Entrepreneurship Essentials Workshop and Resource Fair

Kathi Vidal serves as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO – America’s Innovation Agency.

As the chief executive of the USPTO, she leads one of the largest intellectual property (IP) offices in the world, with more than 13,000 public servants and an annual budget of more than $4 billion. She is the principal IP advisor to the President and the Administration, through the Secretary of Commerce, and is focused on incentivizing and protecting U.S. innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Vidal was named to Forbes’ 50 over 50 in the innovation category in 2024 for her work bringing more underrepresented inventors and entrepreneurs into the innovation ecosystem, and as one of Managing IP’s top 50 most influential people in IP in 2022. She leads an agency whose mission is to help American workers and businesses compete and collaborate, especially in ground-breaking technologies and across all demographics. As Director of the USPTO, Vidal is working to expand American innovation for and from all, and to bring more ideas to impact, including serving as the Vice Chair of the Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI²), alongside Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and the Council members, as a Co-Chair of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE), and the Co-Founder, with the Secretary, of the Women’s Entrepreneurship (WE) initiative. 

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Col. Richards is the Commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The 88th Air Base Wing is the largest air base wing in the Air Force with more than 5,000 officers and enlisted Airmen, Air Force civilians and contractor employees.  The wing provides support and services to the largest, most diverse, and most organizationally complex base in the Air Force which hosts a major acquisition center, research and development laboratories, a major command headquarters, an airlift wing, and the world’s largest military air museum. The base is home to more than 30,000 military, government civilian, and contractor employees and associate units.

Dr. Shonté Gonzalez is a Community Readiness Consultant with the Military and Family Readiness Center. She has over 17 years’ experience with the M&FRC and 25+ years in marketing and human resources. She is a military spouse who has traveled extensively overseas and stateside and a recognized speaker for USAFE, EUCOM and AFMC Commands. Shonté is also recognized as subject matter expert for the Transition Assistance Program, a certified Accredited Financial Counselor and a Certified Career Counseling Specialist. She has worked with various programs for the Military and Family Readiness Center such as Relocation, Personal Financial Management, Employment, Transition Assistance, and Air Force Aid Society. Shonté currently provides outreach services to the WPAFB community for team building, communication, and financial briefings. Shonté also works with numerous off-base entities to connect military members and spouses with resources within the community. She has a passion for helping people and works closely with military members to ensure their success. She is a native of San Antonio, Texas, a San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboy fan. She has a Doctorate in Strategic Communication and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Everett M. Woodel Jr. serves as the district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Central and Southern Ohio District Office, overseeing the delivery of the agency's financial assistance, technical assistance and government contracting activities to customers and stakeholders throughout Ohio. Director Woodel has more than 23 years of public service experience at both the state and federal level and joined the SBA after serving as the Midwest Regional Director for VEIC, a nonprofit sustainable energy company based in Burlington, Vermont. Woodel was named to the Association of Ohio Commodores in June 2019. The association recognizes those who are dedicated to Ohio's advancement in all areas contributing to the economic growth & development of the state. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree in business administration from Ohio University. He is a veteran of both the U.S. Army and the Ohio Army National Guard.

Abron Andrews Jr. has been the Executive Director of VetBizCentral, a non-profit funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veteran Business Development, since 2020. In this role, he assists Veterans, Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Members and their spouses in the formation and expansion of Veteran Owned Businesses. 

A Navy Veteran (1986-1998), Abron served in Operation Desert Shield & Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom & Eager Mace. While serving shore duty from 1991 – 1993, he established Excalibur Detailing (2 locations) in San Diego CA.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Abron enjoyed an 11-year career in retail banking and financial consulting in San Diego, Calif., with Wells Fargo Bank and Wells Fargo Private Client Services, Cal Fed Bank & Investments, Citi Bank & Citi Investments, and Mutual of Omaha.

Before joining VetBizCentral as a business counselor in 2015, other professional roles have including three years as military admission counselor at Ashford University and two years as a business loan officer assistant & technical assistant at Metro Community Development.

Mr. Andrews has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from National University and Ashford University.

Brian S. McJilton is Director of Small Business and the Deputy Director of Strategic Partnering Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He leads a directorate that is responsible for overseeing the review of approximately $4.5B in procurements across the enterprise, ensuring small business participation is maximized to its fullest extent to meet the demands of our science and technology needs for the Air Force. He focuses on developing novel interactions and programs between AFRL researchers, small businesses and community partners to provide innovative technologies to meet Air Force requirements and AFRL small business contract award goals. His duties include the identification of small businesses that have capabilities to meet AFRL requirements, outreach, support, and recruitment of small businesses, aligning AFRL scientists and engineers with external S&T ecosystem members (industry, academia) toward innovative initiatives, and the training of scientists, engineers and contracting officers on the small business program, goals, and objectives.

