Meet the People Behind the Transformation
Our team includes a community of educators, business leaders, and post-secondary partners who help guide our mission.
Board of Directors and Officers
Board of Directors and Officers
Chair of the Board: Sandra Krasnoff
Vice Chair: Maureen-Gillan Myer
Treasurer: Mary Haggerty
Founder: Iris Blanc
Joel Albarella, Senior Vice President, Head of Corporate Ventures, Innovation and R&D, New York Life
Ritu Banga, Co-Founder, Zoomdojo
David Banks, Chancellor, New York City Department of Education
Iris Blanc, VEI Founder
Matthew Boone, Head of Finance and People, Openpath Security
Matthew Chasin, SVP, Institutional Consulting Director, Financial Advisor, Stanley Graystone Consulting
Paul Cronin, Managing Director and Partner, Three Keys Capital Advisors
Wyatt Crowell, Group General Manager, Head of US Commercial Banking, HSBC
Joseph Delaney, VEI Executive Committee, Deloitte LLP (ret.)
Stacy DeNoyior, Global Head of Lead Generation and Client Insights, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
TJ Durkin, Co-Head, Structured Credit, Head of Residential & Consumer Debt, Angelo Gordon & Co.
Ashley Fina, Founder/CEO, I.E. Ventures
Gregg Fisher, Founder, Quent Capital, LLC
Morris Fodeman, Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Maureen Gillan-Myer, Chief HR Officer, Community Bank System, Inc.
Mary Haggerty, VEI Treasurer, JPMorgan Chase (ret.)
Steve Israel, President, SMI Properties Group, LLC
Roman Kogan, Portfolio Manager, PIMCO
Sandra Krasnoff, VEI Chair of the Board; Pall Corporation (ret.)
Dean McGee, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services and Innovative Programs Division, Kern High School District
Marie Moody, Founder, Stella & Chewy’s
Jay Novik, CEO, Managing Principal, Diamond Capital Partners (ret.)
John Partilla, CEO, Screenvision Media
Advisory Board
Cesar Gonzalez, VEI Advisory Board Member, Sailfish Royalty Corp.
Jay Lewis, VEI Advisory Board Member, Nathan & Lewis (ret.)
Tom Smith, VEI President and CEO
Eduardo Beltre, Chief Finance & Operations Officer
Rebecca Mooney, Chief Development Officer
Elizabeth Pooran Persaud, VEI Corporate Secretary & Associate Director of Curriculum & Professional Learning
Founder and CEO
Iris Blanc, Founder
As VE’s founder and longtime Executive Director, Iris leads the organization’s curriculum, instruction, and fundraising efforts. Under her leadership, the VE team has continuously developed new strategies for providing real-world learning and opportunities for all students, including the recent addition of the VE-JV Middle School Career Academy. Prior to her current role, Iris was the Director of VE for the New York City Department of Education, which piloted the VE high school program in seven high schools in 1996.
Iris has over 35 years of experience working at all levels of public education as a teacher, assistant principal, central district administrator, and author of computer technology textbooks and reference guides. She began her professional career in marketing research for a New York City advertising agency. Iris holds two master’s degrees—an M.S. in Education from Baruch College and an M.S. in Education and Administration from New York University. Outside of work, Iris enjoys spending time with family, reading, playing tennis, and going to the theater.
Tom Smith, President and CEO
Tom Smith joined VEI in February 2024 as the President and CEO of Virtual Enterprises International.
For over 20 years, Tom served as Managing Director at Deloitte in NYC responsible for managing 400+ Fortune 100 clients. While there, he oversaw software analysis teams, coordinated short-fuse economic & risk analysis and led data conversion and migration. In addition to his business background, Tom has been a volunteer coach, mentor and judge at VEI for the past 11 years. He served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant for over 9 years.
Tom holds an MBA from CUNY and a BS in Computer Science at the US Naval Academy. He currently lives in NYC with his family.
Finance, Operations & Software Development
Eduardo “Eddie” Beltre, Chief Finance and Operations Officer
With over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience in building and implementing financial and operational systems that support stability and growth, Eduardo “Eddie” Beltre joined VE in August 2022 as Chief Finance and Operations Manager (“CF&OO). In his role, Eddie oversees the organization’s financial stewardship, operational, legal and compliance activities in order to position VE for continued growth. As a VE alum, Eddie is intimately knowledgeable on the value-add of our model, and its commitment in developing the up and coming workforce with hands-on high quality experiences.
Outside of VE, Eddie volunteers as a board member of organizations that allow him to continue his dedication to helping pave the way for a better future for our youth, through high-quality education and experiences.
