of the Year by Smart Meetings Magazine among a variety of awards for her companies. Currently serving as the Chairwoman of the Board for the Technology Association of Oregon and Director of TiE Oregon, Allie is deeply involved in giving back to the community. She actively volunteers and mentors early-stage startups in the greater Portland area, all while savoring precious moments with her kiddos. Allie is also known for her zest for life, marked by celebrating the journey and hosting epic costume parties.
Taylor Black
Principal Program Manager, Microsoft CTO Strategic Programs, Microsoft Incubation Studio
With over 18 years of expertise in nurturing and expanding innovative ventures, both internally at Microsoft and in the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, Taylor Black stands at the forefront of innovation as a Principal Program Manager of the Incubation Studio, nestled within the Office of the CTO at Microsoft. His role involves crafting and spearheading initiatives, programs, and partnerships dedicated to fostering the growth of nascent products and businesses throughout the company. His career journey spans a variety of domains, including roles as a full-stack developer, lawyer, philosopher, venture and venture ecosystem builder, empowering him to deliver comprehensive strategic, operational, and business insights to technically-oriented product teams and startups.
With over 18 years of expertise in nurturing and expanding innovative ventures, both internally at Microsoft and in the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, Taylor Black stands at the forefront of innovation as a Principal Program Manager of the Incubation Studio, nestled within the Office of the CTO at Microsoft. His role involves crafting and spearheading initiatives, programs, and partnerships dedicated to fostering the growth of nascent products and businesses throughout the company. His career journey spans a variety of domains, including roles as a full-stack developer, lawyer, philosopher, venture and venture ecosystem builder, empowering him to deliver comprehensive strategic, operational, and business insights to technically-oriented product teams and startups.
Elizabeth Scallon
Co-Founder, Find Ventures
Known for a keen ability to locate disruptive and innovative technology, Elizabeth’s day job is the Director of Incubation Enablement at HP, helping internal founders at HP build and unleash innovative businesses. Elizabeth recently cofounded Find Ventures, a non-profit organization providing transformational non-dilutive grants and support to under-resourced entrepreneurs in Washington State. She also is a professor at the University of Washington teaching entrepreneurship to undergraduates and graduate students in the Foster Business School.
Before Find Ventures and HP, Elizabeth led the Go To Market & Operations for the Amazon Alexa Fund and Startups team, as well as lead innovation business development for Amazon’s innovation team, Grand Challenge. Before Amazon, she led the launch of WeWork's startup and incubation arm, WeWork Labs in US West and LATAM, and previous to WeWork Elizabeth led the team at CoMotion Labs at the University of Washington coaching and growing the robust bench of NW tech and biotech startups.
Known for a keen ability to locate disruptive and innovative technology, Elizabeth’s day job is the Director of Incubation Enablement at HP, helping internal founders at HP build and unleash innovative businesses. Elizabeth recently cofounded Find Ventures, a non-profit organization providing transformational non-dilutive grants and support to under-resourced entrepreneurs in Washington State. She also is a professor at the University of Washington teaching entrepreneurship to undergraduates and graduate students in the Foster Business School.
Before Find Ventures and HP, Elizabeth led the Go To Market & Operations for the Amazon Alexa Fund and Startups team, as well as lead innovation business development for Amazon’s innovation team, Grand Challenge. Before Amazon, she led the launch of WeWork's startup and incubation arm, WeWork Labs in US West and LATAM, and previous to WeWork Elizabeth led the team at CoMotion Labs at the University of Washington coaching and growing the robust bench of NW tech and biotech startups.
Yoko Okano
Founding Partner, First Row
Yoko is one of the Founding Partners of First Row Partners, a pre-seed stage venture capital firm based in Seattle and investing across North America. First Row Partners invests in technology that superpowers emerging brand builders, content creators and storytellers in a world transformed with new interaction modalities and AI.
