Women’s Business Center Names New Director

Leslee Hill

The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (The NIIC) is excited to announce Leslee Hill is the new Director, Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Center (WEOC). Previously, she owned and operated Hill Image Consulting.

“Leslee Hill brings passion and contagious optimism to WEOC. To our clients, she offers a wide-range perspective from her experience as a business owner, where she advised and coached professional women, and as a product developer for international companies Spiegel, Icelandic Design, and Vera Bradley,” said Tammy Allen, Director, Marketing & Programs, The NIIC.

Hill said, “My international travel has provided an education beyond degrees. Yet, my passion to help others surpasses any knowledge I’ve gained. I’m excited to be a part of The NIIC, leading WEOC and serving women in our community. Our team truly cares about our organization’s mission and doing their absolute best in serving entrepreneurs.”

“The SBA welcomes Leslee Hill to WEOC as the new Women’s Business Center Director. Business counseling is one of the integral services offered by SBA for all entrepreneurs through our network of resource partners including Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers and SCORE Chapters. We anticipate continued success for WEOC clients under Ms. Hill’s direction,” said Stacey Poynter, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Indiana District Office.

WEOC is unique in that it serves women at all stages of their business ventures, often at no charge to them.

“We come alongside them throughout their ventures. My vision for WEOC this year is to continue to drive community engagement to reach more female founders. We continue to build awareness and to increase accessibility of our services so more women make their dreams realities. We will also continue to bust barriers women face when forming their companies, like mentoring, tools and resources, confidence, and access to capital.”

In her role, Hill oversees the day-to-day operations of WEOC, and works with The NIIC team and resource partners to provide the highest quality of client services to women, minority, and under-served business owners throughout the 16-county service area of Northeast Indiana.

Hill earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design and minored in marketing. She gained her Image Consulting and Color Analysis certifications in 2014.

WEOC also promoted Suzanne Haga to WEOC Coordinator, reporting to Hill. “Suzie is a great partner. Not only has Suzie’s year of experience at the NIIC helped create a smooth transition for me, she operates with a level head and anticipates client needs. She is committed to the success of WEOC clients, WEOC and The NIIC. She believes and lives out our mission,” said Hill. Haga was previously The NIIC Business Concierge, serving in the Emerging Growth Center.