Current Mentors

Sheetal Aiyer is a dynamic business executive and attorney with a passion for startups and emerging business growth. Throughout his career, he has worn many hats, serving as a CEO, COO, Chief of Staff and General Counsel, and he now serves as a fractional executive for various companies through his consulting firm, Vik Charles Consulting. He is also Of Counsel at RPCK Rastegar Panchal LLP, a global boutique law firm specializing in all manner of transactions related to venture capital, private equity, fund formation, and project finance.

Sheetal has a broad skill set across strategy, management, operations, financial accountability, marketing, revenue growth, profitability, and risk mitigation. All that said, at the end of the day, his passion lies in building companies.

Bob Bonsignore brings a passion to counsel and to give advice to those prepared to accelerate their career’s objectives and dreams. He has a wealth of experience in sales and sales management in energy markets, in capital, end-user and upstream Oils and gas businesses. Bob is a member of numerous organizations including the Houston Technology Center. This is Bob’s fourth second round of mentoring a WCE Student and we are delighted to have his experience, knowledge, and kind heart back again to bring a rewarding mentoring experience to our students.

Experience

1989 to October 2012. Employed by Puffer Sweiven Company, Stafford Texas

Held several positions in Sales and Sales Management serving broad Energy Markets in Capital, End-User and Upstream Oils and Gas Businesses.

2003 to 2012. Sr. VP and Board of Management Member

1978 to September 1989. Employed by Crosby Valve Company, Wrentham, Mass. (currently a TYCO Company), Positions located in New Jersey, Massachusetts and Texas.

1984 to 1989, Regional Manager, concentrating on markets west of Mississippi, east of Rockies. Staff of fifteen people

1978 to 1984, Various positions within Sales and Marketing including District Sales Management, Product Manager as well as Business Development Manager

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Steven Burciaga brings a deep understanding of how to craft tailored solutions for every buyer’s unique needs. His innovative approach to corporate team building, operational processes, and uncompromising standards for customer satisfaction has proven to be a highly successful business model within the financial services industry.

Upon entering the mortgage industry, Steven quickly distinguished himself as the top-producing loan officer at his company within six months, driven by an unwavering focus on client experience and strategic loan structuring. His rapid success led to his appointment as Managing Director of Prestige Lending Group in 2023, a Texas-based residential mortgage company producing over $100 million in annual volume. During his first year as Managing Director, Steven led the company through more than 400% growth, expanded operations into multiple states, and spearheaded the formation of the firm’s commercial lending division.

Steven is currently the Co-owner and Managing Director of Real Estate Assets and Lending, housing both residential and commercial lending divisions, where he continues to focus on scalable growth, operational excellence, and relationship-driven lending.

Steven earned two Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the University of Houston, with minors and certificates in Psychology, Advanced Sales, Sales for Social Impact, and Global Business. He is a proud former member of Pi Kappa Alpha, where he received the fraternity’s Scholar, Leader, and Gentleman Awards.

A Houston resident in the Memorial community, Steven values family above all else. He is deeply active in his faith and leads a community group at his home church alongside his wife, Jennifer. They have two sons, Elijah and Everett. In his free time, Steven enjoys fellowship with family and friends, great food, Houston collegiate and professional sports, and exercise.

Chris was born in Chicago, IL, lived in Cleveland, OH and arrived in Texas in the mid 60’s. He graduated from the University of Houston in December 1977 with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. After three tumultuous years in the restaurant business, he entered the printing business and has held various roles from sales executive to president. He is married to his lovely wife Glenda and they have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren. He enjoys reading, an occasional round of golf, movies, and a good single malt. Chris has mentored 8 students and considers working with the Wolff Center students among the best experiences he has enjoyed.

For more than 20 years, Dr. April Day has brought passion, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to developing communities and improving lives through education and economic sustainability. Her career reflects a consistent willingness to challenge the status quo and create programs that drive meaningful change. With postgraduate nonprofit training, she began her results-driven career as a program director for a 15-branch youth mentorship program serving 800 youth and 200 volunteers. Since then, she has strengthened organizational operations, prepared thousands of young people for college and life, launched leadership and women-focused business programs, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and raised more than $3.5 million in grant funding.

