Get to Know Our Team

Meet the talented, experienced and compassionate team dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs

Rana Shanawani

Executive Director, WCEC

“I believe entrepreneurship is the panacea for eradicating poverty, building communities, improving health, and economic development. Because women reinvest 90% of their income in their families and communities (compared with 30%-40% for men), investing in women entrepreneurs is one of the highest return opportunities available.”

Steve Maiorano

Program Director, WBC

“My favorite part of being the Program Director of the Women’s Business Center is that I impart my knowledge of writing a business plan and financial projections to our clients, while I learn about new and disruptive businesses, up-and-coming industries and the super niche markets they serve. Every day I learn something new while being inspired by the creativity and innovation of the clients we serve.”

Email: smaiorano@wcecnj.org

Nichole Russell

Education & Marketing Director, WBC

“To me, our mission of empowering women business owners is valuable and necessary. My favorite moments are when I’m working directly with clients in the classroom or sharing their business updates on social media. They’re not just starting their own business, they’re creating jobs and giving back to the community. ”

Email: nrussell@wcecnj.org

Trudy Adams

COVID-19 Program Manager

“A rewarding part of my role as

COVID-19 Program Manager is connecting with business owners right where they are. As a former business owner, I empathize with the personal passion that drives women entrepreneurs and the challenges faced in achieving their dreams. COVID-19 has multiplied the impact of ordinary challenges into an extraordinary climate of uncertainty. My mission is to provide support for small businesses to survive COVID and to thrive beyond the pandemic.”

Email: tadams@wcecnj.org

Lelani Clark

COVID-19 PR Manager

“I am excited about helping the WCEC boost its public profile and gain more visibility. Its mission to support women and minority owned businesses with counseling, training and access to critical Covid-19 relief funding is what makes me passionate about being part of this team. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy and working with clients impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic to develop the skills to pivot and thrive makes this rewarding work.”