12.26.24
Rosalina Perez Promoted to Director of WEOC Women’s Business Center at Northeast Indiana Innovation Center
Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) today announced the promotion of Rosalina Perez to director of the WEOC Women’s Business Center.
Perez is a proven leader with more than a decade of experience empowering entrepreneurs and navigating regulatory landscapes. Perez succeeds Leslee Hill who, after seven years leading the Women’s Business Center, will serve as vice president for investor engagement at Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
“It is with great excitement and pride that I pass the reins of the WEOC Women’s Business Center to Rosalina Perez,” Hill said. “Her fresh perspective, agility as a leader, and gift for collaboration will breathe new life into the program. Perez is a straightforward communicator with an inspiring vision, and I have no doubt she will take the WEOC to new heights—achieving far more than I ever imagined. I couldn’t be more confident in her ability to lead this program forward.”
Perez most recently served as bilingual program manager and entrepreneurship coach, where she developed and oversaw the Hispanic program at NIIC. Her work included managing federal Small Business Administration grants, coordinating resiliency initiatives, and delivering coaching and workshops tailored to the needs of English- and Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.
Perez’s accomplishments include:
- Establishing effective coaching frameworks and facilitating impactful peer-learning cohorts.
- Developing Spanish-language workshops and translating key resources to ensure accessibility.
- Collaborating with local Hispanic and other organizations to foster inclusive economic growth.
A recognized leader, Perez was named a 2023 Business Weekly “40 Under 40” honoree and earned accolades for her innovative contributions, including winning Purdue Fort Wayne’s Entrepreneurship Innovation & Design Pitch Competition.
In her new role as director of the WEOC, Perez will oversee the budget and continue to advocate for diverse entrepreneurs. She will also direct the NIIC coaching program, building on the center’s award-winning success. The WEOC has been named Indiana Women’s Business Center of the Year for three consecutive years and Great Lakes Region Women’s Business Center of the Year two years ago.
“Perez embodies the values and vision of the WEOC Women’s Business Center,” NIIC President and CEO Mike Fritsch said. “Her dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic development makes her the perfect choice to lead this program into its next chapter.”
Perez’s professional and personal journey reflects her commitment to creating opportunities for business owners and driving meaningful community impact.
About the WEOC Women’s Business Center
The WEOC Women’s Business Center at the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center supports entrepreneurs in Northeast Indiana with coaching, resources, and programs tailored to meet the needs of women and underrepresented business owners. The WEOC is funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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