Alexa Salazar, Operations Associate
Alexa joined VEI as an Operations Associate in March 2023 to provide support in both Financial and Operational tasks within the central office. Alexa graduated from Baruch College with a BBA in Finance. Before joining VEI, she worked as a Business Analyst for an IT Company that provided training to post-graduates and ex-military alike. She also worked for a public charter school in New York City as an Operations Associate. From her experiences, she saw the impact of having quality training and education available to all people of diverse backgrounds. Inspired by her co-trainees and the children she worked with, she hopes to continue working within the education sector in providing resources to students so they may apply their learned knowledge in the real-world. Outside of work, Alexa likes hiking with her dogs, reading, and going to art museums.
Nimisha Budhwani, Data & Tech Consultant
Nimisha has had a passion for analytics since her time as an undergraduate at Baruch College. She majored in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Data Analytics. She is enamored by the power of data and turning it into something that is meaningful that will impact the society in which we live. Living in a data-driven global society she seeks to answer questions to solve problems that exist in our education system through VE. In her free time, Nimisha enjoys going on long drives. listening to music, and exploring the outdoors.
Fundraising, Community Engagement, Marketing & Communications
Rebecca Mooney, Chief Development Officer
Rebecca has spent the last two decades in nonprofit leadership at the local, regional and national levels. An innovative fundraiser, Rebecca brings the perfect blend of high level strategy and tactical implementation as well as her fundraising “superpower” of translating passion into partnership. Joining the VE team as Chief Development Officer in February of 2024, Rebecca serves as the organization’s lead strategic fundraiser.
Outside of VE, Rebecca has put her professional skills to work serving on Classy’s Leadership Council, supporting her town’s Parent Teacher Organization, and partnering with NJ’s Department of Military and Veteran Affairs to seek grant funding to improve the lives of Veterans. She is a wife and a mom of one, and is a former foster parent who understands the value of challenging youth to help unlock their potential.
Shari Linker, Director of Marketing & Communications
Shari spent the majority of her career in corporate America with 15 years at the Walt Disney Company as Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Sales working with Fortune 100 companies to develop custom programs. Most recently, she was at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post as Director of Marketing & Communications responsible for branding, public relations, ticket sales and community engagement.
She joined VE in October 2023 and is responsible for all branding efforts, developing and implementing marketing strategies and communications, creating and managing social media content and anything the team needs help with for success! She is thrilled to bring her business background to an organization that prepares students for success in the business world. Outside of VE, Shari volunteers at a local food pantry and spends time with her husband and 3 children.
Meghan Foley, Associate Director of Community Engagement
After being with VE for 5+ years Meghan recently transitioned to the role of Associate Director, Community Engagement. She has been a key member of the growth of the NY Metro and Long Island regions and helped to establish the first New Jersey Advisory Board. In her current role Meghan will cultivate community partnerships, organize volunteers and engage our VE Alumni community. She is also working closely with our partners to bridge the gap between classroom and real world businesses.
Meghan is a “I wish I had VE in High School” team member but finds comfort in knowing that her alma mater now has a VE program for students like herself to learn business by doing business. Previously, Meghan was a student leader at SUNY Oneonta, where she studied Mass Communication and Event Planning. She takes pride in her ability to plan an interactive and organized event that gives students opportunities to network, grow and create memories that last a lifetime!
Maha Kazmi, Development Operations Coordinator
Maha B. Kazmi joined VE in 2024 as the Development Operations Coordinator, bringing her extensive experience in data management, marketing and communications. In her role, Maha supports day-to-day development activities, such as creating donation campaigns, managing CRM systems and executing digital marketing strategies. Maha is passionate about VE’s mission to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences that prepare the next generation for the workforce, and she is dedicated to advancing the organization’s goals through innovative and effective strategies.
Outside of work, Maha enjoys refreshing nature walks, exploring international media, and discovering new culinary delights through restaurant hopping.
Educational Partnerships
Will Wilson, Director of Educational Partnerships
Nothing is more satisfying to Will than talking to teachers, parents, and business professionals who say, “I wish I had VE when I was in school!” Prior to joining VE, he was a Curriculum Facilitator in the Career and Technical Education Department at Broward County (FL) Public Schools, where he supported the middle school VE-JV teachers as they guided their students through the VE-JV curriculum. Will now works with all schools across the country to help incorporate VE into their programs. In his free time, he loves to relax with his daughter Emery and wife Nicole, play soccer, and go mountain biking.
Curriculum & Professional Learning
Wendy Schmitt, Managing Director of Curriculum & Professional Learning
Throughout her 30+ years in public education, Wendy served in various support and management positions before finding her passion in teaching. As a business education teacher and CTE coordinator, Wendy fell in love with the VE program, considering it to be project-based learning at its absolute finest and the highlight of her teaching career. She happily joined the staff first as the Michigan State Coordinator, and later full-time in concurrent roles as National Program Manager and Great Lakes Regional Director. She is now excited to oversee Curriculum & Professional Learning, bringing learning to life through VE! Outside of work, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, downhill skiing, doing anything artsy, boating, singing and reading mysteries.
