Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship Team
Our Team
John Stavig
Managing Director
612-625-2485
[email protected]
Aks Zaheer
Academic Director
Professor & Department Chair
Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship
Kailin Oliver
Director, MN Cup
Phone: 612-625-9225
Email: [email protected]
Allison McDonald
Senior Manager - Marketing, Programs, and Events
Phone: 763-647-0681
Email: [email protected]
Roy Wetterstrom
Undergraduate Director
Phone: 612-624-6817
Email: [email protected]
Deb Miedema
Innovator Outreach and Development Specialist, MIN-CORPS
Phone: 612-703-2010
Email: [email protected]
Kimberlie Moock
Director of Operations, Toaster Innovation Hub
Phone: 612-625-2841
Email: [email protected]
Holmes Center Internship Program - 2025 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 [email protected].
Bella Thuras
I am Bella Thuras, a Senior at Minnesota 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.
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
Jake White
(He/Him)
I am Jake White, a fourth-year student at Minnesota Carlson, 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
Emily Hua
(She/Her)
Hi, I’m Emily Hua, a first-year student at Minnesota Carlson and a Marketing and Events Intern at the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship. I'm excited to apply my skills, grow professionally, and collaborate with the team to support entrepreneurship and innovation! In my free time, I enjoy cooking new recipes, doing mat yoga, and reading.
Fun Fact: I drink matcha every day
Raegan Bates
(she/her)
Hey, I’m Raegan Bates, a second-year student majoring in graphic design and a Graphic Design Intern at the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, working out, and reading!
Maya Evans-Riera
(She/Her)
Hi, I'm Maya Evans-Riera, a second-year student at Minnesota Carlson and the Naturally MN marketing intern. I'm passionate about creative strategy, and I'm excited to bring my skills and enthusiasm to everything I work on. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and skiing.
Fun Fact: I've lived in three different states!
Sabrena Thao
(She/Her)
Hi! I'm Sabrena Thao, a second year student at Minnesota Carlson, studying Marketing and Business Analytics with a Minor in Entrepreneurial Management. I am super excited to be a part of the HCE team and to learn new skills, build new relationships and grow professionally. In my free time, I love to crochet plushies, bake and dance!
Fun Fact: I've performed at the Rotunda in the MOA.
Kaily Klein
(She/Her)
Hi, I'm Kaily Klein a second-year student at Minnesota Carlson, majoring in Marketing and International Business with a minor in Business Analytics. I'm looking forward to growing and applying my skills professionally. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Holmes Center team and engage with the Entrepreneurial community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, traveling, and being outdoors.
Fun Fact: I have five pets!