Cohort 11: Introducing the Newest Business Leads Fellows

Kyle Butler
Senior Manager, K-12 Programs

Caitlyn Aversman
Associate Manager, Programs

Published

April 03, 2025

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today welcomed 35 education and workforce champions as Business Leads Fellows. They join an esteemed network of more than 400 alumni representing all 50 states.

Cohort Snapshot

35
fellows
23
states represented including California, Texas, and Florida
347 million
people represented

Professional backgrounds include chamber of commerce executives, economic development professionals, association leaders, and education advocates
Fellows collectively serve thousands of businesses and impact millions of students across their communities

The six-month program features both in-person and virtual meetings covering the entire talent pipeline, from early childhood education to workforce development. Fellows will then head to Washington, D.C. to complete their capstone where they will have access to Master Classes and a powerful network of peers.

Meet the Cohort 11 Fellows

Mark Allen, The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg
Molly Alves, Santa Maria Valley Chamber
Nzinga Barnette, Tampa Bay Chamber
Brianna Brazell, Detroit Regional Workforce Partnership
Maria Alejandra, Briceno Florida Chamber Foundation
Christie Bruner, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Alvie Coes III, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
Emily Cooper, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Ashley DeMuth, Menomonie Area Chamber
Kimberly Elliott, Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce
Zach Fiore, Metro Atlanta Chamber
CS Freeland, Texas Venture Alliance / Texas Association of Business
Megan Harrison, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce
Whitney Harvey, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Ellen Heinz, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development
Jacob Hogan, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
Sheridan Hoyer, Montana Chamber of Commerce
Kristopher Kelley, West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce
Melissa McLean, St. Paul Area Chamber
Dorian Moe, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Addy Monger, Indy Chamber
Brianna Mosier, Flint & Genesee Group
Alexa Motil, O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries
Sara Odendahl, Bend Chamber of Commerce
Emma Odren, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
Sam Rauf, Wake County Economic Development
Mallory Roth, Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Jacob Rouch, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
Rylee Seim, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce
Mackenzie Shane, Greater Phoenix Chamber
Malia Sieve, ReadyCT
Barbra Solberg, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
Nneka Thompson, Triangle East Chamber of Commerce
Ashley Williams, Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce
Kenia Zamarripa, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

Upon completion, these leaders will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's recognized network of Business Leads alumni who are driving education and workforce initiatives across the country, sharing best practices, and creating measurable impact in their communities.