Today, Dr. Day serves as president of the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA), a leading third-party certifying organization supporting nearly 800 certified women-owned businesses across 94 Texas counties, representing $6 billion in revenue and more than 40,000 jobs. Under her leadership, WBEA has increased membership, efficiency, and revenue; generated significant media visibility; launched new capacity-building programs; facilitated a global trade mission to China; and helped secure more than $6 million in access to capital for women-owned businesses. She also developed scholarship, mentoring, and internship programs to support startups and future nonprofit leaders.

Dr. Day is also the founder of WellDays, a wellness company focused on burnout reduction, leadership development, and redefining success without sacrificing health. She additionally launched the annual Executive Women’s Retreat in Mexico. A committed community servant, Dr. Day serves on multiple nonprofit and business boards, teaches as an adjunct faculty member, and is a sought-after speaker on leadership, organizational performance, and self-care. She has received numerous honors for her impact and leadership. Dr. Day holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Houston and an MBA and Doctorate from Our Lady of the Lake University. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and living fully.

Donna Durbin is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist, educator, and entrepreneur with decades of experience spanning fine art, textile design, higher education, and language coaching. She is internationally recognized for her work in fiber and mixed media, with exhibitions, awards, publications, and commissions across the U.S. and abroad, and her artwork held in corporate, public, and private collections. Alongside her artistic practice, Donna has served extensively as an adjunct professor, lecturer, and workshop leader, bringing deep expertise in visual arts, textiles, and creative professional development to academic and community settings.

In parallel, Donna is the Founder and CEO of Clear English Coach, where she has successfully built and scaled an accent reduction and pronunciation training business, including the creation of an online course and a widely followed YouTube channel. Her career reflects a unique blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, teaching, and cross-cultural communication, grounded in a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, learning, and empowering others through art and language.

David Flame is an educator, transformational business leader, and serial corporate entrepreneur with extensive experience building, scaling, and leading complex global businesses across software, hardware, SaaS, cloud, and consulting markets. He is known for aligning technology with business strategy to create market opportunity, competitive advantage, and sustained growth. Over a nineteen-year career at Oracle, Mr. Flame held multiple senior leadership roles, including Group Vice President and General Manager, where he led global sales organizations, go-to-market strategy, mergers and acquisitions integration, and business operations with full P&L responsibility. His leadership focused on driving revenue growth, operational excellence, customer success, and building high-performance, cross-functional global teams.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Mr. Flame is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston’s C. T. Bauer College of Business, where he teaches Marketing Strategy and Planning and leverages his real-world experience to prepare students to bring products and services to market, develop data- and AI-driven marketing strategies, and execute against business objectives. He is also actively engaged in mentorship, serving students and entrepreneurs through programs at The Kinkaid School, Texas A&M University, and other institutions. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a B.B.A. in Marketing Management, Mr. Flame continues to contribute his expertise to education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

With over three decades of experience at Star Furniture, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, Michael Galloway has been a driving force in the company’s promotional and digital strategy. As the Vice President of Advertising and New Media, Michael has spearheaded innovative campaigns that have significantly enhanced Star Furniture’s online presence and customer engagement.

Michael’s journey with Star Furniture began in 1989, and over the years, he has held various pivotal roles, including Advertising Director and Art Director. His expertise spans customer research, marketing budget management, brand management, and digital strategy development. Under his leadership, Star Furniture has seen remarkable growth in its digital footprint, making it a leader in the industry.

Michael is deeply committed to community service, actively supporting the Houston Furniture Bank, and is passionate about the furniture industry’s responsibility towards sustainability. His commitment to excellence and innovation continues to drive Star Furniture’s success in the competitive market.

Mr. Luis Ángel García-Álvarez is a distinguished leader in the immigrant Latino community. He is currently the co-founder and president/CEO of the non-profit organization System for Education Empowerment and Success (SEDES). Additionally, he is a co-owner and President of Human Capital Solutions, a staffing company. Holding a Master's degree in Human Rights and International Law from the European Institute Campus Stellae (Santiago de Compostela, Spain), Luis has demonstrated his dedication to the Hispanic community in the United States.