Richard Wells, Associate Director of Curriculum & Professional Learning
Richard comes to VE motivated by a desire to close equity gaps in education. With 19 years of experience in public schools as an English and Reading teacher, Curriculum Facilitator, and Professional Development Specialist, he views career and technical education programs – particularly in middle school – as integral to ensuring students are authentically engaged in their learning and prepared for college and careers. When he’s not building professional learning opportunities, Richard enjoys trying new food with his wife and two children, listening to his favorite podcasts, publicly advocating for social causes, and suffering as a long-time fan of the Miami Dolphins.
Elizabeth Pooran Persaud, Associate Director of Curriculum & Professional Learning
As a former VE student, intern, and volunteer, Elizabeth continues her journey with VE in Curriculum & Professional Learning. With a background in nonprofit management and a passion for making a difference, she’s excited to manage projects related to curriculum, programmatic experiences, resource development, and more. Elizabeth graduated from Pace University with a BA in International Management and a Masters in Public Administration from Baruch College. Outside of work, Elizabeth loves eating and crafting new dishes, rock climbing, and solving complex math problems.
Dillon Harris, Intern – Curriculum & Professional Learning/Educational Partnerships
Dillon is a sophomore at East Tennessee State University studying Kinesiology with a minor in General Business. Dillon is a VE alum who specialized in sales for the two years he was in the program. Dillon joined the team as an intern for Curriculum & Professional learning as well as Educational Partnerships.
Outside of VE, Dillon is in the marching band and also loves to play Ultimate Frisbee, he also helps to coach Lacrosse.
Partnership Management
Jillian Berg, Managing Director of Programs
As a former business and marketing teacher, Jillian was enthusiastic about VE as soon as she learned about it because she understood that real-world experiences and hands-on learning are the key components to successful classroom instruction. After graduating from the University of Florida, Jillian began teaching with Broward County Public Schools and spent 15 years as a passionate educator. In 2014, she accepted a position as a curriculum supervisor for Career and Technical Education and was excited to bring the VE curriculum to classrooms. In her free time, Jillian enjoys traveling and having new cultural experiences around the globe.
Ellen Palazzo, Regional Director – New York State & New England
A longstanding CTE advocate, Ellen appreciates the power of student engagement and applied academics in learning. The outgrowth of the quantifiable student success VE produces in the New York State network has grown organically into the vibrant region Ellen now directs. During her non-work hours, Ellen is passionate about relationships, nature, gardening, cooking, and traveling.
Graciela Aguilar, Intern – Long Island
Graciela Aguilar joined VE in October 2023 as our dedicated intern. As the CEO of her High School VE Program, Graciela gained knowledge of different aspects of business which will help in her current role. Graciela is bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our team. She is currently enrolled in Suffolk County Community College and is gaining valuable hands-on experience in Research & Development. Graciela is actively involved in data analysis and event planning and contributes to our dynamic work environment. This internship is part of her journey to apply academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and build a foundation for future career success.
Outside of VE, Graciela volunteers her time to create multiple websites for small businesses and members of her community. This has allowed her to use her skills she obtained to help people in need.
Rochelle Stanfill, Regional Director – South
After 27 years as a CTE teacher and 8 years as a VE teacher, Rochelle knew her passion was to be part of the VE team. It brought her prior management retail experience full circle with teaching to continue to help guide students develop business skills with an entrepreneurial spirit. Rochelle enjoys traveling, especially to the mountains and the beach, plus anything that involves being around her 3 grandchildren.
Natalie Windon, Intern – South
Natalie was VP of Marketing and CMO of her VE firm in high school which makes her a perfect fit as Intern in the Southern region. Natalie currently attends Nova Southeastern University studying entrepreneurial and small business operations. She was first introduced to NSU after attending the Southern Region Competition & Exhibition. In addition, she has developed her leadership skills and time management through work outside of school.
Kendra Lee, Regional Director – Midwest
In 2008, Kendra was introduced to VE as a classroom teacher and has had the wonderful opportunity to implement VE in the classroom over the last 10 years. As VE’s Illinois network grew, Kendra was so impressed by the program and the work VE was doing that she joined the team as Illinois State Coordinator. She has spent 20 years in education, including positions as a classroom teacher, Director of Teaching and Learning for 7th-12th grades, and the Illinois State Coordinator for VE. In her free time, Kendra enjoys running and spending time with family.
