Meet the team
Lindsay Ward
Regional Director |
Lindsay Ward brings over 20 years of combined experience in the non-profit, private, and government sectors to her new role, where she facilitates the success of small businesses in the Greater Rochester area and surrounding counties. She has executive leadership experience serving on multiple boards, including the American Speech and Hearing Association Governmental Affairs and Public Policy Board, and the Creative Environment Children’s Learning Center Board. Ward is an alumnus of the Masters of Public Administration program at SUNY Brockport and earned a Master of Arts from SUNY Plattsburgh.
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Chloe Anderson
Business Advisor |
Chloe Anderson obtained a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport College. While there, she studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Rochester Institute of Technology. Chloe has been an entrepreneur for over a decade. She currently has a wellness center inside of the Women of Color New York, which is in the City of Rochester. Women of Color New York is a collaboration of 10 Women & Black Owned Businesses under one umbrella. Her suite offers herbal consultations, yoni steams, and the primary focus is Doula services. On the shelves of the retail section, she offers a whipped shea body butter for your skin, and other all-natural products. She has been a client of SBDC. Now, her experience in building clientele, customer service, developing products, obtaining, and managing funding, community networking, and pursuing her purpose; is benefiting other clients of SBDC. Chloe looks forward to helping elevating people’s life prospects by coaching, referring, researching, facilitating, and encouraging so they can envision then accomplish successful entrepreneurship.
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Leslie Arengi
Administrative Assistant |
Leslie Arengi has worked at various types of businesses over the years. Mainly in accounts payable, receptionist, and teller positions. Where she learned attention to detail, communication and strong organizational skills. Joining the SUNY Brockport Small Business Development Center in 2017, she is the initial contact with the client seeking business counseling with business advisors. Leslie supports the office staff and director on a day-to-day basis. Performs tasks to run the office smoothly. In her off time from the office, she enjoys gardening, baking, crafts, and camping.
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Kristine Rudgers
Certified Business Advisor |
Kristine Rudgers joined the SBDC as a Small Business Advisor in April 2023. As a Small Business Advisor and NYSBDC Lender Relations Committee member, she helps educate and counsel small business customers on starting up their new business or expanding their existing business. Previously to joining the SBDC, Kristine worked in Retail Banking as a Senior Branch Manager for 10 years. Her work focused on the credit/lending, financial management and networking aspect with small business customers. In addition to her financial background, she assisted in operating a small family-owned business and understands the challenges many small business owners face. She has a strong passion for guiding business owners towards the path of success. Kristine holds a BA in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan University, and held board positions at the Greece Chamber of Commerce and Spencerport Rotary. She currently lives in Hilton, NY with her husband and three children.
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Jaira Santiago
Business Advisor |
Jaira Santiago is a Rochester native, proud Afro-Latina of Puerto Rican descendant, community volunteer, mother of three, and CEO of Beads & Bangles by Jaira. Her journey to jewelry making started as a child. She always loved working with her hands, as a child she made cakes and party favors. She was inspired to found Beads & Bangles by Jaira in 2001. Jaira creates exquisite handcrafted jewelry from beads which requires great attention to detail, patience, and passion. Jaira has mastered each of these components. Her diligence and excellence are apparent as Beads and Bangles by Jaira evolved from home based to brick and mortar within the first five years. This is no easy feat as 50 % of businesses fail within the first five years.
Jaira became a SBDC Advisor in 2023. She offers advice and encouragement to current and aspiring local entrepreneurs. Jaira is a successful business owner, dedicated mother, generous volunteer, and an inspiration to other Rochester women. Area of Interest and Specialization:
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Mohammad Fatin Noor Business Advisor |
Mohammad Fatin Noor is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and supporting small business development. Prior to his current role, he worked with high-growth startups and community banks, focusing on strategic finance and economics. Noor has also served on committees for non-profits that support women entrepreneurs from developing countries. Presently, he works with the New American and Refugee population in Rochester, assisting them in becoming successful entrepreneurs. As a tech-savvy person, he leverages AI to develop business plans and financial projections, while educating the community on utilizing Artificial Intelligence to enhance their business. Noor earned his master’s in finance from the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester and a bachelor's in business administration from Minerva University.
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Karen Underwood
Business Advisor |
Karen Underwood joined the SBDC as a Small Business Advisor in January 2025. As a Small Business Advisor, she helps entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow, and manage their businesses effectively. Previously to joining the SBDC, Karen worked for over 20 years in Small Business Banking as an underwriter. Her work focused on evaluating and assessing the creditworthiness of businesses that applied for loans, lines of credit, and other financial products. Karen earned her master’s degree in human resources from John Carroll University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Bonaventure University. Karen currently lives in Hamlin, NY with her husband and two children. She enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with her family.
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Meet the Intern
SUNY Brockport's School of Business & Management and SBDC Brockport offer
students professional learning experiences through a collaborative internship program.
students professional learning experiences through a collaborative internship program.
Tierney Byron
Spring 2025 SBDC Marketing Intern SUNY Brockport '26 |
Tierney Byron is a double major in International Business and Marketing at SUNY Brockport, set to graduate in 2025. She chose to study International Business because of her passion for traveling and exploring global markets. Beyond academics, Tierney works in SUNY Brockport’s financial aid office, assisting students in navigating their financial options to ensure they have access to the resources they need. She has also been a ski instructor at Hunter Mountain for over five years, sharing her love of skiing with young learners and helping them build confidence on the slopes. Originally from Woodstock, NY, Tierney thrives on travel, spending time with friends and family, and helping others.
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