Cindy Thompson is a 1986 graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in Management.
She moved to Austin, TX in 1987 and went to work for a start-up company named PC’s Limited which later became Dell Computer. At Dell, she worked in Human Resources for 12 years in almost every department from Recruiting to Executive Compensation.
Ms. Thompson is currently participating in the Texas State ACTiVATE program, which encourages women entrepreneurs to create start-up companies from inventions from Texas research institutions. She also hosts the Internet radio show "Empowering Entrepreneurs" on www.pivtr.com and recently completed Volume II of the Cacppuccino book series.
Cindy is very excited to interview and learn more about entrepreneurs in various business segments. "Entrepreneurs are needed now more than ever and their stories will inspire others to find their passion and live their own dreams."
Submit Your Story for the Momtrepreneurs' Edition to
cindy@acupofcappuccino.com
As an active leader in Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma, Lou C. Kerr has committed her time and expertise to numerous organizations which correspond with her beliefs and expectations. She is the President and Chair of The Kerr Foundation, a foundation which allocates funds to non-profit organizations, programs and institutions which enrich opportunities for all Oklahomans with an emphasis on the young.
Lou Kerr has given many years of public service and sits on the Board of Directors of numerous organizations, including Lyric Theatre, the Women's Leadership Board of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, University of Oklahoma International Programs Center, and the International Business Forum.
As an advocate for education, Lou spends a great deal of her time focusing on programs that serve to educate and stimulate the minds of others. Founder and Chair of the Oklahoma International Women's Forum, Mrs. Kerr has partnered OIWF with Oklahoma State University in a successful leadership program since 1992.
Lou Kerr has received numerous awards for her duty and service to the community. Lou was inducted into the Philanthropy World Hall of Fame, received the Plaza District's Urban Pioneer Award, the Association for Continuing Higher Education Special Recognition Award, and many others. Governor Henry issued a Proclamation naming March 2, 2005 as "Lou C. Kerr" Day.
Lou continues to look to new opportunities and issues that will enable her to expand her knowledge base and personal experience while continuing to give back unselfishly to what she believes in most; people and the community.
Submit your story for the Women Entrepreneurs' Edition to jeretta@acupofcappuccino.com
Author, small businessman, corporate executive, award winning television News Anchor, University Professor of Marketing & Economics, candidate for Governor of Oklahoma and Dean of the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University all describe the dynamic career of Vince Orza.
In July 2005 Dr. Vince Orza was named the Dean of the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University. Recognized for his contributions to business, education and the civic community, Vince founded Eateries, Inc., a national restaurant chain operating coast to coast under the names of Garfield's Restaurant & Pub, Garcia’s Mexican Restaurants & Pepperoni Grill Italian Bistros. Vince served as the Chairman, President & CEO of Eateries, Inc., growing the company from an idea to over $100 million in annual sales. He is also the author of “When I Want Your Opinion I’ll Tell It To You,” a light-hearted, nostalgic look at growing up as a second generation Italian American. Vince has been the keynote and motivational speaker at meetings and conventions across America.
Submit Your Story for War Stories...Entrepreneurs Exposed Edition to:
President & Consultant, Immerseus
Chantal is an entrepreneurial, results-driven professional who applies her values, passion, and curiosity to work and play. Through her experience working with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country, coupled with her keen sense for detail, Chantal brings the right balance to developing and executing on vision and strategy. A great day for her includes managing multiple projects in a fast paced, flexible environment, working with like-minded individuals toward common goals that positively influence our communities and the people within for the long-term.
With a core value of learning for life, Chantal is currently finalizing a Masters degree in Professional Communications at Royal Roads University, holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in International Business from the University of Victoria, a Marketing Management Certificate in Public Relations from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and the Canadian Securities Course Certificate.
Equally at home in corporate environments, medium sized businesses and small entrepreneurial ventures or not for profit settings, Chantal has held positions with organizations including PricewaterhouseCoopers, CIBC World Markets, Travel Underwriters, and LifePilot, and has experience in a variety of industries including assurance, financial services, insurance, venture cap, education, personal development, and non-profit.
