Watson Institute Team
Watson Institute is led by a team of strong-hearted individuals who aim to shape the future of education while supporting some of the world’s most highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders.
Programs
Saarika Anand
Executive Director
Saarika manages the program and Preceptors at Watson Institute at Lynn University. In her role, she oversees all programming, including workshops, Impact Series, and our Mentor Network. She also serves as a liaison to the broader South Florida community to build a vibrant and engaged community to coach and support the students.
Mary Campbell
Senior Programs Manager
Mary manages the Impact Fellowship programs and team for our partners and for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.
Aditi Joshi
Programs & Search Manager
Aditi manages the Impact Fellowship programs for our partners and for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources. In addition, she supports our global search for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for the Impact Fellowship programs.
Aarif Khan
Operations Lead
Aarif is a compassionate leader dedicated to social entrepreneurship. Overcoming mental health struggles and a lifelong speech impediment, he was inspired by those who believed in him to uplift others. In 2021, he co-founded TAMKIN, empowering Black men through self-care. Now, he works with the EJS Project, supporting Palm Beach County teens. With a Social Entrepreneurship degree from Watson Institute, he blends innovation and empathy to drive lasting change.
James Okina
Director of Design
James is a pioneer graduate of our inaugural cohort at Watson Institute at Lynn University and is the Founder and current Board Member of Street Priests, which is an organization that supports street children in Nigeria. In his role, James leads the design of our global programming and has a deep seated passion to make our Fellow Journey the best out there.
Teal Vickrey
Senior Programs Manager
Teal manages the Impact Fellowship programs and team for our partners and for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.
Emanuel Wilder
Programs Manager
Emanuel manages the core elements of the Watson Institute Career Accelerator program and supports ongoing recruitment efforts. The Career Accelerators include committed mentorship, award-winning training, personal and professional skill development, and an impactful network of peers and resources.
Carnellia Ajasin
Entrepreneur in Residence
Carnellia Ajasin is a visionary venture builder, investor, and advisor specializing in Responsible AI, emerging technologies, and sustainable innovation. As Founder/CEO of Futuryst, Inc. and a General Partner at Frequencyy Capital, she accelerates ethical, high-impact ventures. An Entrepreneur in Residence at Georgia Tech’s ATDC Accelerator, she mentored over 200 founders. She is a dynamic speaker and writer; she champions AI governance, impact investing, and ethical innovation, shaping the future of the creator economy.
Danny Alberttis
Preceptor
Daniel is a multifaceted entrepreneur and executive with over 25 years of experience in philanthropy, corporate banking, and strategic leadership. As the Founder of Quantic Social Impact and Interim Executive Director of Palm Beach Venture Philanthropy, Daniel has led initiatives that have secured over $100 million in funding and driven transformative change in communities across the U.S. and Latin America. His expertise includes developing innovative impact frameworks, leveraging AI technology, and building powerful cross-sector partnerships to amplify social good.
Lynnette Astaire
Preceptor
Lynnette Astaire is the founder of Superfood School, whose mission is to help people of all diets get more plants on their plates, easily and deliciously. Since starting her first food business at age 11, her diverse experience spans the industries of food, wellness, fitness and entertainment. Lynnette has collaborated with companies like WeWork, Kite Hill and MAC Cosmetics and has been featured on KTLA News. Her high profile clients range from Grammy winning musicians, celebrity CEO’s and athletes.
Denise Bean
Preceptor
Denise has over 35 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She serves as the Executive Director at The Guidance Center, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in rural Northwestern Pennsylvania. Her passion and commitment are to the underserved. Believing that obstacles can be overcome, Denise has spent most of her career developing new programs to fill identified gaps in services. She believes in the importance of strong communities and enjoys opportunities that foster team building and leadership development.
Charlie Berkinsh
Preceptor
Charlie has spent the last decade as a brand builder, mentor and consultant in the CPG space. He is the founder and solo operator at Element Shrub, partner at CPG Anatomy, VP of Product & Student Success at Food Biz Wiz and an investor at The Fountain Inn DC. His advises brands on product launch, creative direction, sales strategy, operational organization, scaling, co-packing & more.
