DARRIN REDUS
Fund Manager
A national thought leader for inclusive entrepreneurship and growing larger-scale diverse businesses, Darrin is a seasoned business executive and successful entrepreneur. Prior to his work at the Chamber, Darrin served as President and CEO for MainStreet Inclusion Advisors, a national consulting firm developing diverse technology-based businesses and networks.
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.
Curtis Hollis
Chief Operating Officer
In this role Curtis is responsible for enhancing the internal organizational processes and infrastructure that will allow the Minority Business Accelerator to continue to grow and fulfill its mission. Curtis brings 29 years of senior executive banking experience in operational effectiveness, product development, revenue generation, credit risk, and strategy development. Curtis is a graduate of Tennessee State University with a degree in Business Administration. He is also a University of Washington graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School (PCBS).
Curtis provides the MBA Fund 1 with operational support to ensure MBEs have an assigned advisor and investment manager throughout the deal flow process.
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.
Asia Davis
Executive Assistant
Asia works closely with the CEO, COO and the team providing administrative and executive support. She serves as the primary contact for internal and external communications for all client relations, goal setters and portfolio firms. Asia assists with the coordination of various activities, meetings, and events. Asia has served various teams throughout her time with the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber such as the Office of the President, Leadership Programs, Membership and Inclusion. She brings exemplary executive support to her team. Asia is a loving wife and mother of five. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and working alongside her husband Tracey in ministry.
Asia provide administrative services to support the MBA Fund 1 with scheduling, events, and project management logistics for all external and internal parties within the Fund.
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.
INVESTMENT TEAM
Laura Sandstrom
Managing Director, Investments & Client Engagement
Laura brings over 20 years of valuation consulting to the team; she has worked at both Big4 consulting firms and boutique valuation firms. In that capacity she worked with a variety of clients ranging from small start-ups to large multinational conglomerates assisting them in the valuation of their businesses for purposes of meeting GAAP requirements.
Laura left valuation consulting to join the corporate world with Paycor in Corporate Development; she helped to bring SaaS metrics to monthly board reports and created a robust competitive intelligence library comparing pre-IPO stats of competitors. She also partnered with product teams and created complex models for them before entering into a long-term partnership agreement. Laura then transitioned to Belcan as Senior Director of Finance. She managed all M&A activities, from LOI through to full integration, including financial due diligence, deal modeling, synergy tracking, non-IT integration, reporting unit changes and annual goodwill impairment testing. She also managed the weekly global cash consolidation and forecast, managed the credit department, and produced various monthly KPIs.
Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University and majored in Finance and Marketing. She obtained a Mini MBA from Miami University and holds an active license as an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with the American Society of Appraisers in Business Valuation. Laura also serves as a Silent Board Member at Connetic Ventures
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.
CHristine Rochester
Managing Director, Investments and Client Relations
With over 20 years of banking experience, I have developed a deep understanding of the financial industry and the key factors that drive business success. My core competencies include new business development, business relationship management, and analytical skills, which enable me to provide cutting-edge banking solutions tailored to the needs of my clients.
Prior to Joining the MBA Fund, Christine was a Vice President at JPMorgan Chase & Co. on the Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries team. In this role she served corporations, municipalities, and not-for-profit entities across various industry segments. She also leveraged the firm’s global resources, local delivery model, and industry expertise to facilitate growth and maximize the potential of my clients. Her mission is to build long-term relationships and deliver comprehensive financial solutions that are customized, convenient, and competitive. She holds a BBA and Masters of Business Administration from NOVA Southeastern University.
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.
DESTINI BRODI
Investment Associate
Destini Brodi supports the investment team as an Associate at the Minority Business Accelerator leveraging her background in philanthropy management, entrepreneurship, impact investing, private equity, and venture capital.
Destini’s passion for entrepreneurship and place-based investing began when she co-founded Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Prestige (LEAP)—a non-profit designed to improve economic wealth within St. Lawrence County, NY by teaching students how to create opportunities within their community. She went on to later served as an advocate and fundraising advisor for the Girl Rising Foundation, a student ambassador for UN Women, an expert advisor for Pacific Community Ventures (PCV), as well as a member of Women Invested in Sustainable Economies (WISE), VentureNext, BLCK VC, and Women in VC. Destini’s prior roles include previously working as a summer analyst with The Carlyle Group, a senior investment banking analyst at Siebert Williams Shank, an associate at Rev1 Ventures, and Bridges Impact Foundation. She holds a BBA in Finance from The College of William & Mary.
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.