To find out more about Chantal, visit www.immerseus.com
Submit your story for the Ecopreneurs' Edition to chantal@immerseus.com
Dr. Tovar has held positions as the Gates Millennium Scholars: Director of GMS Leadership Programs & Scholar Relations, Chief Operating Officer of the American Indian Graduate Center, and served in various administrative positions both at OSU and OUHSC. Dr. Tovar's nationally recognized expertise in strategies for ensuring the success of underrepresented students in undergraduate and graduate education has garnered her positions on committees such as the Council of Graduate Schools Advisory Committee on Minorities (Washington D.C), Council of Southern Graduate School in Graduate Education, and the ACT Policy Research Advisement Committee. Her dedication to the advancement of minorities in education has also earned her numerous awards including the Outstanding Oklahoma Native American Leadership Award, Holmes Scholar, and National Hispanic Scholar. She was selected as a fellow of the prestigious International Women's Forum and was awarded the UNCF/GATES Team Award. One of her passions is working with the Indigenous women in the tropical villages of Panama.
Nicole Wheeler, works as the Community Liaison & Communications Coordinator at Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is charged with building relationships with organizations and coordinating public education outreach.
Ms. Wheeler studied Communication at Cornell University where she served as the Chairperson of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, treasurer for Native American Students at Cornell, was an active member of the Hawai’i Club, and varsity softball team.
Ms. Wheeler’s work and research has lead to extensive travel throughout Latin America and Polynesia. Her research and professional experiences include: The Advancement of Maori Opportunity, Hamilton, New Zealand; Center for Disability Studies at University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu Hawaii; and the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation/Cornell University, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Additionally, Ms. Wheeler works with Indigenous women of Panama on health issues. She has presented at national, state and local events, such University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s New Directions in American Indian Research and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s Annual National Conference. She is published in numerous journals, newspapers, and magazines.
Ms. Wheeler has worked at non-profits and Universities for the past six years aiding in student services, curriculum development and leadership. She is currently a consultant focusing on developing leadership skills in academic and corporate communications. Additionally, she serves on an advisory council for the Albuquerque Academy, is involved in animal rescue, volunteers for political campaigns and is a member of the Native American Caucus.
We are accepting stories from Native American Entrepreneurs and Native (Indigineous) Entrepreneurs throughout the world.
Submit your story for the Native Entrepreneurs' Edition to molly.tovar@cimtel.net
Iryna Tkachenko was born in Kiev Ukraine. She started playing tennis at the age of seven and seven years later was playing professionally. When she was 17, Iryna was accepted into the International Christian University, an Austrian University with classes taught in English. A year later, she came to Oklahoma State University and played tennis as the #1 singles and doubles player all four years. Iryna was named Rookie of the Year in 2005 and later the Big XII Player of the Year. Ms. Tkachenko received Bachelors degrees in Management and International Business from OSU. She is currently pursuing a Masters of International Studies with a focus in International Business and Economics.
We are accepting story submissions for the Global Entrepreneurs' Edition from entrepreneurs who have businesses in countries outside of the U.S. and those within the U.S. who have expanded globally.
Submit your story for the Global Entrepreneurs' Edition to iryna6@yandex.ru
Nate Waters has successfully overcome adversity and obstacles many of us can only imagine. Despite this, Nate remains an entrepreneur at heart with an exuberant spirit.
Nate grew up on the wrong side of town, with few friends and in an abusive home. All the odds were stacked against him, yet something inside told Nate to keep working hard. At an early age, Nate developed a strong spirit of entrepreneurism as a mechanism to change his circumstances. After an incident with his Mother's boyfriend, Nate was left paralyzed lying on the floor begging for help. His spirit of faith and entrepreneurism is what helped Nate survive the incident and the recovery that followed.
Nate Waters earned an Associate's Degree from Tulsa Community College, a Bachelor's Degree from Oklahoma State University, and a Commodities Trading Advisor Registration from the National Futures Association. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Nate works as an Accountant for Williams Company and has won numerous civic awards.
Volume I of A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneurs' Spirit features Nate's story.
Entrepreneurs with disabilities can submit stories to Nate Waters for the Disabled Entrepreneurs' Edition.
Submit your story for the Disabled Entrepreneurs' Edition to natewaters68@hotmail.com
Brayden William Blaine Olson is a recent graduate and the 22-year-old founder and CEO of Novel Interactive. Novel creates virtual gaming simulations that help businesses make better decisions, operate more effectively and save capital. Novel’s products will help mid-sized companies save tens of millions, and Fortune 5000 companies save hundreds of millions. By the end of 2010, despite the recession, Novel will create 20 new jobs.