As the founder and current president of SEDES, Luis has provided leadership, direction, and inspiration to thousands of Latinos in the Houston area by promoting education as the foundation for achieving success.

Some of Luis achievements include:

2021 Hispanic Heritage Award – 2021 Hispanic Heritage Award as a community activist and proclamation of October 5 as Luis Angel Garcia-Alvarez Day.

2021 MLS – Wells Fargo Community MVP – Houston Dynamo FC – Award as the Most Valuable Player of the community – MLS – Houston Dynamo 2021.

Houston Mayor's 2018 Leadership in Education Award.

Luis has served on the following programs and committees: Harris Health System - Gulfgate Health Center Advisory Board, Harris County Youth Advisory Board, Superneighborhood #51 delegate, HISD Superintendent's Public Participation Committee, among others.

Desiree Gonzalez is an accomplished executive with deep expertise in finance and operations. As Chief Operating Officer of Hope Media Group, a nonprofit media ministry, she leads core functions including finance, HR, legal, compliance, and data systems—driving organizational effectiveness and long-term growth.

Her career began at PwC, where she gained audit and financial reporting experience, followed by AES, a global energy company, supporting complex multinational operations. Since joining Hope Media Group in 2013, she has advanced through leadership roles including CFO, VP of Finance, and Director of Accounting, building a strong foundation in financial strategy and organizational stewardship.

Desiree holds a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. She is dedicated to mentoring students and early-career professionals, helping them translate academic knowledge into practical leadership skills with a focus on strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, and resilient career development.

Grace Gosnell is a co-founder of Scoop Health, an innovative health benefits firm dedicated to helping individuals and businesses access better, more transparent health benefits. At Scoop Health, she focuses on creating practical solutions that simplify healthcare decisions while improving outcomes for both employers and individuals.

Grace is a graduate of Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, where she built a strong foundation in business strategy and leadership. She is passionate about combining entrepreneurship with service and believes that access to healthcare, education, and opportunity can be a powerful driver of positive change.

In addition to her professional work, Grace is actively involved in her community. She volunteers on the Executive Leadership Team for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Young Professionals Group as well as the Young Professionals Board of Small Steps Nurturing Center, supporting initiatives that strengthen education and early childhood development.

Birgit D. Kamps founded, grew, and sold an Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Company and a Best Company to Work for in Texas. Since then, she started a leadership consulting company and continues to serve as a Board Member of that organization, as well as serving as a Director of the Omni Guard, Hennessey Specialty Vehicles, and the Brookwood Community.

In addition, she is the founder of the “CEO Blindspots® Podcast”, where over 290 leaders have shared their best practices and blindspots with other executives. Her podcast has been recognized by Spotify for having the “biggest listener growth in the USA” (733%) and for ranking in the top 1.5% of global business podcast in her category.

Birgit is often referred to by her clients as the “Human X-Ray Machine” for her ability to quickly identify leadership blindspots, prevent costly hiring mistakes, and provide effective guidance for performance and conflict resolution issues. By supporting clients in discovering leadership blindspots, Birgit accelerates their company’s success, and they find that they can also enjoy a higher quality of life.

Louis Kirchem is a retired food service executive with over 35 years experience in leading and mentoring others. His career started in 1974 after attending the University of Houston. He was the General Manager for a local restaurant group for 6 years and was then recruited by Sysco Foods in Houston, TX. After starting in sales Louis was quickly promoted to Vice President of Sales, Vice President of National Accounts, and Vice President of Marketing. Seventeen years later in 1997 he took over as the Corporate Vice President of National Accounts for International Multifoods based in Denver, CO. Over the next 14 years Louis played a key role in several successful acquisitions and mergers, including Roma Foods and Performance Food Group. His last 5 years he served as President of Performance Food Group in Portland, OR. Louis is known for his leadership, team building and negotiating skills.

With a passion to serve and give back, Louis currently mentors in Katy ISD, co-chairs on a Development Board for a new parochial elementary school, and is an active Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. All of which support youth education and values.

Louis lives in Houston and is strongly committed to his faith, family and the sharing of his business and personal experiences with young entrepreneurs in hope of making a fundamental difference in their lives. He has been a WCE Mentor since 2018 and was Mentor of the Year in 2022.