Prior to this role, Yoko was an active angel investor, participating and taking leadership roles with groups like Grubstakes and Seattle Angel Conference. Yoko started her early tech career at Google, working on Google Books & News and launching ebooks on Google Play. She applied the learning from the immense operational scale of Google to her product-related roles at startups before embarking on the investing path full-time. Yoko serves on the boards of IslandWood (https://islandwood.org/) and Sustain Music (https://sustainmusic.org/), two organizations that serve her love of the outdoors, music and passing on stewardship to the next generation. Yoko loves to think about product-led growth and shortening an end user’s “time to delight.” She also has a deep passion for bringing more founders and funders into the ecosystem and balancing the power imbalance between the two sides of the table through education, and relishes discussions about fundraising strategy and narrative.
Yoko is one of the Founding Partners of First Row Partners, a pre-seed stage venture capital firm based in Seattle and investing across North America. First Row Partners invests in technology that superpowers emerging brand builders, content creators and storytellers in a world transformed with new interaction modalities and AI.
Prior to this role, Yoko was an active angel investor, participating and taking leadership roles with groups like Grubstakes and Seattle Angel Conference. Yoko started her early tech career at Google, working on Google Books & News and launching ebooks on Google Play. She applied the learning from the immense operational scale of Google to her product-related roles at startups before embarking on the investing path full-time. Yoko serves on the boards of IslandWood (https://islandwood.org/) and Sustain Music (https://sustainmusic.org/), two organizations that serve her love of the outdoors, music and passing on stewardship to the next generation. Yoko loves to think about product-led growth and shortening an end user’s “time to delight.” She also has a deep passion for bringing more founders and funders into the ecosystem and balancing the power imbalance between the two sides of the table through education, and relishes discussions about fundraising strategy and narrative.
Deepthi Madhava
Partner, Oregon Venture Fund
Deepthi is Partner at Oregon Venture Fund, where she co-leads outreach and diligence for entrepreneurs looking for investment. As a Strategy & Operations Senior Manager at Deloitte, Deepthi led strategic growth initiatives for Deloitte globally in their clients and markets organization and consulted CXO’s in Fortune 1000 companies in developing and executing a range of business models and go-to-market strategies. Deepthi is excited to bring her consulting experience into advising entrepreneurs to build scalable businesses, she also serves on the board of Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. Growing up in south of India, in an academic family, her everyday conversation revolved around science, curiosity and research. She earned an MBA from Indian School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering.
Deepthi is Partner at Oregon Venture Fund, where she co-leads outreach and diligence for entrepreneurs looking for investment. As a Strategy & Operations Senior Manager at Deloitte, Deepthi led strategic growth initiatives for Deloitte globally in their clients and markets organization and consulted CXO’s in Fortune 1000 companies in developing and executing a range of business models and go-to-market strategies. Deepthi is excited to bring her consulting experience into advising entrepreneurs to build scalable businesses, she also serves on the board of Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. Growing up in south of India, in an academic family, her everyday conversation revolved around science, curiosity and research. She earned an MBA from Indian School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering.
Mike Lee
Founder Coach & Talent Consultant, Peregrine Talent
Mike Lee is a startup talent consultant and coach with 24 years of experience partnering with founders as they build their team and their business. He helps founders get the "right butts in the right seats" starting with the founders themselves! Mike is a certified Kolbe coach and consultant who has helped founders harness their innate instincts, and then works with founders to build a team capable of creating innovative, industry-defining products. Mike has founded or co-founded 3 talent practices and 1 international nonprofit. He was the founding Director of Talent for Menlo Ventures startup studio, Menlo Labs, and was previously Head of Startup Talent for The Home Depot, and built 4 North American technology startups acquired by the company.
Mike Lee is a startup talent consultant and coach with 24 years of experience partnering with founders as they build their team and their business. He helps founders get the "right butts in the right seats" starting with the founders themselves! Mike is a certified Kolbe coach and consultant who has helped founders harness their innate instincts, and then works with founders to build a team capable of creating innovative, industry-defining products. Mike has founded or co-founded 3 talent practices and 1 international nonprofit. He was the founding Director of Talent for Menlo Ventures startup studio, Menlo Labs, and was previously Head of Startup Talent for The Home Depot, and built 4 North American technology startups acquired by the company.
