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
Associate Director, MN Cup
Phone: 612-625-9225
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]
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 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
Lead Intern
(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
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
Yasin Abuelgasim
(he/him)
I’m Yasin Abuelgasim, an aspiring creative director studying Strategic Communications and Public Relations at the Hubbard School of Journalism. Outside of school, I’m a passionate music lover and artist, and I spend a lot of time meditating, reading, and exploring the arts. My work at the Holmes Center focuses on graphic design, and I am deeply grateful to be part of HCE, where I get to dive into a creative and innovative entrepreneurial community that inspires me to grow and think in new ways.
Fun fact: I chipped my tooth diving into a pool.
[email protected]
Luci Miller
(She/Her)
I am Luci Miller, a third-year Marketing student minoring in Business Analytics at Carlson. I’m passionate about combining creative strategy with practical business solutions. I’m excited to bring my organizational skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset to the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship as a Marketing & Events Intern. In my free time, I enjoy swimming at the rec, hanging out with friends, and baking.
Fun Fact: I have a horrible fear of rings
Leona Sewali
(She/Her)
Hi, I’m Leona Sewali, a second-year student at the Carlson School of Management, where I’m double majoring in Entrepreneurial Management and Marketing. As a Marketing and Events Intern at the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, I’m excited to work with such a talented team and contribute to the innovative projects and initiatives at the Center. My interests include entrepreneurship, marketing, and real estate, and I’m always looking for new ways to expand my knowledge in these areas. Outside of academics and work, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and hanging out with friends, which allow me to explore new cultures and unwind in my free time.
Fun Fact: I have been to over 10 countries!