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About our NWO Business Mentoring Program
Through collaborative efforts, partnering with the Business Empowerment Alliance Toledo (the BEAT) and Women of Toledo, we introduce the Northwest Ohio Business Mentoring Program.
Interested in getting a Mentor, kindly submit your application below. However, if you'd like to become a mentor, please contact Lisa Halsey at lisah@womenoftoledo.org.
Our Goals
We value diversity in the following areas:
Business, age, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, experience, class, size, and more to find ways to strengthen the entire community.
Reasons why we are a part of the NWO Business Mentoring Program:
As stated in the 2019 State of Women-Owned Business Report, from geography and gender to race and ethnicity, diversity in its many forms drives innovation. Because of women’s different perspectives, skills, and experiences, they solve problems in new and innovative ways. And, as it turns out, women are often more likely than business owners in general to see a need in the market and to start a company to fill it. This should bode well for the U.S. economy, but women face more obstacles than entrepreneurs in general when starting and growing their businesses. Eliminating barriers that thwart the success of women-owned businesses is an economic imperative that can spur innovation and improve productivity, which will create jobs, build wealth, and grow the economy.
Meet our Business Mentors
Chelsea Benton
Across both her personal and professional journey, the consistent throughline in Chelsea’s work has been a deep commitment to helping others clarify their vision, mobilize around it, and optimize their growth through continuous learning. Whether in structured leadership roles or informal mentorship spaces, she is energized by supporting individuals and teams in turning ideas into action and potential into performance.
As an entrepreneur, Chelsea has built and operated ventures across diverse industries, serving as an HR Consultant, property investor and landlord, beer brewer, clothing store owner, and bar/event space owner. Each experience strengthened her operational acumen, financial stewardship, people management capability, and resilience as a business leader. Her entrepreneurial background reflects both creativity and disciplined execution, reinforcing her ability to navigate complexity while keeping people and purpose at the center of the work.
Erika Buri
Erika brings more than a decade of executive leadership experience as Director of Outdoor Sylvania Community Parks, where she leads a dedicated team in advancing community-centered park systems. Her portfolio spans human resources, budgeting, fundraising, grant development, and strategic partnerships, all aligned toward creating accessible spaces that foster connection, well-being, and civic engagement. She is particularly passionate about cultivating strong workplace culture and mentoring emerging leaders, investing intentionally in team development and long-term organizational health.
As she thoughtfully explores her next professional chapter, Erika is seeking mission-aligned opportunities where she can continue serving people, strengthening teams, and driving meaningful impact. She is motivated not only by purpose-driven work but also by the opportunity to help others grow and succeed within supportive, high-performing environments.
Outside of her professional role, Erika finds balance and creativity through cooking, knitting, reading, and gardening. She enjoys hosting family and friends, spending quiet moments with tea on her porch, and dreams of one day opening a cozy bookstore that also serves tea and offers curated yarn selections. She joins this mentorship program eager to both contribute her leadership insights and expand her own perspective through shared learning and connection.
Dr. Kristine Malik
Dr. Kristine Malik is an educational consultant and the founder of KM Educational Consulting, providing instruction- and technology-focused consulting, coaching, and professional development services to K12 schools in NW Ohio since 2022.
Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Kristine was a teacher and an administrator. She spearheaded K12 curriculum reform, guided instructional practices, and implemented cutting-edge technology initiatives. She has presented at prominent conferences on innovative instructional technologies.
Drawing on over two decades of experience in education and leadership, Kristine offers valuable mentorship to women business owners. She can help with organizational skills, business plans, and leveraging technology integration to streamline your daily operations. Kristine is an expert in fostering a growth mindset, a critical trait for any entrepreneur. Her guidance on cultivating a belief in continuous learning and adaptability is invaluable in mentoring, helping business owners view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. Dr. Malik's expertise in navigating the complexities of educational administration translates into powerful insights for any woman seeking to build a resilient and innovative business.
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Justin Leahey
Justin Leahey is a Certified Business Advisor and the Certification Specialist for the Minority Business Assistance Center, with extensive expertise in guiding businesses through the process of securing state certifications, including Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE), and Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE). Justin's passion lies in empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs in the community by helping them gain access to government contracts, funding opportunities, and valuable networking connections. Justin ensures that each client receives tailored support and the resources needed to thrive in competitive markets. As an advocate for minority and women-owned businesses, Justin is committed to making a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering an environment where diverse companies can succeed and flourish.
Brittany Stork
Brittany Stork is a Relationship Manager with ECDI with more than 20 years of experience in Finance, Lending, Business Development, Business Management, Community Engagement, Financial Wellness and Investigations. Brittany is thankful for her mentors, and the people who have helped her become who she is today. She has the passion to help and make a difference within her community mentoring.