Steve Mantle
CEO & Founder, innov8.ag, Steve is a passionate tech visionary with deep roots in agriculture, shaped by a family legacy in environmental science and a distinguished career at Microsoft. With an MBA from the University of Washington, he expertly blends data-driven insights with genuine care for the agricultural community—a testament to his founding of innov8.ag. His work focuses on empowering Pacific Northwest growers through meaningful partnerships, reflecting his commitment to both technological advancement and the human element of innovation. As an NCW Tech Alliance alum and a 2022 Flywheel finalist, Steve is not simply in touch with the pulse of technology, but deeply connected to the people it serves.
Julie L Anderson
Director of Agricultural Innovation, Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness
Julie returned to Commerce after a local government career in the City of Tacoma and Pierce County, Washington. Previously, she served Commerce as a senior policy advisor, focused on Washington’s green economy job initiative, cluster development, and innovation partnership zones. She also served on the CERB Board, providing low-interest loans and grants for public infrastructure that promote private business growth.
As an industry sector lead, Julie is tasked with growing Washington's forest product, agtech, and cannabis industries. She’s passionate about working forests, preserving family farms, sustainability technology, and supporting Washington’s rural communities. Julie’s volunteer work includes the UW-Tacoma Center for Leadership and Social Responsibility, the American Leadership Forum, and Rotary International.
Julie returned to Commerce after a local government career in the City of Tacoma and Pierce County, Washington. Previously, she served Commerce as a senior policy advisor, focused on Washington’s green economy job initiative, cluster development, and innovation partnership zones. She also served on the CERB Board, providing low-interest loans and grants for public infrastructure that promote private business growth.
As an industry sector lead, Julie is tasked with growing Washington's forest product, agtech, and cannabis industries. She’s passionate about working forests, preserving family farms, sustainability technology, and supporting Washington’s rural communities. Julie’s volunteer work includes the UW-Tacoma Center for Leadership and Social Responsibility, the American Leadership Forum, and Rotary International.
Jordan Jobe
WSU/AgAID Institute, Jordan is the Project Manager for the AgAID Institute. She joined WSU in 2018 after working for several non-profit organizations as a project manager, and serving in the Peace Corps in Western Samoa. Jordan has a Masters in Environmental Management from Yale University, and a B.S. in Zoology and Fisheries from the University of Washington.
Paul Carlisle
Director, FUSE SPC & Entrepreneur in Residence, WSU
Paul is a business and community advocate, working to build sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems in eastern Washington State. For twenty years he has worked with businesses in their digital transformation strategies. After a successful startup and exit to private equity in 2021, Paul began work to build a more supportive and sustainable atmosphere for entrepreneurs to launch and thrive in eastern Washington. In conjunction with Washington State University and FUSE Business and Community Accelerator, he works to bring knowledge, resources, and networks to help business and organizations succeed.
Paul is a business and community advocate, working to build sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems in eastern Washington State. For twenty years he has worked with businesses in their digital transformation strategies. After a successful startup and exit to private equity in 2021, Paul began work to build a more supportive and sustainable atmosphere for entrepreneurs to launch and thrive in eastern Washington. In conjunction with Washington State University and FUSE Business and Community Accelerator, he works to bring knowledge, resources, and networks to help business and organizations succeed.
Carolina A. Torres
R & D and Proof of Concept, Washington State University
Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Tree Fruit Postharvest Systems at Washington State University-Wenatchee TFREC. Experience in postharvest research focused on apples, pears, and sweet cherries addressing issues such as how the environment affects fruit quality before and after harvest, physiological disorder’s development and assessment and development of new technologies. More than 20 years of experience doing research, teaching, leading research groups, and working with the fruit industry.
Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Tree Fruit Postharvest Systems at Washington State University-Wenatchee TFREC. Experience in postharvest research focused on apples, pears, and sweet cherries addressing issues such as how the environment affects fruit quality before and after harvest, physiological disorder’s development and assessment and development of new technologies. More than 20 years of experience doing research, teaching, leading research groups, and working with the fruit industry.
Charley Haupt
New Energy Technology, President
Charley has spent 32 years in the energy management industry focusing on designing,
developing, and implementing energy information systems that support growing energy
conservation cultures within commercial buildings as the foundation for energy
management. In 2014, Charley and his partners started a high school intern and
apprentice program called AEM Energy Champions. Today this program empowers
young people with real world professional skills to make a meaningful difference in their
lives by helping commercial buildings reduce energy use, cost, and CO2 emissions.