Karen Carr-Crawford
Preceptor
Karen has over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur and business consultant, advocating for small businesses. She’s worked with programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, One Million Black Women, Los Angeles Community Colleges, the SBA, and Small Business Development Centers. Karen has developed successful growth strategies for small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on marketing, sales management, strategic planning, and operational efficiencies.
Kelly Compton
Preceptor
Kelly works with individuals and organizations from the inside out to discover root challenges, uncover inner blind spots, and cultivate fresh new perspectives. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Seton Hill University, she went on to earn a Master of Science from Saint Bonaventure University. Her role as a Jane Addams Fellow at the Center on Philanthropy enhanced her understanding of nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership. She is excited to bring her diverse experience, mission-driven approach, and passion for continuous learning to the Watson Institute, guiding the next generation of social entrepreneurs and leaders.
Dion Dawson
Preceptor
Dion Dawson is the Founder & Chief Dreamer of Dion’s Chicago Dream, a nonprofit tackling food insecurity through innovative logistics and last-mile delivery. His data-driven model delivers fresh produce directly to doorsteps in Chicago’s food-insecure communities, providing millions of pounds of food annually. By prioritizing a resident-informed process, Dion creates local jobs, strengthens communities, and redefines food distribution, ensuring sustainable, equitable access to healthy food for those in need.
Mentor Dida
Preceptor
Mentor brings over a decade of experience in leading impactful projects within social entrepreneurship. Mentor has a wealth of experience in launching businesses and crafting effective Go-To-Market strategies, and he is enthusiastic about embarking on this journey alongside you, leveraging his expertise to drive success and create meaningful impact. At his core, Mentor is a conscious leader who enjoys connecting with people and working together for a greater impact. He is a dedicated meditator on a mission to spread compassion and joy to all.
Ali Frankel
Preceptor
Ali is a dedicated facilitator and strategist with 15+ years of experience, passionate about empowering teams and communities for positive change. She specializes in systems change, well-being, and empowering young changemakers, artists, and movement-builders. Her work is rooted in our shared humanity and guided by creative and spiritual practice, always with a focus on justice and well-being for all.
Erick Gavin
Preceptor
Erick Gavin is the Executive Director of Venture Miami, an economic development office of the City of Miami tasked with facilitating the growth of the technology and innovation ecosystem. Prioritizing STEM education, he fosters social and economic impact through collaboration, shaping Miami as a tech hub.
Victoria J. Ho
Entrepreneur in Residence
Victoria is a fearless food entrepreneur and brand strategist who has guided 200+ conscious products to market. She is the founder of Sherpa CPG and co-founder of Khalo. Victoria’s holistic approach to innovation blends deep commercialization expertise with a passion for impact storytelling, from packaging to plate. A daughter of first-generation Chinese immigrants, she learned to see food as her native love language. She co-leads INCLUDED, serves on the Specialty Food Association Board, and mentors emerging founders through SFA, Watson Institute, and the LA Food ACCESS Accelerator.
Cole Hoover
Preceptor
Cole Hoover, a seasoned transformative facilitator with 15 years of social impact experience, enhances social and environmental impact through business principles. As an entrepreneur and co-founder of Washington state’s first accredited social enterprise certificate program at the University of Washington, he actively teaches related courses. Serving on the board of the Whidbey Institute and an alum of the World Economic Forum’s “Global Shaper” program, Cole’s global influence extends through inspiring professionals in social enterprise, equity, and microfinance.
Pearl Hou
Entrepreneur In Residence
Pearl, a Wharton and NYU Law alumna, is a former attorney, Wall Street banker, corporate executive, and internet entrepreneur. Pearl is now a mindfulness coach, guiding others toward inner growth and resilience. She brings mindfulness and self-compassion courses to schools and corporations, aiming to cultivate meaningful, burnout-free lives. As a Lululemon ambassador and Global Ambassador Advisory Board member, Pearl crafts mind-body approaches to unlock human potential and promote well-being.
Christopher Houghtaling
Preceptor
Chris Houghtaling, CEO and co-founder of RaiseLink, was active in the European startup ecosystem living in Vienna, Austria, and started VisioneersPartners, an international sales strategy consulting and coaching firm. Chris was involved in the European Council and World Bank’s Pioneers of the Balkans, worked with scores of international accelerators/incubators and event organizers, CMO of DealMatrix, venture capital including expanding the European Super Angels Club across Europe, corporate innovation teams, and has been an adjunct faculty member for seven universities in Austria and the US.
