Joel Berg has over 20 years experience in his industry and is founder of media company, Biz New PA. He's written for American Banker, Times of Entrepreneurship, Risk & Insurance Magazine, PA Post, MedCity News, the Harrisburg Patriot-News/Pennlive, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Times of Entrepreneurship and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Gibran Jones is a digital marketing strategist and founder of Krimson Square, a full-service digital marketing firm based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. With over 20 years of experience, he has led initiatives across public, private, and government sectors, and served as a lead trainer for Boot Camp Digital and a representative for Meta on a nationwide tour. In his session, “Building a Digital Strategy for Growth,” Jones will share actionable strategies to help small businesses modernize their marketing and social media efforts. He will focus on attracting, engaging, and retaining customers through effective digital tactics that drive sustainable growth.

Camille Genise is the Director of High Growth Services at JumpStart Inc. and founder of the beautytech startup FELOH. With a passion for inclusive entrepreneurship, she’s also helped launch initiatives supporting BIPOC creatives and founders. In her lunchtime session, “Building Ecosystems,” Camille will share her journey growing FELOH and supporting Cleveland’s startup ecosystem through community-driven innovation.

Rich Joyce is a Technical Advisor with PennTAP at Penn State Schuylkill, where he conducts energy efficiency audits and advises manufacturers on reducing energy use and emissions. With a strong background in manufacturing and small business, he helps Pennsylvania companies access resources for growth and sustainability. In his session, Rich will share how PennTAP supports small and mid-sized manufacturers through energy assessments and programs like RISE PA, which provide funding to lower costs and improve efficiency.

Nic Cervantes is the Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Harrisburg, where he assists small and medium-sized businesses in central Pennsylvania with expanding into international markets. He provides export guidance, connects companies with global buyers, and supports initiatives that promote international trade and education . trade.gov In his session, “Resource Roundup,” Nic will discuss the trade assistance available to local entrepreneurs, offering insights into how central PA businesses can explore and succeed in global markets.

Meredeth Bowen is Co-Founder and Executive Partner at Walker Bowen Talent Partners, a firm dedicated to helping startups grow by scaling teams with high performers and leaders. She advises startups and established companies across industries like technology, healthcare, marketing, and finance on team growth, recruitment strategies, and talent development. She will be part of the “Growing Your Customer Base” panel, sharing her expertise in building strong teams and supporting startup growth.

Luca Pandolfi is the founder of Woodland Biomass Innovations, a company focused on developing biomass-to-fuel processes that integrate seamlessly with existing vehicles and infrastructure. His work aims to bring circular economies to life by creating sustainable energy solutions. He will be part of the “Growing Your Customer Base” panel, sharing insights from his entrepreneurial journey and strategies for reaching and retaining customers.

Nakeisha Daniels is the founder and CEO of Glam U (Glam University), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, head-to-toe makeovers for high school seniors from under-resourced backgrounds. Inspired by her own experience attending prom in jeans due to financial constraints, Nakeisha established Glam U to ensure that every student has the opportunity to feel confident and celebrated during significant milestones like prom, homecoming, and graduation . She will be part of the “Growing Your Customer Base” panel, sharing insights from her entrepreneurial journey and strategies for reaching and retaining customers.

Brian Mahon is the founder of Igloo Insurance Agency, an independent insurance firm based in Middletown, PA. He specializes in cyber liability and commercial insurance, particularly for managed services providers and community health centers. He will be part of the “Growing Your Customer Base” panel, sharing insights from his entrepreneurial journey and strategies for reaching and retaining customers.

The mission of the Center for Medical Innovation is to provide a service-oriented organization within the Penn State system to drive economic and social value from Penn State medical innovation. The Center provides guidance and support to streamline the process of moving innovative technologies through the commercialization pipeline to industry, to make a positive economic and social impact in the community.