United States

Dr Norris Krueger, Delegate to Kauffman Foundation’s Landmark ESHIP Meet-up for Global Ecosystem Builders, has been appointed as High Commissioner for the United States. High Commissioner Krueger represents the United States in the International Academics Committee of the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum.

Norris.Krueger@wbaforum.org
Very few are able to make a difference in academe, in education, and in entrepreneurship, but Dr Norris Krueger has managed to keep moving the needle for each, with proven, recognised expertise in growing entrepreneurial thinkers and entrepreneurial communities. While considered a leading thinker on how to grow entrepreneurial ecosystems, he has paid his dues as an entrepreneur and as entrepreneurial champion, serving as the Co-Organizer for Idaho Startup Weekend, the regional coordinator for Global Entrepreneurship Week, and the lead organiser for 1 Million Cups. Dr Krueger  is a World Entrepreneurship Forum delegate, a delegate and presenter at Growing Entrepreneurial Communities, and an invited delegate to the Kauffman Foundation’s landmark ESHIP meet-up for global ecosystem builders. Armed with professional educator training, Norris is also a thought leader in entrepreneurial learning. His Ohio State program was decorated by the US SBA for innovativeness. His Boise State TEAMS entrepreneurship program earned 6 national and 2 global best practice awards. TEAMS blended project-based learning and community outreach with the motto ‘Students Are Our Secret Weapon!’ Twice elected as an officer in the Academy of Management and ICSB, Dr Krueger chairs AoM’s Global Scholar Development Committee. He is also an External Fellow for the Max Planck Institute for Economics, a Senior Research Fellow for the School for Advanced Studies at the University of Phoenix, a Senior Subject-Matter Expert at OECD/EU HE Innovate and Entrepreneurship360, and is the most-cited (Two articles are the top three most-cited articles for two different ‘A’ journals) scholar in his specialty – and his research continues to grow as he collaborates globally.

UNITED STATES

Shaillee Chopra, Healthcare Technology Strategist, has been appointed as Senator at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum. Senator Chopra will represent Usa in the Global Startup Committee of the Grand Assembly.

Shaillee.Chopra@wbaforum.org
I am a healthcare technology strategist by trade. I have over 25+ years of experience in global digital healthcare and analytics space wherein I have held various operational roles such as Chief Data Officer, Chief Global Strategist, Global lead for digital health and transformative care. I specialize in developing and activating innovative digital solutions that generate measurable value and create performance excellence. I currently run a healthcare strategy firm based out of U.S.A. I have proven track record to help multinational organizations in developing strategic plans that leverage digital health innovations (including but not limited to automating care pathways for women’s health, mental health, community health and engagement in global markets; integrating artificial intelligence, blockchain driven and medical device integrated health ecosystems that create broad outreach and captures market share that is in accessible while generating positive ROI against investments) to create market advantage, activate tangible impact. Through my experience in global markets, I am adept at factoring in social, economic, cultural and political/policy impact on health care pathways that must be planned for in the strategy and activation framework. I have designed and led many multi layered governance structures that engage stakeholders in decision making, monitoring and execution of actionable strategies. I am also a fierce advocate of mental health and wellbeing. I believe that this silent epidemic of our modern society has gaps in adequate focus/funding and innovation due to stigma and lack of resources. Through global advocacy on digital platforms and via speaking opportunities, I endeavor to highlight programs and organization that are putting in place programs that tackle normalizing the conversation, elevating focus, leveraging innovation and creating widespread access to coping and treatment so we can make tangible IMPACT.

United States

Shahid Chishty, Chief Investment Officer, Portola Valley Partners, has been appointed as Senator at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum. Senator Chishty will represent Silicon Valley in the Global Startup Committee of the Grand Assembly.