Kristen Shinaver
Kristen Shinaver is the Owner and Operator of The Digital Marketing Mom and current Marketing Manager at The University of Toledo’s startup business incubator and coworking space.
In 2012, Kristen launched her marketing and branding consultancy within weeks of graduating Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Michigan University. Since its foundation, her focus has been to help regional businesses achieve their goals through her work in branding, digital marketing, search engine optimization, social media, reputation management, advertising, and public relations.
Kristen has been with The University of Toledo since 2019. In her role as the LaunchPad Incubation Marketing Manager, she oversees event promotion, outreach, and growth of the department’s brand throughout Northwest Ohio. She also serves as an advisor for Launchpad’s clients and tenants.
Kristen’s formal background in public relations and psychology lets her utilize knowledge of consumer behavior to craft compelling marketing and communications strategies dedicated to driving conversions. Her focus is to teach clients about core marketing and branding concepts so they can advocate for themselves as they scale from a startup to a sustainable business.
Elizabeth M. Foley, JD
Elizabeth Foley is an experienced legal professional with more than 25 years in corporate counsel, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation. She has served in senior legal roles with major healthcare organizations, including ProMedica and HCR ManorCare, where she managed large-scale contracts, guided compliance across multi-state operations, and supported executive leadership on complex legal and risk matters. Elizabeth currently provides fractional general counsel services to small businesses, advising on contractual, employment, and operational issues. She holds a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and a B.A. from Smith College, and is active in community leadership and nonprofit boards throughout the Toledo region.
Lenora McIntyre
Lenora McIntyre, CBA®, Business Advisor for the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). As a Certified Business Advisor and small business coach my passion lies with helping empower the minority business community by providing resources and assistance for growth and sustainability including job creation, scalability, and economic impact initiatives such as access to capital, training, and networking opportunities.
Justin's passion lies in empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs in the community by helping them gain access to government contracts, funding opportunities, and valuable networking connections. Justin ensures that each client receives tailored support, and the resources needed to thrive in competitive markets. As an advocate for minority and women-owned businesses, Justin is committed to making a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering an environment where diverse companies can succeed and flourish.
Tia Hopkins, APRN-CNP
Tia Hopkins is a Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and mentor with 15+ years in healthcare. She is the founder of TIA Revitalize Health & Wellness, a preventative-care practice in Toledo, OH, and owner of Truvision Homes, group homes supporting individuals with mental health and addiction needs. A special-needs mom and community leader, Tia is passionate about creating inclusive, empowering spaces for healing and growth. She mentors healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate licensing, business strategy, and sustainable growth. Known for her compassionate, innovative approach, Tia blends clinical expertise with heart-centered leadership to uplift both her patients and her community.
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ReAnna Stevenson
Reanna is an alumni graduate of the Misa Hylton fashion academy based out of New York. Since graduating she has worked for celebrity stylist Jason
Rembert, June Ambrose and Misa Hylton, also having the opportunity to work on several different projects with NYFW with designers such as Sergio Hudson Claudia Li Bibhu Mohapatra and many more.
ReAnna has well as working with with celebrities such as Issa Rae, Michael B Jordan., James Harden and Mary J Blige for Met Gala in 2021.
Having other amazing
opportunities to also worked on the music videos with artists such as Rapsody, The City Girls and working on sketch comedy series for Complex as well.
ReAnna works with artists locally in Toledo and surrounding areas as well styling those who are in need of her assistance
Sheila Eason
Sheila is the driving force behind Elevate People Solutions, serving as its founder and CEO. A seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience, Sheila is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Leadership Development Coach, International Speaker, Trainer, Coach, and Consultant.
She specializes in personal growth and professional development, helping individuals identify what’s holding them back and achieve greater self-esteem and happiness. She works with businesses to solve their important business problems and provides consulting in a number of key areas, such as organizational development, human resources, and training. Her expertise lies in empowering leaders to build their confidence and competence and unleash their full potential. Her passion is to help people grow.
Linda Faye Lucas
Linda Lucas Faye Lucas is a business specialist at the Toledo Lucas County Library where she works with existing business owners, business professionals and prospective entrepreneurs to help them find the data and research to advance their business goals. She has firsthand experience in the world of small business having owned several businesses including, Changing Lanes in Maumee Ohio; a licensed before and after school day care center in Maryland; counseled over 300 small business owners in Delaware while Director of the Delaware Small Business Development Center; and has spent too many hours doing personal and business taxes. She has a bachelor’s in library science from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA in accounting from Augusta State University where she lettered in cross country, too. She has received the YWCA Milestones award and the Maumee Hometown Hero award. When she is not doing business development and entrepreneurial training, look for her in her Maumee, Ohio garden where she lives with Bill, her husband; one mutt; and one ghost named Aunt Phoebe. Not far from her home are her two children’s families with two grandsons, Desmond and Lucas and one granddaughter, Valerie.