Lindsay Dewey, Regional Manager – NYC & Mid-Atlantic
Lindsay’s VE journey began as a student at New Dorp High School, where she excelled as the Director of Operations for her firm. In 2013, she achieved regional and city-wide championships and was a National Business Plan Competition finalist. She holds a BBA in Business Management with a focus on Human Resources from the Zicklin School of Business. Now, she’s back in the VE community, excited to inspire students to embrace the real-world opportunities VE offers. Lindsay’s own journey in VE ignited her passion for business, and she hopes to kindle the same enthusiasm in current VE students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing poetry, spending time with family, and traveling.
Teri Jones, Regional Director – West
Teri is honored to work for VE, having experienced firsthand the incredible impact the VE program has on students. Her background includes 30 years of teaching, working as lead teacher for LA County, writing curriculum for several entities and working on personal business ventures. She has fun supporting teachers and students and having a front-row seat to watch their challenges turn into success. Because of Teri’s entrepreneurial background, she understands the importance of giving students VE’s internship-style opportunity. For fun and challenges at home, Teri enjoys practicing yoga and spending as much time as possible outdoors hiking, biking, and jogging with her 95lb Catahoula Leopard dog, Thor.
Vaishvi Joshi, Program Intern – West
As a former VE student and the CEO of a state and national champion team, Vaishvi feels privileged to be involved in this highly influential program. As she continues her journey toward pursuing post-secondary educational leadership, being a part of VE allows her to empower students through a learning-by-doing methodology. She is currently studying at Chapman University on a four-year track to graduate with her B.S. in Business Administration and MBA. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, being outdoors, traveling to new places, and looks forward to her annual Mission: Impossible marathons.
Program Implementation
Lily Thompson, Program Manager – New York State, New England, South
Prior to VE, Lily graduated from Vassar College with a BA in Political Science and Education. During that time, she also worked and volunteered for Conversations Unbound coordinating and managing their Programs connecting language learners with tutors from forcibly displaced backgrounds. Passionate about hands-on learning, Lily joined VE to empower students as facilitators of their own education. In her spare time, Lily enjoys volunteering, playing music, and sailing on the Maine coast.
Kathy Gielow, Program Coordinator – New York State, New England, South
Kathy loves working at VE because of the unique opportunity to interact with students, support teachers, and work with an incredible team that has a common vision. Prior to joining VE, Kathy worked for the Buffalo Public Schools–including a role as a CTE Coordinator, founded Empower Youth Entrepreneurs Inc., which trains hundreds of high school students to start their own businesses, and consulted with State Department heads from countries all over the world. In her free time, Kathy enjoys ballroom dancing, acoustic guitar, artistic endeavors, musical theater, and travel.
Mandy Bowlin, Program Coordinator – New York State, New England, South
Mandy was first introduced to VE in 2000 and has enjoyed volunteering and judging at various events over the years. Her passion for educating and empowering teachers and their students led her to join the VE team in 2021. After running her own business for almost two decades, she knows how important real-world, educational experiences are and looks forward to helping teachers create those opportunities for their students.
When Mandy is not working you can find her volunteering at her childrens’ schools or cheering her kids on at the ball field. She is an artist at heart and when time allows you will find her working on one of her many projects from graphic design to pottery.
Nour Fayad, Program Assistant -Midwest, NYC, Mid-Atlantic
Nour’s VE journey began in high school, where she served as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of her rental housing VE firm. At the 2022 Youth Business Summit in New York, her team achieved remarkable success, securing 1st place in the Global Innovation Challenge and 3rd place in the Social Media Marketing Campaign Competition. A chance encounter in an elevator with VE’s founder, Iris Blanc, led to an offer to intern for VE.
Nour now works full-time as the Program Assistant for the National Office helping students enjoy the same incredible experiences she did. Nour is currently pursuing a double major in International Business and Marketing at Florida International University. When she’s not working, you can find her exploring new travel destinations or spending quality time with friends and family.
Tyesha Arnette, Program Manager – West
Tyesha has been a part of the nonprofit sector for over 7 years. Upon completion of her studies at Stony Brook University, Tyesha realized that she had a passion for working with students in underserved and underrepresented communities. She has since dedicated her career to serving these students by exposing them to vocational enrichment outside of the classroom norm. Her desire to supplement the student experience is what led her to join the team. When Tyesha is not serving the VE community, you can find her traveling or teaching the professional sport of Double Dutch to children and adults in the NYC region.
Crystal Lin, National Program Coordinator
Crystal joined VE in 2024 as a National Program Coordinator, bringing her experience working with New York City Public Schools to her role with the Program Implementation Team. A firm believer in the value of experiential learning, she is excited to contribute to VE’s mission of delivering hands-on experiences to students across the country. Prior to joining VE, Crystal studied Economics and Urban Planning at Binghamton University.
Outside of work, Crystal spends her time reading, walking, and anticipating her next meal with friends and family.