Shahid.Chishty@wbaforum.org
I am a German citizen (US Permanent Resident) with 30 years of global investment banking, venture capital / private equity, strategic advisory, entrepreneurial / startup and not-for-profit experience.  I am currently working with cutting-edge international startups in Silicon Valley (including AI/ML, AR/VR, IoT, Robotics, etc) as well as on global impact and sustainability projects and have worked with international corporations, management teams, investors – including many of the leading VCs & Private Equity firms – and governmental organisations on numerous investments, mergers, acquisitions, disposals and corporate restructurings as well as on international growth, business development, fundraising, group strategy and the whole spectrum of corporate finance transactions.  I have worked at highly respected institutions including Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch, and have enjoyed investment and entrepreneurial experience and interests in wholesale and retail as well as finance, technology and real estate businesses internationally.  In terms of institutional mergers and acquisitions, I have led and mentored teams of expert bankers undertaking every stage in the advisory and acquisition process from market research and analysis to identification of acquisition candidates, valuation, transaction negotiation and due diligence as well as acquisition and corporate financing and fundraising.  I have exceptional data and financial analysis skills and have worked on the most complex and highly sophisticated financial products and models.  I have advised both private and publicly listed corporations on more than a dozen M&A and principal finance transactions valued in US$ multi-billions and on fundraising, capital increases and IPOs valued at over US$ 500million.  In addition, having managed a Euro 2 billion multi-currency, multi-nation, securitised products vehicle, Rhein-Main Securitisation group, and having advised publicly listed corporations, I have in depth experience and knowledge of fund management, global treasury, regulatory and management reporting functions as well as public accounting issues and requirements.  Furthermore, I have gained significant experience in corporate and business development having actively developed, implemented and managed cross-functional strategic business initiatives for companies including Merrill Lynch, in coordination with EMEA Executive Management, the Global Heads of Strategy and the top Group Executive Management of Merrill Lynch.  On an organisational level, my experience includes business development and organisational structuring, client / customer relationship management, personnel training and mentoring, marketing, systems implementation, strategy development and implementation and turnaround management, including with companies that I have personally owned.  I have senior level contacts among corporations, management teams, investors and governmental organisations around the world.  I have also lived and worked in Nigeria (born), the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa and the United States and have travelled extensively all over the world.  I completed the majority of my education at leading institutions in the United Kingdom including Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood and the University of Southampton where I gained a Joint Honours Degree in Business Economics and Accounting.

United States

Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes, Chief Quality and Innovation Officer, MEDNAX.

Ingrid.Vasiliu-Feltes@wbaforum.org
Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes, MD MBA  Is a healthcare futurist who has extensive experience in the healthcare industry as a founder, executive, consultant or speaker. She currently is serving as the Chief Quality and Innovation Officer at MEDNAX Healthcare Solutions. In this capacity she provides oversight for all quality and innovation initiatives across the enterprise, such as Blockchain, AI, Genomics, Precision Medicine, Population Health, Telehealth, Medical Simulation, and Value Based Care. Additionally, she provides leadership to the MEDNAX Center for Research, Education, Quality and Safety.  She is also the Florida Ambassador for Blockchain in Healthcare and for Women in AI.  Prior to her current role, she held several leadership positions within the academic, corporate and not-for-profit healthcare arena, most notably serving as VP-Education, Quality and Safety, Chief Patient Safety and Quality Officer, Chief of Compliance and Quality Assurance, Medical Director of Clinical Research Trials, and Medical Director-Managed Care. Her consulting engagements have  included healthcare systems, VC funds, angel investment funds, not for profit entities and corporations. After completing her post-graduate residency and fellowship training at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2003, she earned her Executive Masters of Business Administration degree in 2011 from the University of Miami Herbert Business School.  She is currently a Faculty Member of the WBAF Business School, Division of Entrepreneurship and teaching the Executive MBA Business Technology Course at the UM Business School. During her academic tenure at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine she taught several courses within the Medical School, as well as the combined MD/PhD and MD/MPH programs. Dr. Vasiliu-Feltes was a highly active member or chaired several committees within the UHealth System. She was also a member of the UM Faculty Senate, UMMG Faculty Council, and an avid advocate of several initiatives lead by the UM Institute of Bioethics and Health Policy. Dr. Vasiliu currently serves as the Chief Ethics Officer for the Government Blockchain Association, an international not for profit organization. Dr. Vasiliu-Feltes is also a member of numerous prestigious professional organizations and holds several certifications, such as Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy from MIT Sloan, Blockchain Technology and Business Innovation from MIT Sloan, Finance from Harvard Business School, Negotiation from Harvard Law School, Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Stanford Graduate School of Business, Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management, Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Patient Safety Officer by the International Board Federation of Safety Managers, Master Black Belt in Lean and Six Sigma Management, Professional in Healthcare Quality by the National Association of Healthcare Quality, Manager for Quality and Organizational Excellence, by the American Society for Quality, and Certified Risk Management Professional by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management.         .

United States Of America

Eli Velasquez, Director of Venture Development at VentureWell, has been appointed as Senator at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum. Senator Velasquez will represent United States of America in the  Global Startup Committee of the Grand Assembly.