BUSINESS ADVISORS
DANIELLE “DANI” MORRIS
Fractional Chief Financial Officer
Danielle “Dani” Morris serves as Fractional Chief Financial Officer for the Minority Business Accelerator and provides fund management, internal budget and financial statements support for the MBA Fund.
While working with the MBA, Dani also oversees revenue and compliance functions for JumpStart’s venture funds and manages the organization’s internal control procedures for grant award funds and reporting (~$15M annually). Prior to her time at JumpStart, Dani spent nearly 16 years at Case Western Reserve University, most recently serving as the Assistant Controller. Dani sits on the board of DanceCleveland. In 2014 as a Board member of the Alzheimer’s Association-Cleve Chp, she chaired the Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Cleveland Metropark Zoo, which raised roughly $360K with more than 4,000 walkers.
Dani earned a BA from Cleveland State University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.
DENISE THOMAS
Fractional Corporate Engagement Director
Denise Thomas serves as Fractional Corporate Engagement Director for the Minority Business Accelerator and supports the MBA Fund by connecting MBEs with a robust network of strategic corporate partners looking to scale and diversify their operations.
Prior to working with the MBA, Denise Thomas retired as Director of Corporate Supplier Diversity for The Kroger Co. on March 31, 2017. As Kroger’s Supplier Diversity Leader, Denise served in a leadership capacity on the boards/committees of countless national and local diversity organizations, some of which included, Chair, Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI) Supplier Diversity Committee, Member-National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) Board of Directors, Chair, NMSDC Chairperson’s Committee, Chair-Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council’s (OMSDC) Board of Directors, Co-Chair, Women’s Business Enterprise Council-Ohio River Valley (WBEC-ORV) Corporate Committee, Co-Chair, Kroger’s African-American Associate Resource Group (KAAARG) and member of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator’s Advisory Committee and the Mayor of Cincinnati’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Council.
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.
Mark Merkel
Business Advisory Consultant
Mark Merkel is a Consultant for the Minority Business Accelerator and provides financial, investment, legal, and contract support for the MBA Fund to support deal flow and fund management operational logistics.
His consulting business works with an array of clients in the commercial services space operating on a B2B platform. This covers a wide range of strategic and operational initiatives with a primary focus on supporting business growth, advancements in strategic direction and the creation of profit margin. Functionally this work bridges supply chain (procurement, manufacturing, logistics), sales (pricing, sales force effectiveness, sales force optimization, consultative selling) marketing (branding, wallet share, cross-selling), and talent management (employee retention, development, compensation).
Prior to his work at the MBA, Mr. Merkel served as President and CEO of multiple business units of a publicly held Fortune 50 bank holding company and was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Office for a privately-owned document and technology business. He is currently the President and CEO of a Management Consulting Firm that he founded in 2016. His career with Wells Fargo and Co., and its various entities, spanned 25 years where he served as an officer of both Wells Fargo and Co., and Wells Fargo Financial, Inc., as well as serving as President of both Wells Fargo Financial Leasing, Inc., and Wells Fargo Financial Preferred Capital, Inc. During his tenure, these companies experienced significant growth and forged new paths into markets that including Healthcare, Technology, Agriculture, and General Services.
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.
Monique Winston
Senior Business Advisor
Monique Winston is a nationally renowned C- Suite Executive and Minority Business Advocate with 29+ years in the Title Insurance and Financial Services industry. Mrs. Winston has also focused on the inclusion and development of women and minorities as business owners and homeowners.
As the current President and CEO of MWINS Consulting, Mrs. Winston provides speaking, training, moderating and other services to real estate and financial services organizations. Since 2000 she has delivered over 500 messages nationwide, in Canada, Mexico and the Virgin Islands. In addition to leading MWINS Consulting, Mrs. Winston is the Chief Resource and Development Officer for the Minority Business Accelerator (MBA). The MBA is an affiliate of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. The mission is to accelerate the development of sizable minority business enterprises and strengthen and expand the regional minority entrepreneurial community.
Monique has worked for several organizations throughout her career, focusing on every facet of the title insurance industry. She served as the Vice-President, National Business Development Executive with WFG National Title Insurance Company, Chief Executive Officer of Optima Lender Services in Cleveland, Ohio and Senior Vice-President/Senior Underwriting Counsel for Stewart Title Guaranty Company in Houston, Texas. Early in her career, Mrs. Winston worked as a Compliance & Resource Officer and Manager at Fidelity’s Lender Services, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. This position launched her career in the title insurance industry, and over the last 27+ years, she has developed a reputation as a leader in the industry.
Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Mauris blandit aliquet elit, eget tincidunt nibh pulvinar a. Curabitur arcu erat, accumsan id imperdiet et, porttitor at sem. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus.
Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.