Jason Jacobsohn
Preceptor
Jason is the Founder and Managing Partner of Propellant Ventures, a Seed-stage fund that invests in the growth of Chicago and the greater Midwest. He is also the Managing Director of the Chicago chapter of Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed technology accelerator. With over 20 years of experience, Jason supports entrepreneurs through investor readiness, strategic advisory, and capital formation. Additionally, he teaches business and entrepreneurship at DePaul University as an adjunct faculty member.
Shekar Jayaraman
Preceptor
Shekar Jayaraman, Esq., LL.M., is an attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Jayaraman Law, LLC, based in Chicago, and co-founder of TBG Las Vegas, a real estate consulting firm. Specializing in corporate transactions, litigation, and regulatory compliance, he is committed to building inclusive teams. Shekar mentors young professionals and holds degrees from Loyola University Chicago, the University of South Dakota, and The Ohio State University. He enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and playing violin.
William Kasper
Entrepreneur In Residence
William has spent more than twenty-five years as an executive and entrepreneur with rapid growth SaaS and EdTech startups, and has advised over 400 ventures as a subject matter expert and mentor on go-to-market (GTM) strategy. He studied mathematics and computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and English literature and theater at Oberlin College and the California Institute of the Arts. , and is a co-founder of cybersecurity startup Foresight Resilience Strategies.
Brian Knowles
Preceptor
Brian Knowles is a dynamic speaker, writer, researcher, and educator with the distinction of being twice named by Legacy Magazine as one of South Florida’s Top Black Educators (2018 and 2022). Brian is the founder of Power Builders Curriculum and Pedagogies, an educational consulting company that supports schools, community organizations, and education-focused nonprofits in creating culturally affirming spaces. This includes: policy, curriculum design, and professional development for educators.
Heather Lawver
Preceptor
Heather Lawver is the Founder & CEO of Perfectly Pitched, supporting early stage entrepreneurs & automating the future of startup branding, marketing & pitch decks. In their first year & a half in business, Perfectly Pitched helped clients raise over $12 million, which went to 97% underrepresented founders. Heather’s been a lifelong entrepreneur and is especially passionate about expanding inclusion and diversity across venture capital for women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled founders.
Brian Lee
Preceptor
Brian is the Co-Founder of Roamli, which was launched to help organizations create immersive experiences for any audience and their community. In May 2023, he launched Gildre, an invite-only knowledge community for ambitious founders, providing exclusive access to mentors, events, and tools to help them build successful companies.
Terrance Range
Entrepreneur In Residence
Terrance is an accomplished entrepreneur and product leader with over a decade of experience developing AI solutions for social impact. He began with a startup providing books to low-income communities in sub-Saharan Africa. He later launched Intend, a mental health app, and founded Myndful, an AI-powered well-being platform. Terrance mentors emerging ventures and advises with the Kirchner Impact Foundation, nurturing diverse, socially-conscious entrepreneurs and investors.
Matt Reynolds
Entrepreneur In Residence
Matt Reynolds is a seasoned executive in socially responsible business startups, focusing on fair trade, organics, and ESG practices. He co-founded one of the first B Corporations in fashion, generating over $70 million in fair trade and organic product sales. His leadership spans Cloth Foundry, Higg, Indigenous Designs Corp., and more. Recognized with multiple awards, he exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable growth.
Paul Rivera
Preceptor
Dr. Paul Rivera, a dynamic strategist and visionary, excels in empowering individuals, organizations, and communities. A resilient leader and a proud Latino, his multifaceted roles span entrepreneur, strategic planner, facilitator, coach, economist, and educator. Dr. Rivera catalyzes sustainable growth and meaningful change, guiding others toward lasting systemic impact. Paul is a polyglot, music lover, and world traveler.
Tali Rosman
Preceptor
Tali Rosman is a seasoned business leader. Following a career in strategy and in mergers & acquisitions, she joined Xerox to build and lead Elem Additive, a subsidiary dedicated to 3D Printing and Advanced Manufacturing. She led Elem Additive to multiple successes resulting in the company’s exit. Since then, Tali has been working with early-stage startups and entrepreneurs, primarily in the industry 4.0 and manufacturing domains, to solve their challenges and help them scale to success.
