Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship Team
John Stavig
Managing Director
612-625-2485
stavi003@umn.edu
Mary Benner
Academic Director
Professor & Department Chair
Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship
Kailin Oliver
Associate Director, MN Cup
Phone: 612-625-9225
Email: olive322@umn.edu
Roy Wetterstrom
Undergraduate Director
Phone: 612-624-6817
Email: wette015@umn.edu
Deb Miedema
Innovator Outreach and Development Specialist, MIN-CORPS
Phone: 612-703-2010
Email: miedema@umn.edu
Mari Tadesse
DEI Program Manager
Email: mtades@umn.edu
Holmes Center Internship Program - 2023 Holmes Center Interns
The Holmes Center Internship Program is an opportunity for students to get a front-row seat to Minnesota's growing and dynamic entrepreneur ecosystem. Past interns have gone on to join startups as well as industry-leading companies. Interested in joining the team? Send your resume to hce@umn.edu.
Bella Thuras
I am Bella Thuras, a Junior at Carlson Studying Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management, with the hopes of getting into corporate event planning (and possibly my own business)! At the Holmes Center I do a little bit of everything, but my focus has been on Naturally MN and WE*.
Fun fact: I have earned my white belt in Taekwondo.
Sarah Haile
(She/Her)
I'm a fourth-year Applied Economics & Political Science Major. I have been working at the Holmes center for almost 2 years. My favorite part of the job is meeting entrepreneurs across Minnesota and collaborating with all the inspiring people here.
Fun Fact: I can do a handstand
Nora Vuong
(She/Her)
I am in my fourth year as an Entrepreneurial Management major and a Fashion Studies and Interdisciplinary Design minor. I had the awesome opportunity to collaborate with many well-known brands worldwide, so I have developed a keen interest in helping The Holmes Center of Entrepreneurship. In my free time, I am usually doing photography, reading a book, drawing, or going on a walk.
Fun fact: I auditioned to be on Disney Channel when I was 9 and worked with Flynn from "Shake it Up"
Tianna Nguyen
(She/Her)
I'm a graphic design major and UX/UI minor, currently working as a freelance designer and muralist. I enjoy working with the Holmes team and love learning new things!
Fun fact: I can make a "W" shape with my tongue.
Ryan Olk
(He/Him)
I am from Eden Prairie, MN, and extremely excited to be a part of the HCE team. I love all things outdoors and enjoy playing sports and guitar in my free time.
Fun fact: I love building Legos
Mary Patterson
(she/her)
I am a second-year student studying Economics and minoring in Management with a financial focus. I'm involved in Greek Life, am on the executive board for UMN Scholars of Finance, and am a collegiate figure skater! In my free time, I love to read, listen to music, explore places I've never been to, and spend time with family & friends.
Fun Fact: I was born without any wisdom teeth!
Jake White
(He/Him)
I am Jake White, a third-year student at the Carlson School of Management, majoring in Entrepreneurial Management and Finance. I aspire to start my own business, and I am excited to join and work with the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship team. I enjoy being active outside, playing pickleball, and learning new things.
Fun Fact: I have snowboarded on a volcano