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
- 35fellows
- 23states represented including California, Texas, and Florida
- 347 millionpeople 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.