Kenny Farrar
Kenny Farrar is a serial entrepreneur dedicated to building sustainable ventures and community. He provides strategic consulting and resources to small business owners across every stage of growth through his firm, Yellow Beet. As a former lead advisor for the SBA’s THRIVE program and the Northwest Ohio Impact Program, he has worked directly with local entrepreneurs to systematize operations, secure capital, and scale effectively.
He is also the Founder & Principal of The Durham Companies, a Cleveland-based portfolio that includes a real estate investment and land acquisition firm, a property management company, and a business brokerage. He manages a dedicated team to execute the operations and growth of these diverse businesses.
Committed to fostering the next generation, Kenny serves on the board for the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Bowling Green State University, volunteers his expertise to new entrepreneurs, and is a youth sports coach.
Dr. Nicole Brock
Dr. Nicole Brock is a civic systems architect and data scientist who combines analysis with creativity to reimagine how communities thrive. Her background spans education, organizational development, and civic innovation, where she has focused on turning complex challenges into solutions.
She thrives on helping others push beyond limitations and gets just as energized about their aspirations as her own. Nicole invites people to think bigger, taking what feels possible now and multiplying it many times over. She also explores the fusion of data and art, using visual and interactive approaches to unlock new ways of understanding. To her, championing others is about sparking confidence, widening opportunities, and walking alongside as they design lives that create lasting change.
Sue Hague-Rogers
Sue Hague-Rogers is a Sylvania native and proud University of Toledo Rocket. She has built her career in dimensional marketing, specializing in trade show exhibits. In 2015, she launched her own business, SHR 3D Visual Solutions, with expanded capabilities to include corporate environments, donor and philanthropy signage, corporate events, tradeshow exhibits, and client relocation management. She currently serves on the Chicks for Charity board and the board of ZESToledo, and has previously served with the Arts Commission, Ad Club of Toledo, International Boxing Club, and Prevent Blindness Ohio. When she’s not working or volunteering, Sue enjoys traveling to sunny destinations, sharing wine with friends, and pulling off a good prank.
Dr. Anwer Ali
Anwer Ali is a physician with an MBA and a diversified portfolio of leadership across healthcare, business, and community governance. In addition to his medical background, he owns and operates multiple ventures, including healthcare consulting, research initiatives, a pharmacy, and an international business focused on promoting products made by women to U.S. and global markets. His work reflects a strong commitment to bridging healthcare expertise with entrepreneurial innovation and economic opportunity.
Dr. Ali has served extensively in board and advisory capacities across local and international organizations. His governance experience includes service with Toledo Sister Cities International (TSCI), sub-committees of the Lucas County Mental Health Board, and an offered board position with the Wood County Mental Health Board. He has also contributed to international organizations and participated in multiple Chamber of Commerce committees across various cities. His civic engagement extends to leadership and membership roles with Rotary, TORCH, Leading Family Homes of Toledo, and prior board service with the Rescue Foundation, Ross College, TIFF, Welcome Toledo, the Child Abuse and Prevention Center, and the Ability Center.
Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Dr. Ali enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and staying active through tennis and golf.
Debby Peters
Debby has always had high expectations for herself. And she thinks she can accomplish most anything she wants. Her business, Connext Nation (a division of TriNet360) is now in its 18th year. Previous to that she was a high producing sales person within the payroll service industry and then became the sales manager that could turn beginning sales people into champions. Her next challenge is to move the an online education delivery platform for her referral-based training. She is a contributing author to Masters of Sales and Masters of Networking. Additionally she has written a book, "Tell Me Exactly What to Say: 33 Conversations That Will Make a Huge Impact on Your Networking Life", which is in the editing phase currently.
Megan Reichert
Megan Reichert has 20 years of experience in supporting innovative and entrepreneurial ventures. Reichert is currently the Director, Innovation for Bon Secours Mercy Health, Toledo Region serving 9 of 50 hospitals within the ministry. In addition to technology-based economic development, she supports and advocates for historically disadvantaged businesses, with a particular focus on the Cherry Legacy Neighborhood. She is a member of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Research Foundation. Her B.A. program in English is from Indiana University and has an MBA from the University of Toledo.
Reichert previously served as the Director for the Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program at the University of Michigan’s (UM) Economic Growth Institute (EGI) formerly known as the Institute of Research on Labor, Employment and the Economy (IRLEE). She was the Director of the Clean and Alternative Energy Incubator at the University of Toledo. Reichert was formally a member of the Board of Directors for the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) - now known as the International Business Innovation Association (iNBIA).
Reichert spent over 11 years with a closely-held automotive manufacturing company and has over 15 years in economic development. Reichert’s economic development projects have been involved with both the private and the academic sectors related to cluster development, business incubation, technology transfer, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and minority business development.