Meet Our Team
Meet our team of experts who are passionate about building a community center for education, innovation and growth in WNC.
Leniece Lane
Marketing Strategist | President
Leniece Lane is a seasoned marketing strategist and business leader with more than 25 years of experience in corporate America, having led high-impact campaigns and strategic initiatives for global brands such as IBM and American Express. She has also held executive leadership roles, including Chief Marketing Officer and U.S. Operations Manager for an international firm, where she helped scale operations and drive significant growth. Leniece is deeply passionate about empowering others through education, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed. Known for her strategic insight and engaging approach, she has led trainings and workshops across the country focused on marketing, leadership, and business development. In addition to her professional work, she currently owns and operates several small businesses, bringing firsthand experience and a genuine commitment to helping entrepreneurs grow and thrive.
Kathy Tagenel
Business Strategist | Vice President
Kathy Tagenel is a relational cultivator, business strategist, and serial entrepreneur with a strong foundation in corporate America, including 12 years with companies such as IBM, Ameritech, and Verio, where she served as General Manager of a $4 million business unit. As President of Living Vibrantly LLC, she specializes in helping entrepreneurs and business owners grow sustainably by aligning their work with their natural strengths. A Kolbe Certified™ Consultant since 2004, Kathy is passionate about empowering individuals and teams through self-awareness and practical tools that drive productivity and fulfillment. She has also played a key role in expanding The Go-Giver® brand alongside Bob Burg, further demonstrating her commitment to helping others succeed in business with purpose and clarity.
Marcus Costa
Systems Strategist | Board Member
Marcus is a business strategist with over a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs modernize, grow, and compete in the digital economy. He has worked with global technology companies such as Shopify and Gartner, leading teams and supporting market expansion initiatives worldwide. With a background in sales, systems implementation, and business strategy, Marcus focuses on equipping business owners with practical tools and scalable systems to operate more efficiently and reach broader audiences. He holds a B.S. in IT Management and has studied Entrepreneurship at Western Carolina University, bringing both technical expertise and a strong passion for empowering entrepreneurs to succeed.
Yermi Kurkus
Chief Strategy Officer | Board Member
Yermi Kurkus is a business strategist and organizational architect specializing in helping founder-led companies scale with clarity, strong culture, and operational excellence. As Co-Founder of YKC Consulting and creator of the PeopleFlow™️ System, he partners with growth-driven leaders to design self-managing organizations that prioritize people as the foundation of profit and performance. With a background in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Yermi is known for turning high-level strategy into practical execution, equipping entrepreneurs with the structure and insight needed to grow sustainably while maintaining purpose and control.
Travis Hudgins
Finance Specialist | Board Member
Travis Hudgins is a North Carolina Licensed CPA, MBA graduate from the University of Florida, and experienced financial specialist with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and business development. He brings a solid foundation in financial strategy, accounting, and business growth, helping entrepreneurs build sustainable and profitable ventures. As the founder of his own CPA firm, Travis is passionate about equipping business owners with the financial knowledge and structure needed to succeed.