Danielle St. Luce
Preceptor
Danielle St. Luce is a non-traditional fundraising consultant focused on access to capital for first-time and novice entrepreneurs. She is experienced in supporting social ventures needing first-time capital and operational consulting. Her work focuses primarily on supporting government agencies and nonprofits in building capital programs for entrepreneurs in their communities.
Felicity Swindell Smith
Entrepreneur In Residence
Felicity Swindell is a public relations and marketing expert with over a decade of experience helping businesses amplify their impact. As founder of Felicitea Digital Lab, she empowers small businesses by offering business education, press opportunities, and branded events. Her mission is to bridge the gap between dreams and opportunities through creative strategies and mentorship. Felicity is also a proud parent, creativity advocate, and champion of collaboration’s transformative power.
James Taylor
Preceptor
James Taylor, founder of Taylored Athletes in Florida, has over 20 years of experience in youth sports development, serving 2,000+ athletes annually. As National Director of USSSA Basketball, he has driven economic growth while supporting young athletes. Holding a master’s in sports administration and marketing, James combines sports training with personal growth, fostering community engagement. His “Plan A’s Only” philosophy inspires others to pursue their passions fully.
Régine Théodat
Preceptor
Régine Théodat is an experienced strategist and entrepreneur with over 15 years in marketing, business development, and social impact. She founded a vertically integrated agribusiness in Haiti, supporting local farmers and producing artisanal goods. She also created Isse & Lo, a brand focused on cultural learning tools for children. Régine’s mission is to empower communities through innovative strategies that combine cultural preservation and sustainable growth. She enjoys folktales, history, photography, and hiking.
Rhys Williams
Preceptor
Rhys Williams has over 30 years of experience in venture finance, entrepreneurship, and not-for-profit management. He has served as Managing Director of FAU Tech Runway, Co-Founder of New World Angels and several biotech companies, Research Director for the Angel Capital Institute, Chairman Emeritus of the Cox Science Center, and Commander of an Army Special Forces unit. He’s testified before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee and was named one of the “50 Power Leaders in Technology.” Rhys holds degrees from Harvard and the University of Florida (J.D., MBA).
Sarah Windrum
Preceptor
Sarah Windrum is a technology business founder and investor who is leading the development of MIRA Tech Park’s future mobility cluster in the UK. The park hosts 40+ global tenants specializing in zero-emission and cyber resilience technologies. A leader in regional innovation, she serves on multiple boards and was formerly Chair of the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership. She is Deputy Chair for the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Innovation Board, a Regional Fellow at the University of Warwick, and a recent MSc graduate from Coventry University in Data Science. Sarah also wrote a book, The Superhero I Was Born to Be, sharing how she manages her mental health as an entrepreneur, published in 2017.
Audrey Wu
Preceptor
Audrey is a Y Combinator and Techstars founder of three venture-backed companies, including one with a successful exit. She is a strong operator with expertise in marketing, finance, and product development. Most recently, she served as Entrepreneur in Residence with Techstars and Plug-In Ventures. She lives in LA with her family and two Shih Tzu mixes.
Vanessa Zamy
Preceptor
Vanessa Zamy, The Business Defibrillator®, is empowering women nationwide to lead prosperous community enterprises. Her background includes a Management Science and Engineering Degree from Stanford University, and strategic leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies. A Consultant, a Professor, a Speaker, and Bestselling Author, in her spare time, Vanessa enjoys sleeping, and living by her mantra: “have fun, grow money, and share”.
Esther Zeledón
Preceptor
Dr. Esther Zeledón, known as Dr. EZ, is a resilient Latina immigrant and trailblazer. Her diverse roles include entrepreneur, speaker, coach, diplomat, activist, mother, mentor, travel guru, scientist, and author. In her book “Creating Your Limitless Life,” she guides others toward authentic fulfillment. Dr. EZ bridges cultural gaps, fostering transformational change and collective power based on purpose, joy, peace, health, love, and prosperity. She inspires others to live a limitless life.
