Houston, Texas, United States
I’m a program manager passionate about building high-impact innovation programs that support early-stage life science startups and researchers. At Texas Medical Center Innovation, I lead the Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics (ACT) — a CPRIT-funded program designed to help oncology researchers advance their discoveries toward commercialization. I specialize in designing and executing accelerator curricula, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and producing strategic events that connect startups to the resources, advisors, and capital they need to grow. My work spans cross-functional coordination, operations strategy, investor engagement, and communications. With a background in business operations and a deep commitment to equity in healthcare innovation, I’m focused on supporting founders who are building solutions that matter. Let’s connect if you’re working at the intersection of science, strategy, and startup development.
The TMCi Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics is funded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and launched in collaboration with the Gulf Coast Consortia (GCC) and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) to support Texas-based biotech entrepreneurs and researchers contemplating translations alongside institutional technology transfer teams.
Advance Services, founded in 1994, provides a broad range of staffing and recruiting solutions to employers. As an industry leader, Advance Services works with more than 1,400 clients nationwide and has over 50 offices across the United States.
LoveShackFancy is a global fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle brand founded by Rebecca Hessel Cohen in 2013. It is an award-winning and family-owned company with 17 stores worldwide, 450 retail partners, and collaborations with Gap, Pottery Barn, State, Bogner, Supergoop, Hurley, American Girl and Bandier.
Sisters-in-law married to brothers, Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard cofounded the company in 2010. With two perspectives and one vision, the Veronicas have created a collection of cool classics that speak to today’s multifaceted, multitasking woman. I hired and onboarded an entirely new staff to this location. I increased operational standards in a once struggling location and put in place daily workflows for the team to increase productivity and revenue. This included reactivating a lapsed client base and fostering strong relationships with clientele. I was awarded the Highest % to LLY Award in January 2022. I also lead the Operations DOR for the division and was recognized for my personal Month-End Recap Report to be used as an example for other stores due to the high level of business acumen and analysis.
New York native Stacey Bendet founded alice + olivia in 2002 with the quest to create the perfect pair of pants. The company has grown into a full contemporary lifestyle brand, including ready-to-wear, gowns, shoes, handbags, accessories, and eyewear, all while empowering women with the company run by women, for women. I was promoted and became a strong contributing Store Manager growing the business by +55% in two years. I was awarded the highly coveted Store of the Year award in January 2020 exceeding annual metric expectations, achieving equal contribution across team members, providing innovative solutions and ideas to help support the business, and acting as a model store for the company. I spoke and presented at the company's Store Manager Summit providing knowledge and training around Team Development. I held various leadership roles for my District: Regional Visual Leader, Sales Trainer, and Operations Leader. I traveled frequently to other cities to help inspire and engage store teams. I mentored other Store Leaders and found lots of intrinsic value in helping other locations improve their metrics, in-store culture, and make an impact in their staff's results. Another proud moment was opening the Aspen location - this location is a destination shop for the company. I also supported our Houston Wholesale Accounts through visits and partnerships with local store teams.
I started as an Assistant Store Manager and helped open the 19th location for the brand. I refined my professional skillset here to build a client base from the ground up. I was awarded Employee of the Month in September 2016 after 5 months in role. I also broadened my experience by undertaking the Operations Leader role for my District - total revenue of around $8MM. I ensured all stores had action plans in place and would hold bi-monthly calls with all stores to review results, plans, trainings, and special recognition. In addition, events and sales generation was my focus, executing large-scale Friends + Family events including private and charitable shopping events in the store.