Brayden graduated magna cum laude two years before his peers from Seattle University with a degree in Business Management during which time he was invited to become a member of Beta Gamma Sigma the invitation-only, business honor society for those who meet the highest academic and ethical standard worldwide.
In between classes, clubs and part-time work, Brayden began laying the groundwork to launch his company and before graduating was recognized as a “young leader ready to step onto the big stage,” in an October 22, 2007 BusinessWeek article, “Where have all the leaders gone? (Part III).” Brayden was listed as an example of young leaders who would follow in the footsteps of Michael Dell, Bill Gates and Howard Schultz.
On October 27, 2009 Brayden was selected as Entrepreneurs’ Organization’s Northwest Champion for the GSEA competition. Novel also received the Innovation Award sponsored by Microsoft during this regional competition, which is given to the company that is most likely to create massive value and change, similar to Microsoft, within the high technology world.
Brayden was the first Washington representative entrepreneur to make it to the prestigious global competition, which selects just the top 30 student age entrepreneurs from 33 countries around the globe and over 1,500 applicants with active businesses. At 21, Brayden was among the youngest entrepreneurs in participation.
Please submit your stories for the Young Entrepreneurs' Edition to brayden@novel-interactive.com
Dr. Aileen Cater-Steel is Associate Professor in Information Systems in the Faculty of Business at the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland Australia. Dr Cater-Steel has previously published three edited books, on Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (co-edited by Emily Cater), IT Governance and Service Management, and Information Systems Research. Her work has been published in many international journals including the Communications of the ACM, Information and Software Technology, International Journal of IT Standards and Standardization Research and she has presented at many international conferences. Her research interests include IT Governance, IT Service Management, e-Commerce adoption, and gender issues related to the participation of women in engineering, science and technology disciplines.
Prior to her academic career, Aileen worked in local government for 17 years and also private industry. She ran her own consulting business for five years. Through her work and study she has always been fascinated by entrepreneurs and their amazing stories of daring and perseverance.
Emily Cater has a B.Bus degree (Marketing) from the Queensland University of Technology and has worked in analytical roles within the insurance industry since graduation. Emily is active in Toastmasters International and has served as a Speechcraft facilitator and VP Education. Editing books is just one of a menagerie of unlikely hobbies she has collected, which also include ballroom dance, knitting tea cosies and long distance cycling.
We are accepting story submissions for the Australian Entrepreneurs' Edition from entrepreneurs who have businesses that commenced in Australia.
Submit your story for the Australian Entrepreneurs' Edition to caterst@usq.edu.au
Dr. Judith Symonds Judith Symonds has a PhD in Natural and Rural Systems Management from the University of Queensland. She is a faculty member at the Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand where she teaches postgraduate courses in Information Computing Technology Issues for Small and Medium Enterprises. Her PhD focused on eCommerce use in small owner operated businesses in New Zealand. In her spare time, Dr Symonds is also a Tupperware demonstrator. “Everyone thinks that selling Tupperware is kind of a ?Nana’ thing to do” she says. However, the way that the dealership is run and the professional management of the salesforce including many opportunities for women simply blew empowers many people to own their own business with the freedom to make of it what they will. Dr Symonds is Australian by birth, however, she has enjoyed working in New Zealand since 1999. “New Zealanders are renowned for their entrepreneurial passion and spirit” Dr Symonds says. Locally the entrepreneurial character of New Zealand it is called ?Number 8 wire ingenuity’. “That is where I got the idea for the New Zealand edition of A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneurs Spirit” she says. Therefore, the New Zealand edition will be dedicated to the everyday entrepreneur.
Submit your story for the New Zealand Entrepreneurs’ Edition to jsymonds@paradise.net.nz
Watch for the introduction of editors for the following editons of
A CUP OF CAPPUCCINO FOR THE ENTREPRENEURS' SPIRIT:
Extraordinary Entrepreneurs' Edition; Women Entrepreneurs' Edition II; Internet Entrepreneurs' Edition; Canadian Entrepreneurs' Edition; African American Entrepreneurs' Edition; Hispanic Entrepreneurs' Edition