Givon Zirkind
Preceptor
Givon Zirkind is a seasoned computer scientist currently working in an MS SQL environment, where he ensures database integrity and manages data cleaning processes. He also oversees a PowerBI installation. With extensive experience in both corporate and academic settings, Givon has designed courses, taught, and authored training materials. His professional background spans the manufacturing and retail sectors. As a tech writer and evaluator, Givon stays at the forefront of the startup industry, always exploring new technologies. Known for his inventive and creative approach, he is also a patent holder.
Search & Admissions
Javier López-Mochón
Director of Admissions
Javier leads admissions for Watson Institute at Lynn University and ensures team and student success by fostering our northstar where students can major in their mission, gain experience as interns with leading organizations in their field, and develop a skill set necessary to create impactful, successful careers.
Monica Solares
Associate Search Operations Manager
Monica supports our global search for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for the Impact Fellowship programs, in addition to providing world class technical and operational support to the team’s recruitment, admissions, and marketing functions.
Operations
Alberto Gómez
Senior Director of Operations
Alberto leads the daily operations at Watson Institute, including but not limited to: hiring, people operations, financial management, and program operations. Prior to his role at Watson Institute Alberto served as a Wildland Firefighter and is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Daniela Lippi
Associate Operations Manager
The Associate Operations Manager supports the daily operations at Watson Institute. This includes but is not limited to leading hiring operations, Fellow financial operations, IT support, team culture initiatives, and supporting org-wide projects developed by Watson Institute’s Senior Director of Operations (SDOO).
Development
Leadership
Ariana Agombar
Associate VP of Development
Ariana leads our global development team with the goal to build relationships and meet fundraising goals required to expand our impact. This includes compelling writing of grant proposals, strong funder communication, and serving as lead for some of our corporate and foundational partners.
Isabel DeJesus
VP of Admissions & Programs
Isabel leads our global admissions team with the goal to strengthen our search strategy and impact worldwide. In addition, she oversees our Career Accelerator program. In this capacity, she advises program design, identifies and assesses technical and operational requirements, and ultimately translate those requirements into an implementation strategy that meets the needs of both our partners and Watson Institute.
Dwayne Griffith
VP of Programs
Dwayne leads the Programs and Design teams for Watson Institute’s Impact Fellowship programs and ensures the highest level of programmatic quality and impact. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, venture development stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources. He is a pioneer graduate of our inaugural cohort at Watson Institute at Lynn University.
Tyler Guiliano
VP of Impact Ecosystem
Tyler leads the recruitment of a vibrant and engaged community of Preceptors, Mentors, and Entrepreneurs in Residence to coach and support our Fellows. Her goal is to add ‘moonshot’ level individuals to our network so that we have the best network in the world to support our Fellows and grow our impact. Tyler also oversees and serves as a coach to the team at Watson Institute at Lynn University.
Andrew Lippi
COO & Co-Founder
Andrew serves as the internal lead of the organization and manages our organization-wide functions: Programs, HR/Operations, Search & Admissions and Development. He builds and instills culture in our top-notch teams and supports each team in achieving their goals. He is known as a GyShiDo Master and aims to set the foundation for Watson Institute to become a hundred year old institution.
Board of Directors
Jane Miller
CEO, Lily's Sweets
A recognized leader in the natural and organic food industry, Jane is former CEO of Lily’s Sweets (sold to Hershey’s), co-founder of Haevn (with several Watson Institute alums!) and has 30 years of executive experience in PepsiCo, Heinz, and Rudi’s Bakery. Jane publishes the popular blog JaneKnows.com on the tips, tools, and truths to lead a meaningful career.
Mike Miles
Retired Microsoft executive
Mike is a retired Microsoft executive where he led high profile, global products and most recently the Community Development program that supports 50+ global communities. Mike is an early-stage investor, advisor and board member of numerous non-profit and for-profit start-ups.
Advisory Board
Robin Luff
Lead Partner, Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship at Watson Institute
Robin believes that the education system needs a boost. With that, she has committed her time to systemic change with charter school oversight, preschool readiness for Spanish speakers, and executive functioning skills for marginalized communities.
Roshan Paul
Founder, Amani Institute
Roshan is the Founder of Ashoka’s Globalizer and the Amani Institute. He is a guest lecturer at over a dozen universities – from Harvard to Paris’ HEC Business School. His course is entitled: “Scaling Social Enterprises Globally.” Roshan is also a Preceptor at Watson Institute at Lynn University.