Dr. Asha came from Poland in 1989. Graduated from Northwestern University Chicago dental school in 1996. Practiced in North Dakota and Michigan prior to coming to Texas in 2010. She is passionate about neuromuscular dentistry and unrestricted growth in children. Dr. Asha Loves all jokes. Even the Polish ones! Her Latin motto is Sola dosis facit venenum. She has a holistic approach to dentistry.

Kathi Martin is the National Business Development Director at Thomas Printworks and a seasoned marketing operations and graphic communications professional with more than 30 years of experience supporting corporate, construction, and franchise organizations. Her expertise includes marketing supply chain management, omnichannel program development, print production services, and streamlined fulfillment and distribution programs. Throughout her career, she has built strong, long-term client partnerships by focusing on practical problem solving, service consistency, and clear communication.

In her leadership role at Thomas Printworks, Kathi blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution. She is known for simplifying complex processes, guiding clients through program development, and collaborating across teams to deliver reliable, on-brand solutions. She remains committed to continuous improvement and to fostering a supportive, solutions-driven environment for clients and colleagues alike.

Kathi is a Clear Lake native and a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, where she studied Radio and TV Broadcasting and was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She is a National Member of the American Marketing Association and a former board member of the Direct Marketing Association. Outside of her professional work, she serves as a Group X Spin Instructor at the Katy Family YMCA and is a 12-time MS 150 finisher.

Catherine Vincent McIntyre, native Houstonian, ever-loving wife, mother and grandmother, is the founder of Ninth Generation, LLC, a cattle ranching operation in Refugio, Texas. McIntyre and her husband of 34 years, John, raise Bonsmara cattle on land that has been in and out of the family for nine generations. Bonsmara cattle originated in South Africa with drought and heat tolerant traits suitable to South Texas. The beef produced is excellent and the mother cows are gentle.

McIntyre is also the founder of Veracity Arts, LLC, promoting fine arts sales with a focus on the art of Susanne Vincent, her mother, who received her B.A. and Masters of Fine Art from the University of Houston. McIntyre had a well-attended show at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville in 2024 and recent success with Burns Antiq Haus, Beaumont, and at Round Top.

McIntyre had a successful career in the oil and gas industry, working as Southwest Sales Manager for Newport Steel Corp., Sales Rep. for Drilltec, Tech. Sales Manager for Triad Pipe & Steel, and Business Development Manager for Kairos Aerospace, a Silicon Valley Startup. McIntyre also worked as a Legislative Aide in the Texas House of Representatives for the head of the Harris County Delegation of Senators and Representatives, the Consul of Belgium in Houston, and a Judge in Brazos County.

McIntyre attended St. Thomas’ Episcopal School in Houston, then Texas A&M University, graduating with a B.A. in 1988. McIntyre grew up working in the family-owned Cellar Door restaurants and Lavaca Bay Restaurant as a manager. McIntyre enjoys riding horses at the ranch, reading, history, traveling to new places and outdoor sports.

With emphasis on quality and compliance Sherry McManus created and developed doc2e-file, Inc. into one of the premier Woman Owned document scanning and electronic records management service centers serving the continental US. doc2e-file, Inc. also provides damaged document recovery and has been a valued partner to many companies and public service entities during the hurricane recovery efforts. McManus is widely recognized as an industry expert and her clients include many of the worldwide fortune 500 corporations. She has been instrumental in the selection and design for hundreds of Electronic Records Management (ERM) software and hardware integrations for document imaging and data capture. She has designed or assisted in the design of thousands of applications and templates for document and data capture and retrieval databases for various “business critical” file groups.

doc2e-file, Inc., is a recognized leader in document scanning, processes on average hundreds of thousands of images daily for its client base.Capability includes paper scanning in all sizes and color as well as microfilm in all ANSI recognized formats.

Ms. McManus started in the staffing industry where she spent 12 years and was heavily involved in designing and implementing an electronic records management system utilized by a national staffing service. In 1996 she left the staffing industry to pursue a career in document imaging solutions as a consultant and business development manager.In 1999 she began doc2e-file, Inc.