Eli.Velasquez@wbaforum.org
Eli Velasquez is the Director of Venture Development at VentureWell.  In this role, he oversees the development of new and ongoing early stage innovator programs, and leads the global investors program on behalf of the U.S. State Department.  He also serves as a faculty member and advisor to the Venture Capital Institute, LLC, the world’s oldest venture training organization.    Prior, he was the Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Technology Commercialization for the Texas Tech University System.  He is an NSF I-Corps Nationally Certified Instructor and co-founder and Executive Director of the Lubbock Angel Network, the 4th most active angel investor network in Texas in 2017.  He has deep expertise in commercialization, angel & venture capital, and innovation strategy.  His efforts in Texas led to over $20M in funding for startups, entrepreneurship programs, and proof of concept funds.  During his first two-years at Texas Tech, he also served as Director of the Greater West Texas Regional Center of Innovation and Commercialization (RCIC) where he implemented a myriad of innovation initiatives, including a technology accelerator and an SBIR/STTR Center.  He also raised three innovation funds totaling $2M under management focused on funding acceleration, university startups, and industry-university partnerships.  His efforts significantly advanced the entrepreneurial ecosystem in West Texas.  The initiatives generated more than a $6M return in grant awards, follow-on funding, and sponsorships in two years.     Prior to that, Mr. Velasquez served as Executive Director of Innovate El Paso.  Through his tenure, he helped six organizations access $9.5M from the state of Texas Emerging Technology Fund.  He also managed the Camino Real Angel group conducting deal screening, due diligence and portfolio management.  He went on to co-found El Paso’s first technology business incubator, recruited El Paso’s first full-fledged patent firm, and launched one of only three applied entrepreneurship programs for women in Texas.   Upon returning to his native El Paso in 2005, he was the Technical Director for the Bi-National Sustainability Laboratory, an organization that promoted the commercialization of technology-based projects on the U.S.-Mexico border.  He was responsible for developing commercialization and incubation programs, along with intellectual property awareness and protection strategies.    Before that, Mr. Velasquez worked for The Boeing Company in southern California, initially within Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) group where he was assigned to the Delta Family of Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles.  In his last two years at Boeing, he worked as an Intellectual Property Consultant within Boeing’s Intellectual Property Business (IPB) unit.   He obtained a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and his J.D. degree with an Intellectual Property Certificate from Whittier Law School.

United States Of America

Joynicole  Martinez, Director of the Research and Development of the World Woman Foundation, has been appointed as Senator at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum. Senator Martinez will represent United States of America in the  Global Woman Leaders Committee of the Grand Assembly.

Joynicole.Martinez@wbaforum.org
Joynicole Martinez   Dr. Joynicole Martinez is CEO of The Alchemist Agency, a management consulting firm serving leading executives, corporations, and organizations. Dr. Martinez has over 20 years of experience providing capacity-building services, including strategic planning and organizational design with a focus on leadership and executive training and coaching, performance and change management, fund development and impact measurement.   In addition to her extensive work in the healthcare industry in compliance, patient experience, interoperability, multidisciplinary team building, diversity & inclusion training, and board development, Joynicole has developed projects and garnered funding for initiatives that reach across disciplines to strengthen population health and wellness. Her grant writing has won millions of dollars toward advancing the community serving missions of her clients.   Dr. Martinez is an award winning speaker and trainer and has presented at numerous local, state, and federal conferences. Her list of clients includes the Health Care Compliance Association, Microsoft Corporation, Women Economic Forum, Ritz Paris, North Carolina Association of Certified Professional Accountants, Ellevate, NASDAQ, Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics, American Veterans Association, and Women Influence Community. Joynicole has trained executives across North and South America and in the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the Netherlands, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and the Caribbean.  As a champion for equity and human capital development, Dr. Martinez serves as the Director of Research for the World Woman Foundation.   Dr. Martinez is a featured member on SheSource, an online brain trust of female experts on diverse topics designed to serve journalists, producers, and booking agents. She is an inaugural member of the Peace50 (P50) Community, an engagement group that proposes policy recommendations related to peace. As contributor to the invitation only Forbes Coaches Council, she provides expert advice on leadership, management, and business innovation. Dr. Martinez serves as the United States Chair for Housing and Development for the All Ladies League (India), is the US Ambassador for Diplomatic World Magazine and is a staff contributor to North Carolina’s oldest minority owned newspaper, The Carolinian. 

United States

Sharesz T. Wilkinson is a Forbes Councils Member, Strategic Advisor and an Executive Communication Expert, has been appointed as Senator at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum. Senator Wilkinson will represent Wilkinson USA in the Global Woman Leaders Committee of the Grand Assembly.

Sharesz.T.Wilkinson@wbaforum.org
She serves as Senator at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum. Senator Wilkinson further represents the USA in the Global Woman Leaders Committee of the Grand Assembly, chaired by Swati Mandela. 

