FINNOVATION Institute announces new Executive Director
FINNOVATION Institute is delighted to announce its new Executive Director, Dr. La Juana Whitmore. La Juana has been a leader in the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program since 2020, leading curriculum and providing business advice to Fellows, and the Institute is delighted to see her role expand to lead the organization.
Jacquie Berglund, Board Chair and founder of the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program, shares her excitement for the transition and profound gratitude for Connie’s leadership:
“La Juana is an incredible teacher, advisor, and strategist. The Board could not be more thrilled to partner with her on the future of the Fellowship Program and continue the growth of social impact businesses throughout Minnesota.
We have a great deal of gratitude for Connie’s strong leadership over many years, including navigating the Fellowship through the pandemic and helping position FINNOVATION Institute for what’s next.”
Connie Rutledge, former Executive Director and former CEO of FINNOVATION Lab, is moving into her next chapter, but she’s staying close. She’ll continue with the Institute by leading the work to launch a new loan fund for Fellowship alumni. We’re incredibly grateful for what Connie has built for FINNOVATION and the Fellows since 2018. Connie reflects on her experience and the transition:
“It has been my honor to be associated with FINNOVATION and all of the wonderful work done by the Fellows. The future of business lies with leaders who recognize the importance of providing value beyond the products and services they deliver, and under La Juana's leadership, I know FINNOVATION Fellows will continue to make their mark.”
Please join us in congratulating La Juana and thanking Connie for everything she has built. We are grateful for where we have been, and genuinely excited about where we are going.
With appreciation,
FINNOVATION Institute Board of Directors:
Jacquie Berglund, Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas, and Renay Dossman
About La Juana:
Dr. La Juana Whitmore is a Business Strategist, Accredited Small Business Consultant®, and Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ with 25+ years of experience in business analysis, development, and strategy. Her career spans enterprise innovation and business architecture, nonprofit executive leadership, and community-based economic development. That range continues FINNOVATION Institute's advantage: leadership that moves from big-picture strategy to the operational steps that make it real, while keeping people at the center of the work.
About the Fellowship:
The FINNOVATION Fellowship Program has nurtured 50 early-stage social entrepreneurs since its inception in 2018. Funded by the Bush Foundation, the FINN Fellowship is a unique opportunity for emerging social impact leaders in Minnesota. A rigorous business curriculum is combined with leadership development, one-on-one advising, peer support, and a living stipend to help new entrepreneurs develop, test, and implement businesses that create a positive impact in our communities.