Ms McManus has been recognized by a host of organizations as an expert in document scanning and imaging consulting. She has served as a speaker to organizations such as ARMA, AIIM, IRWA, City Secretaries South Texas Chapter, Houston Medical Society, and Various others.

Sajeev earned an MBA from the University of Houston, and made the transition from pure marketing to a hybrid marketing role as a journalist for Hagerty Media, the automotive media division of Hagerty Insurance (NYSE: HGTY). Currently, Sajeev spearheads several initiatives to create world class content, and digital marketing through social media. In his spare time, Sajeev likes to work on his antique cars, play the drums, and indulge his interest in fine arts and design.

Dustin Miller is the Executive Vice President of Operations at Fort Garrison Procurement Company, where he provides senior leadership across enterprise operations, procurement strategy, and organizational execution within healthcare services and government contracting environments. His work focuses on building scalable operating models, strengthening procurement and vendor systems, and supporting mission-driven organizations serving veteran and senior populations.

Mr. Miller earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chicago State University in 2013, graduating cum laude, and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Saint Xavier University in 2016. He is currently a doctoral candidate in the Ph.D. in Business Administration program at Liberty University, concentrating in Entrepreneurship, with research interests in entrepreneurial strategy and healthcare startup development. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and brings a practitioner-scholar perspective to mentoring early-stage founders and student entrepreneurs.

Clark Neumann graduated from WCE in 2015. Since then, he has taken on various roles in the fresh food, farming and agricultural industries. In 2016 he launched Radicle Fresh Juice, a company producing and selling cold pressed juices on the UofH campus, where he gained much of his perspectives and hard skills on running (and failing with) a small business. From there he helped start an indoor urban farm in south Houston selling microgreens to restaurants and wholesale distributors.

In 2018 he was accepted into the U.S. Peace Corps Community Economic Development Sector as a Small Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Development Volunteer. Living and working at an NGO for orphans and vulnerable children in Namibia, Africa he oversaw and conducted training on the management and execution of a Namibian social security commission grant. Through the grant his organization launched a 2,000-layer hen poultry house, generating employment for the local San Tribe community and revenue for the NGO. In March of 2020 his Peace Corps service was cut short -- he moved back to Texas and has been a full-time farmer ever since. His most recent project, T+H Farms, is a 64 acre farm in La Grange, TX owned by Thompson + Hanson and the Tiny Boxwoods Restaurant group. Splitting his time between Houston and La Grange, he started, and now oversees all components of beef, egg, and vegetable production, distribution, and sales.

Tracy Noel is a distinguished leader, entrepreneur, and community-minded professional whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership development, and impact. She began her leadership journey in the United States Marine Corps, where she served four years and attained the rank of Corporal (E-4). Her military service instilled a leadership foundation grounded in discipline, accountability, and mission-focused execution.

After completing her military service, Tracy earned her Master’s degree in Global Governance and Security Studies, strengthening her global perspective on leadership, systems, and decision-making. She went on to serve for three years as Director of Administration with the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management, where she supported complex operations, cross-functional teams, and public-sector initiatives requiring precision, resilience, and strategic coordination.

Tracy is the Founder and Managing Director of Aion Worldwide, a Houston-based human capital firm she built to help organizations and professionals think strategically about leadership, talent, and long-term value creation. Her entrepreneurial work emphasizes leadership mindset, operational excellence, and building sustainable systems that serve both business outcomes and community impact.

As a mentor, Tracy is deeply committed to developing future business leaders who lead with integrity, confidence, and purpose. She believes leadership is not defined by title, but by responsibility, service, and the willingness to invest in others. Her passion for mentorship aligns with the University of Houston’s mission to cultivate engaged, forward-thinking leaders who contribute meaningfully to Houston’s business community and beyond.

Atieno Obala is a vNext Advisor who works with leaders and builders at transition points to help them make sense of what’s next. She is the founder of advoca•C, a leadership advisory practice focused on clarity at moments of transition.

Her work is grounded in experience across multiple sectors, where she has led, advised, and built initiatives at scale. Over time, she became known as the person others turn to when decisions feel complex or the next stage isn’t clear.