United States

Jaian Cuttari, CEO of the Digital Asset Management  (BDAM)

Jaian.Cuttari@wbaforum.org
Jaian is a United States Presidential Appointee and CEO of Veltrust, a global advisory and investment firm operating in Washington DC. The company focuses on working with clients from a diverse range of industries to utilize opportunities in the government and private sectors. Veltrust also participates in global import and export operations as well as commercial diplomacy, spanning five continents and over twenty five countries. Currently, Veltrust is at the forefront of utilizing state of the art Blockchain technology to meet the needs of the global markets of various industries pertaining to Government, Real-estate, Agri-Business, Health Care, Energy and Hospitality.  Apart from his tenure in international trade and investment, Jaian served as Head of investment along side industry leaders such as Ex-Apple Executive Chuck Goldman and Hilton™ Chairman Rick Hilton, in the creation of Hilton™ backed, Aqua Intelligence (Aquaintel.io). Named Top 5 softwares for the hospitality industry, Aqua Intelligence is the hospitality industry’s first comprehensive data solution using AI and blockchain technology.   Jaian is also the CEO of British Digital Asset Management, a global financial service provider through various development and implementation of innovative Fintech solutions to provide the most comprehensive financial services world wide. BDAM has a massive focus on providing financial services to the underserved demographic in the numerous emerging markets.   Jaian also Co-founded Kroleo, a United States Government contracting firm working with various agencies such as NASA. 

United States

Dawn Hetzel, Former Global President of the JCI.

Dawn.Hetzel@wbaforum.org
Dawn Hetzel is a global leader with a proven track record of inspiring individuals and teams toward success around the world. She is a focused change maker who is not afraid of a challenge. Utilizing a combination of motivation and empathy, she assists in the development and empowerment of everyone around her.  Dawn has 17 years of experience in public speaking and facilitation in front of groups of all sizes- from 2 to 4,000 people. She has delivered keynote speeches, provided motivational sessions, and facilitated trainings in over 60 different countries.   As a team leader, Dawn has 12 years of experience leading, managing, and building teams. She has worked with international teams spanning multiple countries and has experience facilitating individuals working and interacting remotely.   Dawn also has 15 years of experience in advocacy and negotiation, having worked as a lobbyist at the Indiana State House for six years and an Assistant Attorney General in Michigan for four years. In addition, Dawn has spoken and advocated in front of large international entities such as the International Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations.   Dawn is passionate about giving back to her community and building up the next generation of leaders. Dawn joined Junior Chamber International (JCI) Indianapolis in 2002 and over the last 18 years has served in leadership roles at the local, state, national and international levels of the organization. She has dedicated herself to moving the organization forward, while providing support and encouragement for new and emerging leaders. Her notable roles within the organization include 2008 JCI Indiana State President, 2009 JCI USA State Presidents’ Coach, 2012 JCI USA National Vice President, 2014 JCI Executive Vice President for the Americas and 2017 JCI President. In 2018, while serving as the JCI Immediate Past President, Dawn also led the JCI Strategic Planning Committee to develop and present the JCI Strategic Plan for 2019-2023. Dawn continues to support JCI as an alumni member and is currently working for JCI USA as Executive Director.   Dawn received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Purdue University in 2000 and post-graduate degrees of Doctor of Jurisprudence and a Masters of Business Administration from Indiana University, Indianapolis, in 2009. She was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in November 2009.  In her spare time Dawn enjoys running and triathlon training. She has completed several half-marathons, marathons, sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, and one half-ironman distance triathlon. On most evenings Dawn can be found at the dog-park with her dog, Toby. .

United States

Rupa Dash, Co-founder and CEO, World Woman Foundation, USA.

Rupa.Dash@wbaforum.org
RUPA DASH  Entrepreneur | Futurist | Researcher | Investor @rupadash 
Dash is a leading female futurist and entertainment entrepreneur based in Los  Angeles driven to solve the world's biggest challenges through Dash Global  Media, a leading film packaging company in Los Angeles and the World Woman Foundation. As CEO of the World Woman Foundation, Dash leads a global mentorship program for women in film and their influence on global issues. In  2016, Dash Global Media was named the emerging film packaging startup company in Los Angeles for contributions to and support of social impact features. Dash received the Women Making Difference Award from Los Angeles  Business Journal in 2018. She is actively involved with UN Women, Harvard  Business School, Davos Forum, and Hollywood Film Festival, advocating for gender equality in film and entertainment. Dash is the first Indian American managing director of the world’s largest women’s entrepreneurship network recognized by the White House. Dash was the first woman to receive the UN’s International Telecom Union Award for her work to bring entertainment content to Indian farmers. In 2018, among 100 women leaders around the globe, Dash was featured as the Inspirational Achievers in the largest South Asian Association in New York. She also spree heading the Global Campaign on Mentoring One Million Women by 2030 and believes equality for women in progress for all. Dash studied entrepreneurship at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. She is continuing her Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh.