Upon entering government service in 2006, Mr. McJilton served as the supervisory Chief Engineer of the Business Systems Group at Air Force Material Command/554 Electronic Systems Group. In 2011, he transitioned to the Branch Chief for the Headquarters Plans and Programs Directorate, Business Operations Division, Integrated Processes Branch, steering integration and support of necessary processes, procedures, and tools to synergize enterprise approaches and compliances. Mr. McJilton also served as the S&T Strategy – Partnering & Presence Integrated Process Team, or IPT, lead starting in 2019, which focused on enterprise collaborations and the needed enhancements and new approaches to expand and deepen AFRL’s engagement with external S&T ecosystems (e.g., universities, industries, government) to support the maturation of technology to accelerate transition of solutions/capabilities addressing future challenges facing both the USAF and USSF. Prior to his current position, Mr. McJilton served as the AFRL Headquarters Plans and Programs Directorate - Senior Technical Director responsible for assessing strategic guidance, informing and supporting strategic planning and programming, and alliances -- both internal and external -- to the AF S&T laboratory.

Prior to serving in Federal civilian service, Mr. McJilton worked 18 years in industry for a variety of large and small businesses (e.g., SofTech, CACI, Universal Systems Inc, Integic Corp, GRACAR Corp, MacAuley-Brown) in various capacities such as Computer Engineer, Senior Systems Engineer, Engineering Management, Business Development, and Business Area Manager. Mr. McJilton also served eight years in the United States Air Force (Active & Air National Guard).

Kim Woodbury, is Director of the Miami Valley Small Business Development center, located in Downtown Dayton at the Entrepreneurs’ Center.   She has been part of the SBDC family since 2007, working at Wright State University’s SBDC until her move to the Entrepreneurs’ Center in 2017.  Kim’s diverse background and experience include being part of a family-owned, fabrication and design business, being part of the Human Resources team of a large retail store, establishing and running a K-8 school library, preparing high school students for college placement tests, and serving in the U.S. Air Force as a graphics specialist.   

Kim is a Certified Business Advisor, has certification as an Instructional Designer for Online Learning and holds a bachelor of arts in History from the University of Toledo and an associate of science in Audio Visual Production Services from the Community College of the Air Force.

Elizabeth Harding serves as the Program Manager for the Reynolds and Reynolds Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans at Wright State University, a role she finds deeply fulfilling. With a diverse background in cross-cultural communication, sociology, and political science, along with extensive experience in support services, logistics, and event management, Elizabeth brings a unique skill set to her position. She is a creative thinker, lifelong learner, and empathetic leader who believes that everyone has the potential to succeed by pursuing their passions. Elizabeth is committed to fostering communities and networks that help turn those passions into reality.

Derris Banks is the Regional Director of the USPTO's Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office located in Detroit, Michigan. As Regional Director, Mr. Banks carries out the strategic direction of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO and ensure the USPTO’s initiatives and programs are tailored to the region's unique ecosystem of industries and stakeholders. Mr. Banks leads the region’s outreach efforts to expand our nation’s innovation ecosystem and serve and grow the area’s nearly 246,000 patented inventors and 314,000+ trademark registrants fueling the region’s local industries and economies.

Mr. Banks joined the USPTO in June of 1994 as a patent examiner examining applications related to semiconductor fabrication and abrasive tool manufacturing. He rose to become a Supervisory Patent Examiner a few years later, managing various teams dedicated to reviewing applications for inventions in the mechanical engineering fields. In 2021, he was elevated to the Director of the USPTO Technology Center focused on electrical technology innovations. Most recently, he served as Chief Patent Classification Official in the Office of International Patent Cooperation (OIPC), responsible for all domestic and international classification-related matters for the USPTO. He currently sits on the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) subcommittee on Resilience Science and Technology and the Patents Excellence in Government oversight committee, chairs the Cooperative Patent Classification Joint Board, and serves as a member of various domestic and international classification-related committees and subcommittees. Mr. Banks has received numerous career awards for distinguished service and achievement for his work at the agency. 