As a mentor, Atieno focuses on helping individuals step back, recognize patterns in their choices and experiences, and develop clarity they can own. Her approach is thoughtful, direct, and grounded in real-world perspective rather than formulas or quick answers.

Raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, with a strong sense of responsibility and an entrepreneurial mindset, Atieno is a proud alumna of Prairie View A&M University and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She brings the same intentionality to her personal life, prioritizing self-(re)discovery, holistic wellness, and spiritual grounding through The Fort Bend Church.

When she’s not advising or mentoring, Atieno is usually reading, reflecting, and creating space to stay aligned with what’s next.

Dr. Ruth Allen Ollison is leadership strategist, urban pastor, and former award-winning broadcast journalist who blends the disciplines of business, communication, and spiritual formation to help organizations and individuals thrive. As the first African-American woman to serve as News Director in a top-10 television market, she built high-performing teams, guided organizations through crises, and developed talent that continues to lead in media today.

After a distinguished media career, Dr. Ollison embraced her call to ministry, earning advanced degrees in theology and spirituality. She is the founding pastor of Beulah Land Community Church in Houston, where she leads with a vision for community transformation, personal wholeness, and practical faith. Her work bridges the marketplace and the ministry, offering coaching, teaching, and consulting that empower leaders to communicate with clarity, operate with integrity, and serve with purpose.

Known for her ability to integrate spiritual wisdom with real-world experience, Dr. Ollison continues to inspire audiences, mentor emerging leaders, and champion initiatives that uplift families, neighborhoods, and organizations.

Mohina is an accomplished financial professional with 15+ years of Progressive Finance and Accounting experience in Manufacturing, Oil & Gas services, and advertising. She began her career with public companies like General Electric, Baxter, and FMC technology. For the last ten years, she has worked with Private Equity backed companies and extensively involved in Process Improvement and M&A. She has a strong track record of leveraging her operational experience and expertise in Accounting, Treasury, Finance, Tax, and M&A to build high-performing, results-oriented teams.

She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a dual master’s degree -MBA and Master of Accountancy from the University of Louisville.

She enjoys spending time with family and volunteering in her free time. She serves as an associate board director for the Prime Way Credit Union and volunteers at toastmasters international.

She is excited to be under consideration as a 2023 mentor in the Bauer Entrepreneurship undergraduate program. Her mentors are integral to her professional career, and she wants to pass on what she has learned and experienced to others.

Luisa Fernanda Peña is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), corporate control management specialist, and Global MBA graduate from CENTRUM and Tulane University, with more than 25 years of experience leading FP&A areas, financial strategy, corporate governance, and business development across Latin America. She has held senior leadership roles in multinational organizations, driving regional growth, operational excellence, and strategic transformation.

Luisa is an investor and entrepreneur with a proven track record of building and scaling businesses. She is the founder of Smart World Kids, an early‑education venture she successfully grew and later sold, demonstrating her ability to design, operate, and exit a business with strategic discipline. She is also, and co‑founder of ISENERGY SAS (Colombia) and ISENERGY LLC (USA), where she leads finance, growth and sustainability strategies, and international expansion in the energy sector.

As a mentor, Luisa integrates strategic thinking, financial clarity, and human‑centered leadership. She empowers entrepreneurs to build sustainable, scalable, and globally competitive ventures through structured planning, purpose‑driven negotiation, and strong business fundamentals based on a big purpose.

Joshua Pitts is a 2011 graduate of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship. Shortly after graduating, he founded National LED, a nationwide lighting and installation company where he serves as CEO. Under his leadership, the company has grown into an eight-figure business that provides turnkey lighting solutions across the United States, supporting commercial, industrial, municipal, and sports facilities.

In addition to his business career, Joshua serves as a Board Director for Dream Rydes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life-saving and quality-of-life transportation for children battling terminal illnesses.

Outside of work, Joshua is an aviation enthusiast and licensed pilot who enjoys flying single-engine piston aircraft.

Sam Stilley is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Amstill Roofing, a second-generation Houston company founded in 1974 and now ranked among the Top 100 Roofing Contractors in America. Under his leadership, Amstill a multi-year Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company, has completed over 50,000 projects, earned 1,500 plus five-star Google reviews, and sustained 30 percent year-over-year growth for nine straight years, becoming one of the nation’s most decorated roofing firms.