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United States

Sinan Tumer, Founder and CEO, iBC Insights LLC & Former Senior Director of SAP Co-innovation LAB, USA

Sinan.Tumer@wbaforum.org
SINAN TUMER
Belle Mead, NJ 08502 USA| (908)627-1194 | sinan.tumer@ibcinsights.com

United States

Elnaz Sarraf, Founder & CEO Roybi Robot | TIME Best Invention | CNBC World's Most Promising Startup | Board Member of the Small Business Council USA, United States of America

Elnaz.Sarraf@wbaforum.org
Elnaz Sarraf is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in technology, business, sales, and marketing. Currently, Elnaz is the CEO and Founder of ROYBI; an investor-backed EdTech company focusing on early childhood education, AI, and robotics, that recently raised $4.2 million in its seed round. Elnaz is also a Board Member at the Consumer Technology Association, Small Business Council.
Before starting ROYBI, Elnaz co-founded and led a consumer electronics/IoT company, iBaby, serving as the company's President. As an immigrant and female founder, Elnaz has made worthy accomplishments in a short duration living in the US. Honors include being selected as Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center Milestone Maker 2018, named the Woman of Influence through Silicon Valley Business Journal in 2016 and Entrepreneur of The Year in 2016 in Silicon Valley. She has been a speaker at several conferences such as the Mobile World Congress, ASU GSV Summit, Consumer Technology Association, and more. 

United States

Kyle Hoedebecke, Angel Investor at The Aesthetic Medicine Platform TAMP Inc., United States of America

Kyle.Hoedebecke@wbaforum.org
With nearly 20 years of leadership experience across multiple sectors - my organizations have led in key metrics such as quality, safety, customer satisfaction, cost savings, and access to healthcare. As a result, my innovative processes and resultant outcomes have been recognized from key leaders across governmental and medical communities. Additionally, I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and have 65+ peer-reviewed publications across 5 continents in 8 languages. I have led professional medical organizations in over 30 countries and have experience working with physicians in 120 countries. Other ancillary work includes serving on the editorial boards of three medical journals as well as an assistant professor. Beyond my board certification in Family Medicine, my additional studies include four master degrees in business, public administration, leadership, and telemedicine.
I am currently work in the startup environment serving as a medical director in the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries. As an angel investor, I am passionate about supporting medical innovations, minority founders, educational advancement, and environmentally responsible products.  My current portfolio includes nearly 30 startups in these sectors dedicated to making positive changes globally.  I look forward to synergizing my knowledge and talents with those of the international business community to support the WBAF’s world vision.

United States

Wendy Diamond, Investor at the TrustCircle I Founder of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED), United States of America

Wendy.Diamond@wbaforum.org
Internationally Renowned Social Entrepreneur, Impact Investor, Humanitarian, Best Selling Author -  Wendy Diamond is CEO and Founder of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO)/#ChooseWOMEN, a non-governmental philanthropic volunteer organization with chapters in 144 countries and 112 Universities/Colleges on a global mission to empower WOMEN in business to alleviate poverty.  
She is an Investor/Advisor in social impact disruptive technologies and women led businesses including  Producers Market, RISE Wealth  Technologies, Waggit, LOOK Lateral Art, IPWE , Trust Circle, IGP Energy, Blocktower Investments, Infinigon Group, SAFE Health App, BasePaws, Farma Trust, Breathometer, and SNAKT Video APP.  CLICK HERE to learn more about my investments!
Wendy has authored 10 widely-celebrated books, garnered Three Guinness World Records, and has appeared in media outlets including Oprah, NBC’s Today Show, The New York Times and Forbes. She has been also been a featured keynote speaker at the United Nations, Harvard University and Davos.
Wendy sits on the Advisory Boards of Ellis Island Honors Society, Global Women in Blockchain, Social Innovation Summit, Humane Society of New York and Grey Muzzle Foundation.  Prior to WEDO, Wendy founded Animal Fair Media, Inc., the premiere pet lifestyle media platform bridging celebrity, pop culture and animal rescue, to support animal welfare when she learned 12 million animals were euthanized a year.

United States

Brad Yasar, Co-founder of Blockchain Investors Consortium (BIC) & Founder and CEO of Beyond Enterprizes, USA

Brad.Yasar@wbaforum.org
See LinkedIn profile.