As the Director of the Smart Futures Lab, Dan drives for building out and executing the mission of the Smart Futures Lab, which is to elevate and grow tech entrepreneurship in new majority communities. Through this work he gets to meet and learn from diverse voices and bring new insights into what an incubator and accelerator can do. In his role at CU Denver College of Engineering Design and Computing, he is able to create and drive for new programs at the intersection of human centered design and innovation.

 

As an entrepreneur, he has run three of his own companies, and led design teams at companies like OtterBox and Link Product Development. He has also benefited from living and working abroad in South Korea and India. Dan brings 25 years in leadership roles in subjects like innovation, and product development.

Marie is an incredible resource to all participants of the incubator and accelerator program. Marie’s day to day focuses on making this program happen, managing program logistics to onboarding new members.

 

Program members will work with Marie 1:1 where she will help identify a company's needs and support members in hitting their milestones. She facilitates and uses her human-centered design expertise to aid entrepreneurs in their innovation development.

 

Marie Evans has a Bachelor’s Degree in Cross-Cultural Studies and a background working in the non-profits sector, both domestically and abroad. She's a human-centered design professional who has worked across a spectrum of social problems, driven to help others in everything she does.

Not only does Michelle lead our own marketing strategies and partnerships within Smart Futures Lab, but she also supports incubator and accelerator program members in developing successful marketing strategies and strengthening their company’s brand. Program members will work with Michelle 1:1 to develop a marketing plan for their company.

 

With over 9 years in the marketing and communications field, she empowers members to build strong connections in the real world and in the digital. She has worked in the public sector, public education, and telecommunications.

 

Michelle is a 1st Gen. Mexican-American. She is bilingual in Spanish, and has a keen eye for design and visual creativity. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Marketing.

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