Charley has dedicated his life to changing the way America’s commercial buildings use
energy by empowering over 1,000,000 high school students as AEM Energy Champions,
making a significant impact in our fight against climate change. His many successes
across a multitude of different market segments prove that he is making a difference by
changing the way people manage their buildings’ energy use.
Charley has spent 32 years in the energy management industry focusing on designing,
developing, and implementing energy information systems that support growing energy
conservation cultures within commercial buildings as the foundation for energy
management. In 2014, Charley and his partners started a high school intern and
apprentice program called AEM Energy Champions. Today this program empowers
young people with real world professional skills to make a meaningful difference in their
lives by helping commercial buildings reduce energy use, cost, and CO2 emissions.
Charley has dedicated his life to changing the way America’s commercial buildings use
energy by empowering over 1,000,000 high school students as AEM Energy Champions,
making a significant impact in our fight against climate change. His many successes
across a multitude of different market segments prove that he is making a difference by
changing the way people manage their buildings’ energy use.
Gautam Nayak
Co-Founder and CEO, Cognition Med
Gautam has been a cardiologist in Wenatchee, WA since 2009. He previously served as a physician in the US Navy, where his innovation with telemedicine during a deployment to the Middle East inspired an interest in leveraging technology for healthcare providers. Gautam created the first specialty telemedicine program for patients in Okanogan County in 2016, enabling better access to cardiology care in an underserved community and easing the transition to virtual care during the pandemic. Gautam partnered with Sanjay Khicha, his best friend from medical school and a CT surgeon in Wichita, KS to develop Coltrain, a collaboration app for rural clinicians. Coltrain started as a solution for the growing care disparities in north central Washington and southeastern Kansas, where rural clinicians are on islands and healthcare systems are increasingly fragmented. It has grown into the common collaboration platform for clinical communication in Washington and Kansas. Gautam is the immediate past-president of the American College of Cardiology Washington state chapter and also co-founder of the non-profit US Medical Soccer Team. He completed his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, his medical school at Tulane University and his residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Gautam has been a cardiologist in Wenatchee, WA since 2009. He previously served as a physician in the US Navy, where his innovation with telemedicine during a deployment to the Middle East inspired an interest in leveraging technology for healthcare providers. Gautam created the first specialty telemedicine program for patients in Okanogan County in 2016, enabling better access to cardiology care in an underserved community and easing the transition to virtual care during the pandemic. Gautam partnered with Sanjay Khicha, his best friend from medical school and a CT surgeon in Wichita, KS to develop Coltrain, a collaboration app for rural clinicians. Coltrain started as a solution for the growing care disparities in north central Washington and southeastern Kansas, where rural clinicians are on islands and healthcare systems are increasingly fragmented. It has grown into the common collaboration platform for clinical communication in Washington and Kansas. Gautam is the immediate past-president of the American College of Cardiology Washington state chapter and also co-founder of the non-profit US Medical Soccer Team. He completed his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, his medical school at Tulane University and his residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Jenny Rickel
2024 Flywheel Fund Manager and Native Network COO
Jenny Rickel is a telecom entrepreneur. She has been responsible for fundraising efforts, finance, sales, and operational duties for Cellular One, Northwest Telephone and Native Network over her career. In addition to her role as an executive at Native Network, which focuses on tribal broadband, she enjoys encouraging and connecting other entrepreneurs to resources and is an active Flywheel angel investor.
Jenny Rickel is a telecom entrepreneur. She has been responsible for fundraising efforts, finance, sales, and operational duties for Cellular One, Northwest Telephone and Native Network over her career. In addition to her role as an executive at Native Network, which focuses on tribal broadband, she enjoys encouraging and connecting other entrepreneurs to resources and is an active Flywheel angel investor.
Juan Sebastian Garzon
Executive Director, Alamo Angels
Juan “Sebastian” Garzon is a dynamic force in the Texas investment landscape, currently serving as the Executive Director of Alamo Angels, the premier angel investment network in the Lone Star State. Under his leadership, Alamo Angels has evolved into the largest angel network in Texas. In his role, Sebastian facilitates access to capital via angel investing to companies across the U.S. and Latin America. Through his strategic guidance, Alamo Angels has invested in over 50 companies to date.
