Our Team

Brian, a native Miamian has been involved in entrepreneurship in Miami for most of his life. At the Launch Pad, Brian educates, inspires, and advises students, faculty, and alumni of the University of Miami on all things entrepreneurial in an effort to foster the startup community on campus. Brian’s background is that of a serial entrepreneur, having founded Florida’s largest tech and startup community Refresh Miami, and a series of tech companies in the software space. His most recent startup SimCase is building educational software for the higher-ed market. Brian has an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and his BA from the University of Virginia.

A native of Miami, Samantha Palmer-Shields, better known as “Sam”, joined The Launch Pad team in February 2013. She previously worked in many departments at the University of Miami including the Provosts Office – Faculty Affairs, School of Law Center for Ethics & Public Service, and it’s Legal Communication and Research Skills Program. Sam is a serial entrepreneur, lover of creativity, dream supporter, and embraces failure. Sam received her BA from Southern New Hampshire University and MSML degree from Western Governors University.

A longtime resident of Miami, Enrique joined The Launch Pad in 2020, after serving as Director of the Innovation Hub at Broward College. There he developed the Startup NOW Entrepreneur Training Program, a South Florida accelerator in partnership with CareerSource Broward that launched 41 startups since 2016. Enrique’s problem-solving mindset has been a constant in his pursuits in engineering, finance, software development, data analysis & modeling, automation, operations, management, entrepreneurship, publishing, mentoring, education & parenting. Aside from his role at The Launch Pad, he provides strategic and operational expertise and financial advice to selected early-stage and growth companies as a consultant. He holds BS and Master of Chemical Engineering degrees from Cornell University, and an MBA from Stanford University.

Tanayla Bentley is the newest member of The Launch Pad team, joining as the Program Coordinator. Her role will oversee and help design all programs within the department. Tanayla is a Miami native and is a mother of two. She features a background in retail management and enjoys designing events that create connections. She plans to continue seeking her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Miami.

Nicole Greene is a native Miamian whose parents met as UM students in the 1960s. Nicole is a 3rd generation entrepreneur, 3x founder and an Operator to her core, with experience building high-performance teams, standing up new verticals + processes to drive revenue growth and leading companies through early-stage growth and scaling. Nicole co-founded a health technology company during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly stood up clinical, client and product operations to deliver urgent care via telemedicine to residents of Skilled Nursing Facilities across the country. Prior to that, Nicole built and ran the product development vertical for the nation’s #1 baby and parent brand, Frida, launching over 60 successful products in under 2 years. Nicole mentors women founders as part of The Launch Pad’s Women Making Moves program, drawing on her personal experience, including starting, scaling and selling an artisan confectionery business. Nicole started her career as a Presidential Management Fellow in the US Defense Department. She has an MBA with Honors from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University and an MA and BA from The University of Chicago.

Betsy P. Earle is a marketing consultant, speaker, and trainer, as well as the Managing Director and Founder of Event Driven Solutions. Betsy works closely with her clients to execute successful trade show programs and exhibit designs, as well as on their marketing programs. She is a Diamond-Level CTSM (Certified Trade Show & Event Marketer) through Northern Illinois University. Betsy obtained her MBA at the University of Miami, with a concentration in Marketing & Statistics, and her BA and BS at the University of Rhode Island. She also completed her Certificate in Entrepreneurship with Babson College through the 10KSB Program, funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation, and her Certificate of Residential Interior Design with the University of Central Florida.

A venerated technologist, branding specialist, and marketing maestro, he brings over two decades of invaluable industry experience to his role of co-founder and guide at Purple Horizons. Gianni’s professional journey began during the dot com boom and has seen him make significant contributions to industry-defining projects, including the development of Ethereum, where he was a founding member, and Alienware, where he crafted an iconic identity still recognized by millions today. His stellar track record in spearheading global branding initiatives, alongside his innovative work in the blockchain industry, underscores his commitment to staying on the cutting edge of technology. Notably, Gianni co-founded Miami NFT Week, an event that brought together industry heavyweights and tech enthusiasts alike. With Purple Horizons, Gianni continues his mission of demystifying the complexities of emerging tech, ensuring businesses are not just prepared for the future, but are empowered to shape it. His vision for Purple Horizons is of a beacon guiding businesses towards their own horizon of limitless potential.

Mandy is currently a junior earning her BBA in marketing with minors in business technology and finance. At The Launch Pad, Mandy is a venture consultant and a part of the social media team. Her objective at The Launch Pad is to work closely with clients to develop unique business ideas. (New paragraph) At the University of Miami, Mandy has taken on pivotal leadership roles, such as Administrative Director in her professional business fraternity, and Vice President of recruitment in her sorority.

Kyle is a senior at the University of Miami majoring in Finance and Management. Throughout high school; Kyle felt empowered to start his own business. On his 18th birthday, he founded Kyle Sullivan Enterprises, a B2B and B2C e-commerce conglomerate specializing in home products that are sold worldwide, and an e-commerce consulting and advisory firm. Kyle’s future goals are to work at a private equity firm and become a partner of his own fund.

