about Maryann

I’ve spent the past 20 years working with cities, organizations, and entrepreneurs, building programs and resources to grow the entrepreneurial workforce and help you thrive.

I believe the most effective way to transform the business, social and political landscape - making it more inclusive and generous - is for more women and nonbinary individuals to control our businesses and our boardrooms. I have worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and executives in my career and the most consistent challenge I see is that limited confidence leads to lack of clarity and that lack of clarity keeps leaders from taking the bold action necessary to grow and innovate in their business.

I have been an entrepreneur my entire life, even before I had the language for it or knew what it meant. Entrepreneurship is a way of looking at the world, a mindset, an approach before it is a way of doing business. I am a problem solver, creative thinker, and status quo questioner. I have always been drawn to building things and connecting with others. 

I spent a decade as an independent theater producer in New York City before spending the next ten working with organizations, institutions and cities to build their ecosystems and provide a space for entrepreneurs to work and thrive. I have been on every side of the table; as a business owner myself, or coaching entrepreneurs to succeed, as well as advising cities on how to attract those entrepreneurs. That holistic view has led me to have a unique view of the needs entrepreneurs and cities have and how to help them.

Most importantly I’m the single parent of the coolest teenager on the planet and our cat, Pinkie. I believe tacos are their own food group. Wine is best when it is shared (and when it’s Spanish). And that it is time for a power shift in business. Travel keeps me curious. My child keeps me young. And the entrepreneurs I work with keep me inspired! 

It’s so great to meet you!

Hi, I’M Maryann Lombardi