Sebastian's exceptional acumen and dedication have been recognized by industry peers and publications alike. His notable accolades include being named to the prestigious Texas Top 100 for 2024, as well as being recognized as a recipient of "40 Under 40" in Corpus Christi. Moreover, his commitment to continuous growth and excellence led him to complete the rigorous VC Unlocked program, a collaborative initiative between Stanford University and 500 Global, designed to empower emerging venture capital leaders from around the world with cutting-edge insights and strategies.
Beyond his career in investment, Sebastian is also the visionary mind behind Passport2Fluency, a company aimed at empowering individuals to enhance their Spanish language skills. Through Passport2Fluency, he embodies his passion for education and cultural exchange, making a tangible impact on the lives of countless learners seeking linguistic proficiency and global connectivity.
Juan “Sebastian” Garzon is a dynamic force in the Texas investment landscape, currently serving as the Executive Director of Alamo Angels, the premier angel investment network in the Lone Star State. Under his leadership, Alamo Angels has evolved into the largest angel network in Texas. In his role, Sebastian facilitates access to capital via angel investing to companies across the U.S. and Latin America. Through his strategic guidance, Alamo Angels has invested in over 50 companies to date.
Sebastian's exceptional acumen and dedication have been recognized by industry peers and publications alike. His notable accolades include being named to the prestigious Texas Top 100 for 2024, as well as being recognized as a recipient of "40 Under 40" in Corpus Christi. Moreover, his commitment to continuous growth and excellence led him to complete the rigorous VC Unlocked program, a collaborative initiative between Stanford University and 500 Global, designed to empower emerging venture capital leaders from around the world with cutting-edge insights and strategies.
Beyond his career in investment, Sebastian is also the visionary mind behind Passport2Fluency, a company aimed at empowering individuals to enhance their Spanish language skills. Through Passport2Fluency, he embodies his passion for education and cultural exchange, making a tangible impact on the lives of countless learners seeking linguistic proficiency and global connectivity.
Soo Ing-Moody
Director's Office - NCW Engagement Specialist, Washington State Department of Commerce, Soo is a passionate sociologist, former local government official, and community advocate who has worked directly with local, state, and federal governments, agencies, and community organizations to strengthen communities. At Commerce, her work focuses on assisting local community members to successfully navigate and equitably access state resources in support of responsible and sustainable innovation. Her diverse professional background and combined love of the social and natural sciences has provided her the opportunity to study and work in various parts of Europe, Asia, and North America; including as Twisp mayor for 13 years, leading resiliency building efforts following several of Washington State’s largest wildfire disasters.
Michaele Armstrong, PhD, MBA
Flywheel Conference Angel Investor
Michaele Armstrong is a dynamic leader in the bioscience industry, renowned for her deep understanding of both scientific and business domains. With a rich educational background including a PhD in Human Genetics and an MBA in Strategy/Operations from the University of Pittsburgh, in addition to 15 years of bench and clinical research, Michaele possesses a unique blend of expertise that she leverages to drive innovation and growth.
Currently serving as the Associate Director of SP3NW at Washington State University and within committee leadership for the Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster, Michaele plays a pivotal role in shaping the bioscience landscape in Spokane, WA.
Michaele's contributions extend beyond her professional endeavors. She has completed 9 marathons, earned a private pilot’s license, mentors high school youth, volunteers with World Relief in refugee resettlement, and actively contributes to Leadership Spokane.
With numerous honors and achievements to her name, Michaele continues to inspire and empower aspiring entrepreneurs in the bioscience industry. Her dedication to innovation, coupled with her strategic vision, positions her as a key influencer in the ever-evolving landscape of bioscience economic development.
Michaele Armstrong is a dynamic leader in the bioscience industry, renowned for her deep understanding of both scientific and business domains. With a rich educational background including a PhD in Human Genetics and an MBA in Strategy/Operations from the University of Pittsburgh, in addition to 15 years of bench and clinical research, Michaele possesses a unique blend of expertise that she leverages to drive innovation and growth.
Currently serving as the Associate Director of SP3NW at Washington State University and within committee leadership for the Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster, Michaele plays a pivotal role in shaping the bioscience landscape in Spokane, WA.
