Mt. Hood SBDC

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

For many years, Diana held different SBDC roles throughout California and Nevada, including providing independent contractor services through her own management consulting business. Diana is magna cum laude graduate of San Diego State University with a BA in international business and minor in Spanish and Latin American studies. She is bicultural and bilingual in English and Spanish and a professional translator and interpreter in Spanish and English. Born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, and raised in Calexico, California, USA, Diana is a first-generation college graduate, naturalized U.S. citizen, and licensed private pilot which helped paved the way for members of her family to do the same.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Gerri is always there to help answer questions. She is the cosmic glue the holds our center together.

Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy working at the center because I grew up in this community and it is amazing to see how things have grown and changed. I want to help make a difference in our community. I enjoy working with the staff and our clients. We each learn from one another.

Bio:

Gerri has worked at the Small Business Development Center since 2007. Gerri helps clients schedule appointments with the business advisers and register for the classes that will assist them in their small businesses. She also provides support to the director, business advisers and Instructors. Prior to joining the SBDC, Gerri work as a claims analyst helping businesses process their unemployment claims.

How do your colleagues describe you?

“It’s very rare you come across an ‘IT guy’ who can explain complex technical issues in such a simple and direct way.”

Why do you do what you do?

“I have been a technology evangelist even before my websites were recognized by the Wall Street Journal. Technology at your fingertips promised it could make a business owner more productive, efficient and successful with less money. Today this is all true, but there remains a knowledge gap. Which tools to use and how to use them? My passion is driven by bridging this gap for entrepreneurs.”

Bio:

Guy Edwards specializes in social media marketing and search engine optimization. After attending the Art Institute of Chicago, he went to work with large publications to help them transition from print publication to online subscriptions. He has pioneered e-commerce for businesses and distance learning courses for major universities. Guy now owns a company that develops and markets websites for organizations, including Animal Planet, Intel, Pendleton Woolen Mills and Willamette Egg Farms.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Mark began his career in the US Air Force, and after four years, pursued education in public health, community and organizational development, and educational technology. He has also completed training in facilitation, mediation, and business management.

Mark spent a career in public sector leadership and served as an executive director for nonprofits (two had income producing enterprises). He has also managed a small strategic planning consulting practice for a decade and provides administrative/strategy support for his wife’s business. Mark has served on the board of directors for several organizations.

How do your colleagues describe you?

Why do you do what you do?

Bio:

Gisella graduated from the University of Dundee with a BA in jewelry design and then owned and operated a jewelry design studio for several years in London before moving to the United States in 2013. She has worked both in and for small businesses for the last 25 years and understands the vital role of small businesses play in the national and local economy, as well as the challenges of being a small business owner. Having owned multiple small businesses in the last 2 decades, Gisella brings a solid understanding of what it takes to start and run a small business, especially a food business, as well as skills in accounting, marketing, and HR, and how to run a lean operation for maximum profitability.