Elizabeth Walsh
President
(215) 936-9392 • ewalsh@wbeceast.com
Liz believes that if you don’t look forward to coming to your job – that you are likely in the wrong industry. For Liz, that has never been a problem during her 30+ year career as a leader focused on workforce, business, and economic development. These days, Liz heads into the office motivated by the opportunity to increase opportunities for entrepreneurs, women and small business owners. She is continually inspired by the commitment of the WBEC-East’s staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers. Liz is an advocate for rescued pets and has given many dogs, cats, and even ducks a welcoming place to call home. Liz has won numerous national awards throughout her career, is a graduate of the University of Scranton, a NE Philly-Mayfair native, and mother to Tony and Sofia. Her favorite title these days is that of “Tootsie” to her granddaughter. Liz reminds everyone to consider adopting a rescue and to #buywomenowned.
Steve Damweber
Senior Manager, Outreach & Engagement
(215) 790-5059 • sdamweber@wbeceast.com
We have our very own He’s for She's on staff at WBEC-East! Steve joined our team during the pandemic and comes to us from the workforce development field with a degree in Hospitality Management from Penn State University. Steve brings a unique and creative perspective to our outreach efforts and has increased our social media followers in his first few months! He doesn’t know how to say “no” which is appreciated by all of our Partners who want us to share their events and resources on our website. Steve grew up in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania and – get this – he’s a Dallas Cowboys fan! (No… we didn’t know that before he was hired but we love him anyway!) In his free time, Steve enjoys watching football, collecting sports memorabilia, golfing, and fishing. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in New Jersey with their two cats, one who is appropriately named “Little Steve.” They welcomed their son, Oliver, in spring 2023.
Carolyn Falk
Certification Coordinator
(412) 935-2545 • cfalk@wbeceast.com
Carolyn is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and an all-around excellent co-worker. Her professional strengths include diligence, empathy, and curiosity—all of which she brings to WBEC-East as certification coordinator. Carolyn is based in Pittsburgh and makes up our wonderful Western Pennsylvania team. We’re so lucky to have her! She looks forward to supporting the certification of an increasingly diverse array of companies. When she’s not on a site visit or filing through paperwork, you can find Carolyn reading independently and for her book club, being outdoors (walking, biking and kayaking!), enjoying the cultural scene in Pittsburgh, and spending time with her family and cat who keeps her company after recently becoming an “empty nester.” Fun fact, Carolyn was included on the inaugural “40 Under 40” list published by Pittsburgh Magazine, so cool!
Emily Glick
Certification Coordinator
(267) 609-5153 • eglick@wbeceast.com
Emily Glick joined the WBEC-East team in October 2022, and we are thrilled to call her one of our own! Emily joins WBEC-East from the world of hunger relief and food insecurity. Emily is a natural problem solver who finds the greatest satisfaction in untangling necklaces and is curious by nature. This curiosity serves her well as a Certification Coordinator, constantly diving into the WBE paperwork. When not at work, Emily spends time with her partner, two dogs, reading, cooking, and – most importantly – eating. She has a rather impressive cookbook collection and is constantly thinking about her next 2-6 meals.
Meaghan Kelly
Senior Certification Coordinator
(215) 790-9234 • mkelly@wbeceast.com
It’s been said that someone’s pets can tell you lot about them. So, let’s look at Meaghan’s two beloved felines, which are of the Devon Rex variety – a breed known to be highly intelligent and very people-oriented. Bingo! They are, however, also fond of sleeping on very high shelves, a habit we believe is foreign to Meaghan. At the office, you’ll often find Meaghan reviewing files with the volunteers she coordinates for the Certification Committee. Meaghan loves files – especially complex ones. (Go figure. Maybe it’s because she’s a trained paralegal.) At home, Meaghan likes to hang out with her cats. There may be knitting or crafting involved – by Meaghan, not the cats. Although, come to think of it, the Devon Rex is a very special animal...
Sara Kristman, CPA, CGMA
Outsourced Controller
(484) 533-6209 • sara.kristman@CLAconnect.com
Sara Kristman is a member of CLA’s BizOps Outsourcing Team and specializes in providing accounting assistance for small to mid-size businesses in multiple industries. She has 16 years of experience in both public and industry accounting working with entrepreneurs, executive teams, investors, financial committees, board of directors, and third-party stakeholders. Sara quickly adapts to challenges, and promptly and efficiently resolves financial and managerial issues. Currently she works with mid-market and non-profits clients. Her experience ranges many industries including non-profit, home health care, consumer products, vegetation management, and construction.