Michaele's contributions extend beyond her professional endeavors. She has completed 9 marathons, earned a private pilot’s license, mentors high school youth, volunteers with World Relief in refugee resettlement, and actively contributes to Leadership Spokane.
With numerous honors and achievements to her name, Michaele continues to inspire and empower aspiring entrepreneurs in the bioscience industry. Her dedication to innovation, coupled with her strategic vision, positions her as a key influencer in the ever-evolving landscape of bioscience economic development.
M.H. Lines
CEO and Founder, Stack Moxie
Ms. Lines is a passionate leader, marketer and technologist. She founded Automaton in 2018 and is building the next great testing and automation toolset for the SaaS economy. She has helped teams in marketing and technology both in-house and as a consultant at companies like Terex, SalesVoodoo, Microsoft, Lowes, The Tile Doctor and IBM Watson Health. Ms. Lines received an undergraduate degree from The Florida State University in Finance, and her MBA from the Foster School of Business, University of Washington with a focus on Technology Management. She has three children, who use their brilliance for evil as often as good, and is married to Jason, who does more than his share.
Ms. Lines is a passionate leader, marketer and technologist. She founded Automaton in 2018 and is building the next great testing and automation toolset for the SaaS economy. She has helped teams in marketing and technology both in-house and as a consultant at companies like Terex, SalesVoodoo, Microsoft, Lowes, The Tile Doctor and IBM Watson Health. Ms. Lines received an undergraduate degree from The Florida State University in Finance, and her MBA from the Foster School of Business, University of Washington with a focus on Technology Management. She has three children, who use their brilliance for evil as often as good, and is married to Jason, who does more than his share.
Manfred Markevitch
Co-Founder and CEO at GemaTEG
Julia Terlinchamp
Special Assistant to the Director, Washington State Department of Agriculture
Julia Terlinchamp joined the Washington State Department of Agriculture as Special Assistant to the Director in 2022. She is based in Seattle and is focused on supporting stakeholders in Western Washington, while fostering the interconnected local food system statewide. Julia is also the agency’s representative on federal grant opportunities within the IRA and IIJA legislation. She brings a diverse set of skills and knowledge to support the work of the agency and the millions of people who benefit from the hard work of our agricultural producers in this state. Julia’s passion lies within the ag tech community, and helping promote the use of artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, drones, genetic editing and other innovative approaches to ensure Washington state’s agricultural sector remains competitive.
Prior to WSDA, Julia most recently worked at the Washington Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development, serving the startup ecosystem as well as the small business community. She has also worked for the Office of Governor Inslee and Congress, both on and off the hill. She has a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in Economic and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and a B.A. in International, Intercultural and Environmental Studies from Pitzer College. In addition, she was a Fulbright Scholar to Bulgaria where she focused on Bulgaria’s nuclear energy sector and it’s accession to the EU.
Julia Terlinchamp joined the Washington State Department of Agriculture as Special Assistant to the Director in 2022. She is based in Seattle and is focused on supporting stakeholders in Western Washington, while fostering the interconnected local food system statewide. Julia is also the agency’s representative on federal grant opportunities within the IRA and IIJA legislation. She brings a diverse set of skills and knowledge to support the work of the agency and the millions of people who benefit from the hard work of our agricultural producers in this state. Julia’s passion lies within the ag tech community, and helping promote the use of artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, drones, genetic editing and other innovative approaches to ensure Washington state’s agricultural sector remains competitive.
Prior to WSDA, Julia most recently worked at the Washington Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development, serving the startup ecosystem as well as the small business community. She has also worked for the Office of Governor Inslee and Congress, both on and off the hill. She has a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in Economic and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and a B.A. in International, Intercultural and Environmental Studies from Pitzer College. In addition, she was a Fulbright Scholar to Bulgaria where she focused on Bulgaria’s nuclear energy sector and it’s accession to the EU.
Walter Thorn
ChargerHelp! Walter Thorn is SVP of Product and Strategy at ChargerHelp!, a venture-backed startup focused on improving charging infrastructure reliability across the US, where he is responsible for driving the company's technology platform development and reliability service delivery. He joined ChargerHelp following a decade of work at the intersection of technology and mobility, including time as an engineer at Honda and a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company. He lives in Leavenworth, WA, and has been a Board Member of the NCW Technology Alliance since 2020 where he currently serves as Board President.
