The People Behind the Program

The FINNOVATION Fellowship is powered by people.

Our team, board members, coaches, curriculum providers, panelist, and partners bring the experience, care, guidance, and behind-the-scenes support that make this program possible.

The Fellowship simply could not run without them, and we are grateful for the community that helps our entrepreneurs grow, lead, and create meaningful impact.

Team & Board

  • Jacquie Berglund

    Founder & Board Chair

    Founder, FINNEGANS Community Fund & FINNOVATION Institute

    Connect with Jacquie

  • Dr. La Juana Whitmore, ASBC, CFEI

    Executive Director

    Founder, La Juana Whitmore Consulting & NextFemme Financial

    Connect with La Juana

  • Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas

    Treasurer

    President & Chief Executive Officer, BBB, MN & ND | Mayor, City of New Brighton

    Connect with Kari

  • Connie Rutledge

    Board Member

    Co Founder, SlingGrip, LLC

    Connect with Connie

  • Renay Dossman

    Board Member

    President & CEO, Neighborhood Development Center | Board Chair & Founder, Affirmation House

    Connect with Renay

  • Stephanie Malon-Rufi, MBA

    Alumni Coordinator

    Founder, Spark Good

    Connect with Stephanie

Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, Curriculum Providers, Judges, Speakers & Coaches (‘25-’26)

  • Erik Halaas

    Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Judge, Panelist

    Founder Live On Minnesota | Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program Manager at Macalester College | Former FINNOVATION Fellow

    Visit Live On Minnesota

  • Vanessa Tennyson

    Curriculum Provider, Leadership Coach, Judge

    Founder & CEO, Capitalize Your Humanity

    Visit Capitalize Your Humanity

  • Dr. Ramon Pastrano IV, D.Min., MATS, MSM

    Curriculum Provider, Judge

    CEO-President, Third Sphere, LLC

    Visit Thrid Sphere

  • Sheletta Brundidge

    Curriculum Provider, PR Support

    Emmy Award-Winning Comedian | Radio Host, WCCO Radio | Commentator, TPT’s Almanac | Founder, ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com

    Visit ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com

  • Alysha Price

    Judge, Panelist

    CEO & Founder, The Price Dynamic | Author | Podcast Host | Former FINNOVATION Fellow

    Visit The Price Dynamic

  • Brittany Clausen

    Judge, Panelist

    CEO and Executive Business Consultant, Envision Greatness | Former FINNOVATION Fellow

    Visit Envision Greatness

  • May Lee-Yang

    Curriculum Provider

    Founder and CEO, Mayhem Games | Co-Founder, Funny Asian Women Kollective (FAWK) | Former FINNOVATION Fellow

    Visit Mayhem Games

  • Josh Heriot

    Curriculum Provider

    Logo Designer, Heriot Creative

    Visit Heriot Creative

  • Natalia Mercado

    Judge

    Director of Business Services, Neighborhood Development Center | Business Consultant, Natalia & Co.

    Visit Natalia & Co.

  • Angel Antje

    Judge

    Founder, Led by Truth

    Visit Led by Truth

  • Scott Mikesh

    Curriculum Provider

    Founder & CEO, 4D Fit Mental Fitness

    Visit 4D Fit Mental Fitness

  • Jessica Horton

    Leadership Coach

    Certified Well-being and Life Coach Practitioner, Jessica Horton Coaching

    Visit Jessica Horton Coaching + Consulting

  • Dr. Quendrida Whitmore, CPCC

    Curriculum Provider

    Author | Speaker | Executive Coach | Career Consultant

    Visit Coach Quen

  • Emily Anne Page

    Curriculum Provider

    Business Growth Strategist | Coach | Speaker | Founder Start to Sold

    Visit Start to Sold

  • Nate Lockett

    Curriculum Provider

    Founder & CEO Think Mission & Think Insights

    Visit Think Insights

  • Jules Porter Esq., MBA

    Panelist

    CEO and General Counsel, Seraph 7 Studios | Former FINNOVATION Fellow

    Visit Seraph 7 Studios

  • Naomi Lepore

    Curriculum Provider

    Co-Owner, Pandora Advisors | District Sales Coordinator/Benefits Advisor, Aflac

    Visit Pandora Advisors

  • Paul Taylor

    Curriculum Provider

    Founder, Serial Mentors Ltd.

    Connect with Paul

  • Tommy McBrayer Jr

    Panelist

    President & CEO, Don't Shoot Guns, Shoot Hoops | Former FINNOVATION Fellow

    Visit DSGSH

  • Chou Moua

    Panelist

    CEO and Founder, Northend Consulting | Former FINNOVATION Fellow

    Connect with Chou

  • Charie Gill

    Panelist

    Founder, The Right Reach, LLC | Director of Program Partnerships, Peris Foundation | Former FINNOVATION Fellow

    Visit The Right Reach

Photographers & Videographers