Colleen LaCoss
Director, Women's Business Center
(215) 305-8780 • clacoss@wbeceast.com
Colleen is a lifelong non-profit professional and avid supporter of women's empowerment, having started her career working with the Girl Scouts. Today, she is passionately outspoken that diversity encompasses so many people- women, veterans, minorities, the disabled community, the LGBT+ community, and small businesses in economically disadvantaged and rural areas. But she has a soft spot for women entrepreneurs, and believes that when a woman starts her own business, she creates a ripple throughout her family and community. She’s a jack-of-all-trades in both work and life – building new programs, supporting committees, and coaching clients, while raising a vivacious daughter and two rambunctious cats.
Evelyn Martinez-Rodriguez
Program Coordinator
(215) 790-5017 • emartinez@wbeceast.com
Evelyn is an eager person ready to learn, explore, and grow! As a recent graduate, Evelyn brings a fresh perspective and connections to a diverse community from her academic journey at The Wharton School, along with her extracurricular involvement with Latinx student clubs on campus. Her involvement there equipped her with skills in event management, program coordination, project development, and networking with Latinx businesses around the city. Evelyn is inspired by WBEC-East's passionate individuals, who are dedicated to creating a fun, positive, and respectful work environment while ensuring their stakeholders are well taken care of. When not at work, you can find her building LEGOs, putting together puzzles, or playing board games. She is a proud Aries who loves exploring different social events and communities around the city, including yoga and salsa dancing classes, trivia, and comedy shows!
Yana Massey
Certification Manager
(267) 609-5152 • ymassey@wbeceast.com
Yana Massey is the Certification Manager at WBEC-East, where she leads the certification team and provides guidance for clients navigating the application process. Yana thrives on multi‑tasking and supporting the organization in any way she can. From volunteer engagement and management to detailed data reporting, she never misses a deadline. Her experience spans work with WBENC’s Midwest RPO (WBDC), workforce development initiatives, and micro‑finance training programs for women in India. She also brings paralegal training to her work, adding a strong foundation in compliance, analysis, and documentation essential for certification application review.
She holds a MA in International Development and enjoys learning from and supporting female entrepreneurs both locally and abroad. Outside of work, she can often be found baking a cake from scratch, shaping a new pottery piece at the wheel, or heading out for a run to chase her personal goal at her next half-marathon! She also loves spending time with her family and her charming corgi, who remains convinced she is the true CEO of the household.
Melanie McLeod
Consultant & Training Instructor
(610) 721-3685 • melaniemcleod10@gmail.com
Melanie McLeod, CEC, PCC is the President and Founder of Coach You Solutions. She is a certified business and life coach. She has owned several businesses over the years and has rebranded as Coach You Solutions. She works with individuals and businesses to help them determine life and business goals, create a plan, and accomplish their goals. Melanie has extensive experience in management in corporations and government. She is also an adjunct college professor of business. She has dedicated over 20 years specializing in business strategy coaching for entrepreneurs. She teaches people how to develop a business mindset, navigate the planning process, and develop the financial understanding needed to run a successful business and life. She also helps entrepreneurs understand how to navigate work/life balance.
Atheia Mobley
Certification Coordinator
(215) 790-5058 • amobley@wbeceast.com
Atheia is a South Philly native, Nittany Lion, and a Drexel Dragon! She is a cat-loving foodie who enjoys a good murder mystery and a bad horror movie! Atheia’s attention to detail and dedication to customer service allows her to have a thorough and considerate approach to each of her interactions. She is inspired by WBEC’s commitment to helping women achieve their aspirations, and as a Certification Coordinator, she’ll bring her empathy and diligence to each application, never losing sight of the people behind the words! If she’s not at home watching episodes of Murder, She Wrote or Columbo for the millionth time, she can be found trying out a new eatery or attempting to finish the many DIY projects she has started! Just a head up - she has a profound dislike for both squirrels and eggs.
Taylor Tolton-Kain
Development Manager
(215) 790-5014 • ttolton-kain@wbeceast.com
Taylor is a resourceful and resilient individual who identifies as “your typical anxious millennial.” She has six years of experience in the non-profit humanities sector where she developed a love of networking across geographic divides, storytelling, and attention to detail. She is also a yoga instructor and brings a mindful approach to development at WBEC-East. When she is not at work or at the yoga studio you will find her on her couch at home with her husband, son, and two cats, gleefully Googling gluten-free bakeries nearby. Ps. she adores alliteration!
Faith Walter
Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
(267) 609-5151 • fwalter@wbeceast.com
Faith is best described as an easygoing introvert with lots of curiosity about the world! She excels at creative writing, quick problem-solving, effective time management, and collaborating with others. Her background in Community Development—which encompasses both economic development and non-profit management—makes her a great fit for our Outreach & Engagement team. We’re thrilled to see her skills in action at our events and to help amplify the stories of the inspiring women WBEC-East serves. When Faith is not at work, she enjoys cooking, exploring the city, and thrifting. Also, she has traveled to 43 U.S. states...only 7 more to go!