Suleiny Altamirano
Founder, Tizana Mexicana
Suleiny Altamirano, a professional in Business and Marketing, is deeply proud of her Mexican roots and dedicated to contributing within her community. Embarking on her journey with Tizana Mexicana last year, she is driven by a passion for preserving Mexican traditions in jewelry and crafts. Her mission is to introduce this rich heritage globally, empowering Latina women along the way. Recently graduating with a Master's in Entrepreneurship from the University of Washington, also graduated and awarded of the Jones + Foster Business Accelerator with Tizana Mexicana. With over a decade of experience in business development across diverse industries like Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Technology, Healthcare, and Retail, she brings a wealth of expertise to her Ventures. As a social entrepreneur, Suleiny has made significant strides in creating positive social impact in healthcare, education, and culture through entrepreneurial approaches. Notable recognitions include winning the Community Impact Award at the Dempsey competition and reaching the finals in a pitch competition alongside The FBomb Breakfast Club. She has joined the ALPFA organization as the VP of Women of ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) and am actively involved in Latinas in Tech and Entreprenista. My commitment to community, culture, and empowerment is evident in my multifaceted contributions across industries and my dedication to making a positive impact.
Suleiny Altamirano, a professional in Business and Marketing, is deeply proud of her Mexican roots and dedicated to contributing within her community. Embarking on her journey with Tizana Mexicana last year, she is driven by a passion for preserving Mexican traditions in jewelry and crafts. Her mission is to introduce this rich heritage globally, empowering Latina women along the way. Recently graduating with a Master's in Entrepreneurship from the University of Washington, also graduated and awarded of the Jones + Foster Business Accelerator with Tizana Mexicana. With over a decade of experience in business development across diverse industries like Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Technology, Healthcare, and Retail, she brings a wealth of expertise to her Ventures. As a social entrepreneur, Suleiny has made significant strides in creating positive social impact in healthcare, education, and culture through entrepreneurial approaches. Notable recognitions include winning the Community Impact Award at the Dempsey competition and reaching the finals in a pitch competition alongside The FBomb Breakfast Club. She has joined the ALPFA organization as the VP of Women of ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) and am actively involved in Latinas in Tech and Entreprenista. My commitment to community, culture, and empowerment is evident in my multifaceted contributions across industries and my dedication to making a positive impact.
Ana Sofía Romero
Co-founder, Gloset
Ana Sofia co-founded Gloset out of the need for better options to buy fashion at a more affordable price and in a more sustainable manner. She had been an avid online shopper since early 2010 when the first fashion e-commerce websites started gaining popularity. Upon discovering international second-hand websites, she realized that Mexico and Latin America lacked options and digital channels for buying and selling. Before Gloset, she graduated as a Chemical Engineer from Tec de Monterrey and worked first in various areas, including Strategic Planning at an automotive company, and later in a Strategy Consulting firm for companies in Mexico. After recognizing the opportunity in the second-hand market in Latin America, she quit her job and started the company during the COVID-19 pandemic. She currently serves as the CEO and leads the product team.
Ana Sofia co-founded Gloset out of the need for better options to buy fashion at a more affordable price and in a more sustainable manner. She had been an avid online shopper since early 2010 when the first fashion e-commerce websites started gaining popularity. Upon discovering international second-hand websites, she realized that Mexico and Latin America lacked options and digital channels for buying and selling. Before Gloset, she graduated as a Chemical Engineer from Tec de Monterrey and worked first in various areas, including Strategic Planning at an automotive company, and later in a Strategy Consulting firm for companies in Mexico. After recognizing the opportunity in the second-hand market in Latin America, she quit her job and started the company during the COVID-19 pandemic. She currently serves as the CEO and leads the product team.
Top Six Finalists
These Washington-based companies were selected from 71 applicants to compete for investment awards and prizes from April 17 - 19 in Wenatchee.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE TO WIN
A $5,000 CASH PRIZE!
THANK YOU SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsors
Toast Around Town Sponsor
Event Sponsors
Media Sponsor
