The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence recently announced the appointment of Annia Aleman as associate director of the IEE and director of Pitt’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) director, effective Dec. 16.
IEE provides businesses throughout western Pennsylvania with consulting, education, and networking opportunities. The Pitt SBDC, within the IEE, provides business owners with information and tools to build successful businesses.
“We are excited to have Annia as part of the IEE team building off her experience in innovation, economic development, and working with entrepreneurs,” Bob Stein, IEE executive director and University of Pittsburgh innovation and entrepreneurship associate vice chancellor, said. “From working one-on-one with business owners to contributing to big-picture strategic initiatives in our region, Annia will bring a wealth of knowledge and unique experience to our entrepreneurial community.”
Aleman has a background in business strategy, leadership development, program development and management, strategic planning, and human-centered design. She most recently served as Ascender, a Pittsburgh-based business incubator, innovation director. Her previous roles include launching PGH Lab, a program connecting startups with city government, within the City of Pittsburgh Department of Innovation & Performance.
She also supported the citywide Inclusive Innovation Plan and helped pilot innovative strategies to enhance government services which played a role in getting the city recognized at the 2018 Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge.