Entrepreneur in Residence

Sir Evans is the founder of Quality SIRvice, a dynamic organization dedicated to helping business owners across the country optimize their efforts and implement systematic approaches to achieve their business goals. A keynote speaker, life coach, and strategist, Sir is passionate about empowering others to succeed. He created the Super Power Planner, a tool designed to help business owners stay organized and focused on their tasks.

Over a decade ago, Sir faced a life-changing challenge when he weighed 525 pounds. After years of feeling stuck, he realized that each new day was an opportunity, a gift from God. Embracing this mindset, he began a journey of transformation, turning pain into purpose and tragedy into triumph. His story of resilience has inspired countless others to pursue their own paths of change. In 2022, Sir delivered his first TEDx Talk at Bowling Green State University, his alma mater. In his speech, he highlighted how “creativity is the fuel that powers both rich and poor alike” and emphasized the power of empowering individuals to use their imagination for societal progress. Having experienced the loss of several family members, Sir has become a dedicated advocate for mental health, grief, and spiritual wellness, using his platform to support others in navigating their own healing journeys.

Kevin Hudson is a results-oriented sales executive with a distinguished track record of success in sales, sales management, and large account management. With more than 32 years of experience as a sales representative, area sales manager, district sales manager, director of sales, and VP of sales for various organizations, he has played key roles in driving revenue growth and developing talent. In 2011, Kevin started a Fractional Sales Management Company, Keylan Management Group, which provides fractional sales management services for small businesses. Keylan provides an outsourced sales management model, allowing owners to focus on the rest of their company’s operations. Keylan is an ideal fit for organizations that cannot justify the cost of hiring a full-time dedicated sales manager but value the leadership and discipline of an experienced and successful sales leader, at a fraction of the cost.

Kevin began his professional career at ADP, one of the world’s largest payroll and HR outsourcing solutions providers. During 13 years at ADP, his hard work and determination paid off, resulting in five promotions and six President’s Club awards (a premiere award for top-performing employees). Following his career at ADP and preceding the establishment of Keylan Management Group, Kevin worked for PeopleSoft as a corporate sales manager, with Staples as a district sales manager, and finally with CPI-HR as Vice President of payroll, sales, marketing, and operations.

Saidah Farrell is the CEO and founder of Olivia Rose Confections, a premium confectionery brand specializing in handcrafted marshmallows, gourmet hot chocolates, and a variety of artisanal treats that bring joy and comfort to customers worldwide.

Saidah’s journey into the world of culinary arts began after a significant career shift, followed by completing culinary school with a focus on pastry mastery at Cuyahoga Community College, where she now serves as an adjunct instructor. Teaching at her alma mater allows her to give back by guiding the next generation of culinary students, sharing her expertise, and inspiring future food entrepreneurs.

Overcoming numerous challenges in the demanding world of baking, Saidah’s determination and passion for her craft remained unwavering. This tenacity led her to launch her first business, evolving from a mobile concept to a brick-and-mortar bakery.

Along the way, she found a calling in teaching. Her passion for sharing knowledge grew into a comprehensive curriculum that empowered budding culinary entrepreneurs to transform their talents into thriving businesses.

Driven by her experiences and her desire to build a resilient brand, Saidah launched Marshmallow of the Month Club—a subscription box service delivering gourmet marshmallows and hot chocolates directly to customers' doorsteps. Leveraging online marketplaces, she grew the business from five subscribers in 2019 to over 300 by mid-2020, without the need for personal investment or paid advertising. The brand became a cult favorite, with her products being enjoyed by clients like the Cleveland Browns, OWN Network, Cleveland Cavaliers, and shipping worldwide.

Saidah has pitched in 14 competitions, securing over $138,000 in funding and in-kind services to support her business growth. As a pitch mentor, she helps founders refine their messaging, going from loquacious to concise, to better prepare for business funding opportunities.

With Olivia Rose Confections, Saidah continues to elevate her love for handcrafted sweets, expanding into gourmet hot chocolates under the Joy Craft Cocoa brand, now aiming for retail distribution across grocery stores. As CEO, she leads the company with a blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, and an unrelenting commitment to delivering quality products that inspire moments of joy.

Steven Sims brings decades of experience as a seasoned business executive with a robust background in financial management, economic development, and strategic leadership. As a leader in both the public and private sectors, Steven has built a reputation for driving initiatives that foster growth, inclusivity, and financial empowerment.

Steven holds an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Ohio University, and a CPA license. He has also completed an executive program for senior leaders at the JFK School of Government and studied Practical Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary.

Currently serving as President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Community Credit Union, Steven leads with vision and purpose to drive financial empowerment and community uplift. Under his guidance, the credit union emphasizes support for resource-challenged individuals while creating opportunities for all members to thrive financially.

Steven’s prior roles include Director of Business Development at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, where he championed opportunities for disadvantaged businesses and minority workers, and leadership positions with the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, overseeing economic development strategies. His extensive financial expertise includes positions at Key Bank, Continental Illinois Bank (Bank of America), and PricewaterhouseCoopers, among others.

In addition to his professional achievements, Steven is deeply committed to community service. He has held leadership roles with organizations such as the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, and the National Center for Entrepreneurship. His involvement extends to advisory boards and committees for institutions like Kent State University and the Cleveland Foundation, reflecting his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting economic growth.

Steven's rich background in finance, leadership, and community engagement makes him an invaluable resource for the Entrepreneur in Residence program at Corporate College. His commitment to uplifting small businesses and entrepreneurs aligns seamlessly with the program's mission to empower business owners with the tools they need to succeed.

Amy Neumann is a social impact entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, trainer, technology strategist, consultant, artist, and Reiki Master.  She strives to inspire World Changers to leverage technology and engagement to do more of their mission work faster and easier, while also being more inclusive. Her passion for social good and technology led to her completing a Master’s degree from Ohio University in Law, Justice, and Culture – with a focus on global human rights and technology – in 2023, after creating positive change for thirty years.  Amy enjoys discovering new social impact applications for technology and is a long-time proponent of STEM and STEAM inclusion.  With a focus on blockchain and AI, she founded a startup nonprofit called Resourceful Nonprofit (and its subsidiary, Technology Inclusion) to help nonprofits accomplish more of their goals more efficiently and effectively, while being inclusive and proactive about diversity and equity.

She is also CEO and principal of the social enterprise consultancy, Good Plus Tech. She is widely published and quoted, including in Forbes, HuffPost, Thrive Global, and Harvard Business Review. Because she can’t get enough of innovative world-changers, Amy also publishes on her passion project site, CharityIdeas.org. Amy’s 2018 Simon & Schuster book, “Simple Acts to Change the World: 500 Ways to Make a Difference,” is a tribute to the many great ideas she’s discovered on the topics of social good, social justice, equity, technology for good, and volunteering through her work and philanthropy.  On November 13 2024, she is releasing a Wiley Publishing book on artificial intelligence for nonprofits called, “Empower Your Nonprofit:  Simple Ways to Co-Create with AI for Profound Impact.”