Mentors: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTSALES
Summary of Qualifications Bismark Agbemble is currently the Executive Chairman of Bernstein and Bernstein an international investment boutique firm with a core focus in assisting their clients in expanding their business (s) into emerging markets. For over a decade Bismark has developed customized products and services to meet the needs of both large and small scale businesses expanding into West Africa and beyond. Bismark’s core area of expertise is international business expansion, where he customizes his client’s expansion plan covering: Sales, Marketing, Legal, Operations and Finance. Many of his colleagues and clients call him “The Trade Ambassador” because of his passion and desire to assist SME’s in setting up their operations overseas, regardless of size. Bismark, has developed strategic relationships with Trade Finance and Business Development firms around the world to leverage on resources and contacts in countries where he has conducted business in as such; Germany, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Holland, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria to list a few. Prior to joining Bernstein and Bernstein, Bismark was a Bank Officer at Bank of America where he was responsible for sales, marketing and operations within their retail division. Bismark is also a lecture at Southern New Hampshire University and his passionate about inspiring students of all ages to think local but act global. Bismark is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and holds an MBA from Eastern University with a concentration in Financial Management. Bismark is an author, technology enthusiast in the area of social media. Bismark is an active member in his community, providing mentorship, life coach services and...
Summary of Qualifications Danielle Gilbert is currently the Administrative Director for St. Francis Medical Center, Healthsource, Rappahannock General Hospital and Shared Services of Bon Secours Health System, Inc. She joined Bon Secours in August 2010. Her experience over the past twelve years in Human Resources has included Consulting, Employee Relations, Compensation, Benefits, and Recruitment. As a leader in Bon Secours Virginia’s Human Resources department, Gilbert helps direct the health system’s efforts in employee engagement, employee training, talent management and organizational development. The department’s primary purpose is to encourage learning and growth within Bon Secours Virginia to strengthen and support the health system’s ability to achieve organizational objectives. In 2015, Bon Secours Virginia was named by the Gallup organization as a Great Workplace, one of only 29 organizations worldwide. Before joining Bon Secours, Gilbert was Human Resources Manager at Lowe’s Home Improvement in Richmond, VA., where she oversaw the implementation, planning, and direction of 200 employees. Gilbert orchestrated the company’s engagement and growth. Her leadership helped build the organization into one of the most successful retail stores within a highly competitive market. Following her undergraduate studies, Gilbert started her career in the retail industry. Gilbert graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She later continued her education at Strayer University, earning two masters in Human Resources Management and Public Administration. She also became certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) in January 2013 and certified by the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) as a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). Gilbert is currently pursuing her Ph.D. In addition, she is...
Summary of Qualifications An RVA native and VCU alumnus, Britt has years of agency experience with small to medium sized firms wearing almost every hat imaginable. From national brands such as sweetFrog to local and not-for-profit organizations, his experience in project and client relations leads to effective budgets and timelines for both the agency and the client. Additionally, Britt is well-versed in setting up the organizational models and structure of agencies: this ranges from standard processes and procedures for meeting project needs, to selecting the business systems (accounting, time tracking, etc.) that best fit your budget and your needs. Want to meet with this mentor? Talk with your Lead...
Summary of Qualifications Sarah summarizes what she does best into three action-packed verbs: MOVE, DO and CONNECT. She specializes in marketing strategies focusing on social media and believes relationship building is at the core of any small business success. Sarah loves telling the right stories to engage core audience to solidify brand identity. She most recently spearheaded turning Shoryuken Ramen pop-up into a successful brick and mortar restaurant in support of Chef Will Richardson. Sarah dives into operational side of each business she helps to gain good understanding of its unique challenges to help develop effective solutions. A classic Type A extrovert, Sarah loves networking and find joy in connecting people and ideas. Want to meet with this mentor? Schedule an...
Summary of Qualifications Ryann is CEO of The Frontier Project. She has led the business through a recession-busting period of exceptional growth, creating the leading boutique-consulting firm that integrates innovation and organizational development. Addicted to learning, she has both an M.B.A. (University of Richmond) and a Master’s in Human Resources and Industrial Relations (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign). Leading a firm charged with transforming the organizations and external markets of some of the most potent companies in the world requires Ryann to shape a team capable of supporting clients at the frontline of global changes in technology, economics, social, and environmental change. As CEO, she focuses on three internal priorities: maintaining a growth strategy that flexes with world events; recruiting and retaining the strongest roster of talent available; and creating a work environment in which that talent thrives in order to serve clients. She takes personal development seriously, ensuring she constantly pushes herself as well as the team. It’s not unusual to find her fasting, marathon-training, or traveling to a less-than-typical “vacation” location to stretch herself. Want to meet with this mentor? Talk with your Lead...