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Elizabeth (Liz) Caraway is on temporary assignment as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Senior Military Advisor. In her permanent position, Liz specializes in social media and veteran recruitment on the Office of Human Resources marketing team. She also serves as the board secretary, communications manager, and newsletter editor for the 280+ members of the USPTO Military Association. 

A former Air Force public affairs officer, Liz served in Delaware, Turkey, Germany, and Colorado on active-duty for almost six years and as a reservist with the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB for three years. She also served an active-duty assignment teaching English at the U.S. Air Force Academy. 

In her varied professional experiences, Liz has co-owned a defense small business in Dayton, worked in both financial and medical records capacities in the private sector, and was recently the editor of publications for Army Retirement Services. 

Liz has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in English from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delaware, and is a graduate of Defense Information School at Ft. Meade. Liz lives in Sterling, Va. with two teen daughters and her software engineer husband, who is also an Air Force veteran. 

Lisa Coker is the principal and CEO of Infinite Management Solutions, LLC, a woman veteran owned certified small business which primarily partners with middle-market and large organizations in both private and public sectors in the Midwestern region. 

Coker is a proud United States Air Force veteran. She has earned a reputation as a trusted partner, dynamic team facilitator, outstanding problem solver, and accomplished professional. She helps C-Suite executives develop strategic plans, optimize operational processes, and execute their vision with precision. Coker is a certified Lean Six Sigma/Continuous Process Improvement Black Belt practitioner and is often consulted for her innovative business improvement strategies and solutions resulting in reduced operational costs and improved mission effectiveness. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Coker also holds a master’s degree in Organizational Change Management and has completed professional executive programs at the University of Tennessee, University of Dayton, and Dartmouth College.

Nick Ripplinger is the Founder and President of Battle Sight Technologies, founded in 2017. Incorporating his role as a former U.S. Army service member and Operations Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Ripplinger continues to have a strong passion for protecting the warfighter through innovating ideas and creating new technologies at Battle Sight. Ripplinger is the best-selling author of “Front Line Leadership – Applying Military Strategies to Everyday Business.” As a service-disabled veteran, Ripplinger dedicates his personal time and resources to assisting veterans in transition by leveraging their military skills in the business world.

Charlynda Scales is a serial entrepreneur: She serves as founder and CEO of Mutt's Sauce LLC and OH Taste LLC.  She is the Executive Director of the OH Taste Foundation (501c3). She is the author of the business empowerment book, Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline. 

Charlynda is a sought-after speaker and mentor for women's empowerment and small businesses. She is a TEDx speaker. Her talent is cultivating influential people by meeting them where they are in life and business. Her military career spans over 15 years; she's currently an Air Force Reservist stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Charlynda and Mutt's Sauce have been featured in Yahoo! Finance, NPR, Forbes.com, QVC, Men's Journal, CBS News, NBCUniversal, Black Enterprise Magazine, and Military.com, among others.

Charlynda was also featured in FUBU Founder and Shark Tank investor Daymond John's bestselling book, POWERSHIFT.

She is a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Aerospace Science and Business Management. She also holds an MBA in Strategic Leadership. She started the company Mutt’s Sauce, LLC while still serving on active duty in the military. 

She is a graduate of the following distinguished courses:

• NonProfit Leadership, Harvard Executive Certification
• Tuck School of Executive Leadership at Dartmouth
• The Empower Program, by Dayton Chamber of Commerce
• The Course for Presidents, by Aileron

Charlynda currently sits on the Board of Directors/Trustees for: Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, Dayton Children's Hospital, Dayton Chamber of Commerce, and Dayton Convention and Visitors Bureau. Charlynda is a Gold Award Winner and has a Lifetime Membership to Girl Scouts of the USA.

Her son, David, is, in her opinion, her finest achievement.

Alicia Brown is a certified Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) instructor and the founder of Write with Mrs. Brown, a homeschool-focused writing education company based in Dayton, Ohio. With over 14 years of homeschooling experience and a degree in human resources, Mrs. Brown has been teaching writing for a decade, helping hundreds of students become proficient writers. Her expertise was recognized when she was featured as an instructor in IEW's 2024 magalog. Mrs. Brown's students have achieved notable success, with multiple publications in Magnum Opus Magazine and other outlets. As a woman and minority-owned business, Write with Mrs. Brown serves students both domestically and internationally, offering online classes, private tutoring, and other digital products for grades 3-12. 

Alicia is the spouse of Air Force Lt. Colonel (Retired) Renardo Brown, who retired after 26 years of active-duty service.