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Nikki Odom
Nikki Odom is a true champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a proven leader within the space. Currently, she serves as the Senior Director of DE&I and Community Affairs at Nestlé USA. As both an effective cross-functional partner and change agent, Nikki has led the market’s strategy to build an inclusive, impactful culture that has simultaneously fostered significant growth for the business.
Nikki’s trajectory at Nestlé began in 2010; since then, she has served in leadership roles across several functions, including Sales, Marketing, Finance and Learning & Development. Prior to joining Nestlé, Nikki held HR leadership roles at other Fortune 500 companies, such as PepsiCo, where she was instrumental in successfully leading Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams across the U.S.
Nikki earned her Professional in Human Resources certification from the Society of Human Resource Management and has been recognized by the organization for her masterful dedication to driving success for her stakeholders.
Nikki is active within her community as a certified life coach, author, financial literacy consultant and entrepreneur. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University.
Nikki’s trajectory at Nestlé began in 2010; since then, she has served in leadership roles across several functions, including Sales, Marketing, Finance and Learning & Development. Prior to joining Nestlé, Nikki held HR leadership roles at other Fortune 500 companies, such as PepsiCo, where she was instrumental in successfully leading Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams across the U.S.
Nikki earned her Professional in Human Resources certification from the Society of Human Resource Management and has been recognized by the organization for her masterful dedication to driving success for her stakeholders.
Nikki is active within her community as a certified life coach, author, financial literacy consultant and entrepreneur. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University.
Dr. Hope Mitchell
Dr. Mitchell is an Ohio board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist and the founder & CEO of Mitchell Dermatology. With over 30 years of experience in the medical field, she is an accomplished, highly qualified dermatologist and entrepreneur. She has subspecialty interests in hair loss, eczema, hyperpigmentation, skin cancer prevention, skin of color and skincare consultations. Dr. Mitchell has been featured in several media outlets including Women’s Health Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Allure, Essence, In Style, Martha Stewart, Self, GMA and has been a speaker for Google and TEDxToledo. She is a consistent mentor to many medical students pursuing medical professions and dermatology as a career. With a passion for education, Dr. Mitchell proudly serves on the Executive Board as the Vice Chair and as Director of Research for The National Medical Association, Dermatology Section and as Director of her MD Gap Year and Summer Internship Programs.
Pamela J. Moore
Pamela Moore, a distinguished leader in the field of incubation and business operations, embarked on her professional journey with the University of Toledo in 2004. Her exceptional leadership skills and business acumen have led to numerous promotions within the institution, particularly within the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs.
Pamela’s expertise is further enhanced by her academic credentials. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Organizational Technology from the University of Toledo, a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
In 2021, Pamela took on the role of Director of Incubation and Business Operations. In this capacity, she oversees the Business Incubator and Minority Business Development Center, demonstrating her
ability to manage complex operations and drive business growth.
Simultaneously, Pamela serves as the Principal Investigator of the Entrepreneurial Services Provider Program grant through JumpStart Inc. This role sees her collaborating with esteemed partners such
as ProMedica Innovations and Bon Secours Mercy Health, further showcasing her ability to foster strategic partnerships and lead collaborative initiatives.
Pamela’s career is characterized by her dedication to her work, her ability to lead and inspire, and her commitment to fostering business growth and innovation. Her story continues to unfold as she makes significant contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in NWO.
Pamela’s expertise is further enhanced by her academic credentials. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Organizational Technology from the University of Toledo, a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
In 2021, Pamela took on the role of Director of Incubation and Business Operations. In this capacity, she oversees the Business Incubator and Minority Business Development Center, demonstrating her
ability to manage complex operations and drive business growth.
Simultaneously, Pamela serves as the Principal Investigator of the Entrepreneurial Services Provider Program grant through JumpStart Inc. This role sees her collaborating with esteemed partners such
as ProMedica Innovations and Bon Secours Mercy Health, further showcasing her ability to foster strategic partnerships and lead collaborative initiatives.
Pamela’s career is characterized by her dedication to her work, her ability to lead and inspire, and her commitment to fostering business growth and innovation. Her story continues to unfold as she makes significant contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in NWO.
Destiny Allen Mitchell
As an Economic Development Program Officer, Destiny is responsible for supporting a wide range of small business and business development organizations support initiatives; focusing on helping partners strengthen their services to support Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, and veteran entrepreneurs and building inclusive small business ecosystems in communities across the country. Prior to joining LISC, Destiny worked as an Economic Development Specialist in Southern Maryland supporting economic development, business engagement, community development, and entrepreneurial ecosystem-building initiatives. Destiny is passionate about relationship building and being a community convener and connector. Destiny holds a master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Aly Sterling
Aly is the president and founder of Aly Sterling Philanthropy, a national consulting firm
that helps nonprofits, individuals and families, foundations, and corporations meet their
philanthropic goals and positively impact their communities.
In 2023, Aly and the firm were named the inaugural winners of the University of Toledo
Family Business Center’s Doing Right for the Future of Humankind award. In 2018 Aly
and the firm were inducted into the Northwest Ohio Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.
Aly serves on various local, regional and national boards, holds a master’s degree from
the University of Toledo and proudly teaches a course on women and entrepreneurship
and corporate social responsibility at Bowling Green State University.
In 2020, Aly published a book about her experiences transcending personal and
professional barriers to becoming a female entrepreneur titled, 37: The Year I Stopped
Making Excuses, Embraced My Power & Launched My Million-Dollar Business.
Aly tries to split her time between Ohio and South Carolina, and enjoys spending time
with her family, playing tennis, traveling, and finding small ways to improve the human
condition.
that helps nonprofits, individuals and families, foundations, and corporations meet their
philanthropic goals and positively impact their communities.
In 2023, Aly and the firm were named the inaugural winners of the University of Toledo
Family Business Center’s Doing Right for the Future of Humankind award. In 2018 Aly
and the firm were inducted into the Northwest Ohio Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.
Aly serves on various local, regional and national boards, holds a master’s degree from
the University of Toledo and proudly teaches a course on women and entrepreneurship
and corporate social responsibility at Bowling Green State University.
In 2020, Aly published a book about her experiences transcending personal and
professional barriers to becoming a female entrepreneur titled, 37: The Year I Stopped
Making Excuses, Embraced My Power & Launched My Million-Dollar Business.
Aly tries to split her time between Ohio and South Carolina, and enjoys spending time
with her family, playing tennis, traveling, and finding small ways to improve the human
condition.
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