Outside of The Launch Pad, Kyle is the Director of Business Development + Innovation and Director of Corporate Development at Orange Umbrella Miami, a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Miami Herbert Business School Accelerated MBA program, a school community delegate for COSO (Committee on Student Organizations) and SAFAC (Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee), and a ‘CaneBuddy Mentor for incoming first-year students.

Cam Ezell is a student at the University of Miami studying accounting and finance. At The Launch Pad, he serves as a venture consultant and project lead.
In 2013, Cam founded a website design company that offers clients modern web innovation, digital marketing campaigns, and powerful search engine optimization (SEO) services. Additionally, Cam is a Realtor® in the state of Florida and is passionate about analyzing South Florida's upscale real estate market.

Isabella is a senior at the University of Miami majoring in finance and minoring in both accounting and business analytics. During her childhood, she would create lemonade stands at my family members’ garage sales, which really ignited her interest in businesses and start-ups. Besides working at the Launch Pad, she involves herself with many on-campus clubs and organizations such as the Alliance of Latin American Students (ALAS), Association of Commuter Students (ACS), Running Club, and National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).

Ustina is currently pursuing a degree in Finance and Entrepreneurship at the University of Miami. She aspires to establish her own Venture Capital firm in the future. To gain practical experience, she worked as a Summer Associate at Florida Funders, where she carefully analyzed more than 90 startups. Ustina’s passion for entrepreneurship and consulting grew during her involvement with The Launch Pad. Her objective is to offer clients a fresh and unique perspective, while simultaneously guiding them through the process of business creation.

Alongside her entrepreneurial pursuits, Ustina serves as a Program Manager for Project Destined, a real estate internship program that aims to help students gain tangible knowledge, seek out job opportunities, as well as connect with seasoned professionals in the industry. At the University of Miami, Ustina holds the position of Vice President in the Canes Finance Association, where she actively contributes to the organization’s activities and initiatives while highlighting the positive impact of mentorship.

Tara is a current junior at The University of Miami majoring in Public Administration and Management with a minor in religious studies. She joined The Launch Pad as a Venture Consultant in Spring 2022. She has experience helping clients of all ages, from students to professors. Additionally, Tara is an intern for Zachor Legal Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel which she had the opportunity to visit this past summer, and will continue the internship remotely during the academic year. She is also the Community Engagement Chair for University of Miami’s Hillel and is on the Development Committee for Camp Kesem. Tara is also a part of both the sisterhood and development committees of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Dylan Frith is a junior at the University of Miami studying Business Analytics with a minor in Finance. During his freshman and sophomore years, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of Century Fund—a student-led impact fund organization on campus. He took charge of devising the marketing strategy and leading the fashion sector group. Alongside his involvement at The Launch Pad, Dylan is deeply passionate about finance and business development. He is an active member of BLK Capital Management (BLK), an organization that focuses on educating Black students by exposing them to the field of active investment management.

James Popadick is a student studying Finance, Business Analytics, and Mathematics at the University of Miami. He joined The Launch Pad in 2023, eager to gain consulting experience in a wide range of sectors while also looking to provide creative and innovative solutions to clients in the growth process. Outside of The Launch Pad, James serves as the Vice President of Finance for the American Marketing Association (AMA) at UM. He is also a member of the Association of Latino Professionals for America, Canes Finance Association, and Target Canes. In the future, James aspires to work in the investment industry, and ultimately establish his own hedge fund and FinTech based company.

Jordan is a Business Analytics student who is ambitious, hard-working, innovative, and dedicated to furthering his entrepreneurial passions. He has a long list of business experience from out-of-school organizations to personal ventures. His main expertise resides in web & app development, product design, and social media marketing. His main goal is to create a series of startups that utilize big data and new visualization trends to create innovative solutions to issues we encounter in our everyday lives.

Bailey Topfer is pursuing a BSBA in finance with a minor in marketing at the University of Miami. At the Launch Pad, Bailey serves as the social media lead.

Bailey's passion for startups was fueled by her own successful venture during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She founded "BJT Quarantine School," addressing the demand for socially distanced childcare. She offered online teaching and art instruction to elementary age students, generating over $5,000 in revenue within three months.

Bailey is also actively engaged on the University of Miami campus. As a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, she participates in workshops on professional development, networking, ethical decision-making, and financial literacy. In her role as a Team Leader for Management 100, Bailey mentors first-year students, leading them in a semester-long mock consultancy project focused on multinational business expansion. Bailey is involved in UMiami Hillel, demonstrating her commitment to community social action and volunteerism.

Sherrod Williams II is a senior at the University of Miami majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in English.

Leah is a senior at the University pursuing dual degrees in Public Health and Health Science on the pre-med track. She is currently enrolled in the 4+1 program for her Master of Public Health. Beyond academics, Leah serves as the President of the Tau Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and is an active member of Minority Women in Medicine, Project Public Health, and Alpha Epsilon Delta. In her free time, you'll find her indulging in her love for cooking, spending quality time with friends and family, and exploring new destinations through travel.