Business Modeling in Economic Downturn, Preparing Entrepreneurs to Endure and Thrive.
Panel Discussion with Amanda Oborne, Kim Freeze, Tichelle Sorensen, and Kay Molentin
Amanda Oborne
President & Executive Director, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN)
Amanda Oborne supports OEN on its mission to help build wealth and prosperity via innovation and entrepreneurship in the Pacific Northwest. She’s especially interested in leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs facing systemic disadvantages. Formerly Vice President of Food, Farms & Fisheries at Ecotrust, Amanda helped develop the Redd on Salmon St. in Portland’s Central Eastside, and was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business.” Early in her career, Amanda honed skills in database marketing in the apparel and software sectors. Amanda holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She has two teenagers and adopted a COVID-puppy named Hank!
Kay Molketin
Professor of Practice Entrepreneurship
University of Portland
Kay Molkentin, Professor of Practice and Director of Entrepreneurship for the Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Portland, oversees the E-Scholars Program. She has expertise in idea development, innovation, social enterprise, entrepreneurial ecosystems, networking, and cross-disciplinary integration of entrepreneurial practice. Courses taught include: Creating a World-Class Venture; E-Apprenticeship; Innovation; Creativity, Innovation and the Entrepreneurial Mindset; Entrepreneurial Process;
Entrepreneurship and the Studio Arts; Social Entrepreneurship; Enterprise Development; and Start-Up Communities: Comparison of E-Ecosystems. She has presented on a variety of topics and published articles on Building and Maintaining a Regional Inter-University Ecosystem for Entrepreneurship.
Tichelle Sorensen
Academic Director, MBA Program, Portland State University
School of Business Administration
Tichelle Sorensen started her career in the Music Industry, where she worked in marketing as well as public relations and promotions for music-related events. She transitioned into international marketing following her graduation from the MIM program, working with an Oregon company exporting building products to Asia. That work eventually led her to China, where she worked as a strategic marketing consultant. Prior to joining PSU, she worked as a brand strategy consultant and as an attorney, practicing in the areas of intellectual property, marketing, and employment law. She has been an Academic Director since 2013.
Dr. Kim Freeze
Dean Science, Art & Technology Rogue Community College
Dr. Kim Freeze is a Dean of Instruction at Rogue Community College. Kim's focus in higher education centers around an entrepreneurial mindset in promoting career and technical education and mental health and in creating opportunities for marginalized communities.
Dr. Freeze is a proponent of creating the life you want through education, knowledge acquisition, and life-long learning principles.
A summa cum laude graduate of California Southern University with a doctorate in clinical psychology. Kim is passionate and dedicated about empowering and helping others, along with the benefits of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial mindset.
Prior to pursuing a career in higher education, Kim was an entrepreneur for 30 years, with 13 start-ups, with the creation of an entrepreneurship mentorship for disadvantaged youth and marginalized communities.
When not working or researching, Kim enjoys exercise, yoga/meditation, cooking, the outdoors, gardening, reading, writing and road trips. A dedicated foodie, Kim enjoys food and entrepreneurship inspired road trips to wineries/breweries/restaurants and small businesses to support and connect with other entrepreneurs...