Before NYSTEC and IgniteU, I worked with professional and trade associations as an association manager, taking the role of executive director or program manager as the responsibilities required. Small businesses are the backbone of membership for professional and trade associations, and I learned a lot about what support businesses are looking for at a grassroots level.

I am the Program Manager for IgniteU. In this role I oversee the programs and opportunities offered by IgniteU to small businesses, entrepreneurs, schools, and students.

The 2024 Population Health Innovation Summit was my favorite project so far. And it was a huge accomplishment as it was extremely well-attended. The theme for the 2024 PHIS was AI in Population Health. This required researching methods of AI being used for population health and interviewing speakers. The topics were different from what I was familiar with and seeing it come together so successfully was a huge victory.

I play tournament level regulation croquet with my husband. It’s how we met in college, and it’s become a lifelong competitive hobby!

Contact Victoria at vpalasieski@nystec.com.

My background and experience varied. Since completing an undergraduate degree in biology, I have worked as an electron microscopy technician in a neurophysiology / neuroanatomy research laboratory, completed a master’s degree in health policy and management and a doctoral degree in public health with a focus on social behavior and community health. My areas of expertise include research methods and program planning and evaluation. While in graduate school I worked as a policy and workforce researcher, evaluated statewide demonstration programs, and was an assistant director of a federally funded training center. For the past 15 years, I have worked fulltime as a college professor.

I am currently working with the IgniteU Fellowship and STEAM programs as well as developing and conducting program evaluations. Additionally, I work on grants and assist with IgniteU training and business development activities as needed.

My favorite project is anything that allows me to get in front of students or anyone who wants to learn. By working with others to help them improve their skills and increase their knowledge I get to learn too.

I teach Spin(c) classes three times a week at a local YMCA.

Contact Dayna at dmaniccia@nystec.com

Connect on LinkedIn: Dayna M. Maniccia | LinkedIn

As a Principal Consultant, Kim has extensive experience in research, commercialization, technology assessments, technology transfer and transition, entrepreneurial principles and processes, and in working to create programs and relationships among business, government, and nonprofit communities. In her current role she provides expertise to both state and federal clients as well as IgniteU programming and consultation.

Contact Kim at kfredericks@nystec.com.

Diane is a professional in assessing numerous early-stage products, services, processes, and techniques in various domains. Her career spans more than 15 years with expertise building business cases, marketing plans, mentoring Lean LaunchPad techniques and go-to-market strategies. These range from ideating creative, disruptive solutions and navigating intellectual property needs to shape their advancement into the marketplace. She enjoys bringing value to entrepreneurs and small businesses by cultivating key partnerships among industry, academia, and federal and state agencies, leading to both funding and growth.

Diane is co-instructor and mentor for the IgniteU Fellowship Program teaching design thinking to area college students enrolled in the program. She also manages one-to-one consultations with small businesses and entrepreneurs by coaching them with tailored strategies and solutions helping them to navigate the complexities faced by start-ups in their journey towards achieving their long-term goals.

She really enjoys sharing what she has learned through teaching, consulting, mentoring, and coaching.

Fun Fact: I was a contestant in the Little Miss America Pageant at Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey 2 years in a row when I was 6 and 7 years old. It was televised by the local tv networks. My mother made my outfits and had me sleep with curlers in my hair. I made it to the semi-finals one year.

Contact Diane at dborghoff@nystec.com.

Shae Brown is an experienced broadcasting engineer and event coordinator. They have a strong background in creating hybrid or fully virtual environments for events that historically were in person. Shae can wear many hats, operating as technical support, production coordinator, virtual platform UX lead, animations specialist, graphic design, event marketing, and even appearing occasionally as a moderator or host for different programming. Shae has been lending their technical expertise to support small businesses in New York State since 2017.

Contact Shae at sbrown@nystec.com.

Graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship in 2024. Bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, my degree and experience equips me to have a deep understanding of how to drive growth and implement creative strategies within organizations.

During my time as an intern for NYSTEC and IgniteU powered by NYSTEC, I had the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge to real world projects, refining my expertise in consulting, problem-solving and innovation.

My favorite project has been the workshops, meeting and getting to work with the entrepreneurs and small business owners in the area is really unique!

Fun Fact: I have two different colored eyelashes, one brown and one blonde!

Contact CeCe: cwhalen@nystec.com