Our Team

Best team in the City

Over the years, we have served over 900 entrepreneurs who have grown personally and professionally and continue to impact their community. All of this is made possible because of an amazing team of individuals. Each brings a spark that has been necessary for the successes we have seen!

**Karla Velis-Brito**
**DIRECTOR OF SPRINGGR**
As the director of SpringGR, Karla leads a talented team that provides a wide range of programs and opportunities that support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Karla is a business owner, a college professor, and runs multiple side hustles for fun! In her free time, Karla can be found pursuing her many passions, which include playing soccer, strumming a guitar, and exploring new corners of the globe.

**ARLENE CAMPBELL**
**DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS**
As the director of programs and operations at SpringGR, Arlene works on all aspects of the program with a focus on training. Arlene brings years of experience and once owned and operated a construction company. Additionally, she enjoys growing culinary herbs, a good walk outside, and her six cute grandkids.

**JERMALE EDDIE**
**DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT**
As the director of business development at SpringGR, Jermale helps current participants and graduates of SpringGR grow their businesses by connecting them to invaluable community resources. Jermale is equipped with 10 years of business ownership in the food and beverage industry as the co-founder and CEO of Malamiah Juice Bar and Malamazing Juice Co. In his free time, Jermale loves to cook, spend time with family, entertain friends, and travel.

**Kyra St John**
**PROGRAM ASSISTANT**
As the program assistant of SpringGR, Kyra coordinates with the SpringGR team to plan and implement the logistics for virtual and in-person training, meetings, and events. Kyra is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. She enjoys being a bridge builder and connector with participants and the community. Welcome to the SpringGR fam, Kyra!

**PAUL PEARSON**
**BUSINESS GROWTH MANAGER**
As the business growth manager, Paul connects entrepreneurs to resources that help take their businesses to the next step. You’ll mostly see Paul in the second half of the training experience and after graduation, but he is happy to meet and help you build connections throughout the program! Paul has experience in sales, general business, and finance. In his free time, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, reading, and watching sports.

**AUBREE MOSBY**
**PROGRAM COORDINATOR**
As the program assistant of SpringGR, Aubree coordinates with the SpringGR team to plan and implement the logistics for virtual and in-person trainings, meetings, and events. An aspiring entrepreneur, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in project management. In her free time, Aubree loves reading, writing, spending time with her family, trying out new restaurants, and listening to music.

**BROOKE DAVIS**
**FACILITATOR**
As a facilitator, Brooke is hands-on in the SpringGR classroom, walking through the training experience with relatability, humor, and expertise. A school social worker, entrepreneur, and SpringGR grad, Brooke launched BTD Consulting in 2015. In her free time, she loves learning about, tasting, and serving wines at a local winery.

**CARE ALLEN**
**FACILITATOR & BUSINESS COACH**
As a facilitator and business coach, Care helps our entrepreneurs grasp the knowledge in class. A serial entrepreneur and SpringGR grad, Care owns Faye Nicole, the CREW Cosmetics, and Care Monique LLC. Outside of work, she enjoys binge-watching the Golden Girls, eating french fries, and shopping.

Portrait of Kris Mathis, Business Coach at SpringGR — **KRIS MATHIS**
**BUSINESS COACH**
As a coach, Kris walks alongside each entrepreneur as they work through the business training program, and you will see him in your weekly coaching sessions. Kris’s background is in marketing, and he is a speaker, author, and business owner. In his free time, Kris loves to travel, spend time with his family, and write.

Portrait photo of Kris Ridings, Business Coach at SpringGR — **KRIS RIDINGS**
**BUSINESS COACH**
As a coach, Kris provides guidance and support as entrepreneurs go through the training program and helps fuel your curiosity and courage beyond it. She owns her own business and brings years of experience in sales, marketing, training, and development. Kris loves audio books, hot yoga, kayaking, and hiking as often as she can.

Portrait photo of Omar Cuevas, Facilitator at SpringGR — **OMAR CUEVAS**
**FACILITATOR**
As an Emprende facilitator, Omar can be found each week in class working through the curriculum and business model canvas with you. His extensive experience includes banking, credit, and cultural competency. Omar enjoys movies, shopping, and traveling.

JOSEPH MALONE

FACILITATOR

Joseph Malone is a local entrepreneur with a background in wireless and event management. He is currently the VP of operations and interim VP of sales for HOLO Footwear, a local shoe brand with a national footprint, soon going international. Joseph is passionate about serving the minority community, with a desire to inspire them into entrepreneurship and scalability. In his free time, he loves to watch combat sports, go camping/vacationing with his family, and eat delicious foods.

Portrait photo of Teia Gates, Facilitator at SpringGR — **TEIA GATES**
**FACILITATOR**
As a facilitator, Teia can be found weekly in the classroom, where she brings organization, laughter, and positivity. Teia brings years of experience in banking. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends and reading.

YADIRA GARZA-MALONE

FACILITATOR

Yadira’s background is in banking, sales leadership, and business development. Yadira has served as the director of development at the Grand Rapids Chamber for five years and is passionate about serving the underrepresented community and connecting them with community resources. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family, and enjoys fitness and traveling.

Our Partners

Thank you to our partners who help make SpringGR possible.