Additionally, Sam serves on the Owens Corning Platinum Advisory Board, a Fortune 500 Company, and is a keynote speaker for multiple national events. He also owns the number one Cougar 100 fastest-growing UH alumni-led business, The Forge Hobbies & Games.

Lastly, he owns his own commercial real estate holding company that invest in cash flowing properties located in West Houston.

Irsan has worked in the wireless telecom infrastructure industry since 1997, specializing in architecture and engineering. In 2010, he founded Aria Services, Inc. to deliver faster, cost-effective, and high-quality construction drawings and structural analysis. Under his leadership, Aria Services earned top-ten recognition on the Cougar100 list and was named to the Inc. 5000 in both 2017 and 2018.

Born and raised in Indonesia, Irsan immigrated to the U.S. in 1993 and earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, magna cum laude, with a minor in Computer-Aided Design from the University of Houston. He is an advocate for the InAria Scholarship Endowment supporting Houston Community College students through the #educateagainstpoverty campaign. Outside of work, Irsan and his wife invest in commercial real estate, are competitive Latin ballroom dancers who represented the U.S. internationally from 2009–2016, and enjoy traveling and exploring exotic cuisine.

As a 2013 WCE alum, Justin Travis brings over 13 years of experience navigating complex operational environments in the manufacturing and distribution of industrial components for the energy sector. Throughout his career, he has launched new product lines, entered new markets, acquired and developed customer relationships, partnered with global suppliers, and built resilient international supply chains. Analytical, adaptable, and strategic, Justin supports organizational priorities at both the macro and micro levels, with a strong focus on strategic planning, execution and impact. His growth mindset and initiative have enabled him to move fluidly across roles while consistently driving meaningful results. Justin is excited to give back to the program that helped lay the foundation for his career.

Anakaren Valerio is a business operator based in Houston, Texas with extensive experience supporting entrepreneurs and startups. Over the past decade, she has worked closely with founders to help build operational foundations, scale systems, and move businesses toward long-term sustainability and profitability.

She is a minority partner in an after-school enrichment organization and is currently involved in the development of a Houston-based coffee shop. Anakaren enjoys mentoring students and helping them gain clarity, confidence, and practical skills as they explore business and entrepreneurship.

Teresa Vencil is a West Texas–born entrepreneur, community leader, and former registered nurse whose career spans healthcare, business, and civic service. After earning her nursing degree from Texas Tech University, Teresa spent years caring for others before channeling her entrepreneurial spirit into revitalizing spaces and creating meaningful experiences, including transforming a 1960s post office into a community event venue and founding Haute Flowers & Events in 2010, followed by Haute Gallery Estate Sales in 2022. Deeply committed to service, she has held leadership roles with the Association of Business & Professional Women, the League City Rotary Club, and the Rotary Leadership Institute, and has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards throughout the League City community. Teresa’s impact has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Athena National Leadership Award and the ABPW Women of Excellence Award. Above all, she is most proud of her roles as a mother to three sons and “Gigi” to two granddaughters, living by her guiding motto: never stop learning and stay curious.

Travis Zimmerman is a financial advisor with The Fitzpatrick Group, where he specializes in empowering clients through education on the common myths surrounding money. By focusing on strategies that minimize or eliminate the detrimental effects of market volatility, excessive fees, and taxes, he helps clients optimize their portfolios and potentially double their retirement income output. His client-centered approach emphasizes tax-efficient wealth management and long-term financial efficiency, enabling individuals and families to achieve greater security and growth. Prior to his career in finance, Travis served honorably in the United States Air Force as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialist. He completed active-duty assignments in Korea and Washington state, followed by service in the Air National Guard at Ellington Field in Houston. This military background instilled in him discipline, resilience, and a commitment to teamwork—qualities he now brings to his professional and mentoring roles.

A proud alumnus of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, Travis graduated with the Class of 2019 and was awarded the Texas Business Hall of Fame Future Business Legend Scholarship. The transformative experience at the Wolff Center ignited his passion for innovation and strategic thinking, directly influencing his success in the financial services industry.