Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship - IUSB

Meet Cincere’ Al’Talet — Detroit-based entrepreneur, legal advocate, and community leader committed to service and generational impact at the IUSB center for innovation and entrepreneurship hustle hangout.
As Founder & CEO of Cincere’ Principle Consulting Group, he works at the intersection of law, policy, and community empowerment, helping individuals, organizations, and government entities navigate complex legal and social challenges.Cincere’ speaks on principle-driven leadership, closing generational gaps, and how discipline and service can transform communities and careers.

Date: Tuesday, April 29th,2026
Time:3:00PM
Location:Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

We’re excited to spotlight Tiffany Hill‑Moore, a nationally recognized tax strategist and the CEO of Hill Financial Solutions LLC in Chicago for the Hustle Hangout at the IUSB center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. With over 20 years of experience in tax compliance, planning, multi‑entity structuring, and small‑business finance, Tiffany has helped entrepreneurs, S‑corporations, real‑estate investors, and small businesses build stronger financial foundations. She launched Hill Financial Solutions in 2002 while studying Accounting at the University of Illinois and has since expanded into real estate, executive recruitment, and business consulting.

Her initiative, Money Mindset Universe™, provides financial education and wealth‑building tools to business owners nationwide, supported by her participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

Date:Wednesday,29th April 2026
Time:3:00PM
Location:Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Northside Hall 136)

Meet Keya Young, a dynamic leader in financial literacy and community empowerment, joining us at the IUSB Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

With over ten years of experience in financial services, Keya serves as a Senior Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Officer at PNC Bank. She leads with strategy, compassion, and a strong commitment to helping families across Northern Indiana build long‑term financial confidence. Her work expands access to equitable banking, strengthens financial well‑being, and empowers our community to make informed financial decisions.

Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Location:Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Meet Keya Young — a powerhouse in financial literacy and community empowerment at the IUSB Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
With more than a decade of experience in financial services, Keya serves as a Senior Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Officer at PNC Bank, leading with strategy, community focus, and people‑centered guidance.

Her work across Northern Indiana strengthens financial well‑being, expands access to equitable banking, and empowers families to make informed financial decisions.

Date:Tuesday 14th April 2026
Time:3:30 -5:30 PM
Location:Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Meet Sara Gregory, MBA: strategist, fiscal grant leader, entrepreneur, and champion of responsible innovation. She’s joining us for “Tell It Right or Lose the Room: The Business of Your Story” on Wednesday 8th April 2026 at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

She’s spent 20+ years turning data, policy, and purpose into stories that stick — and now she’s sharing how YOU can do the same.Build the dream. Build the system. Tell it right.

Time:2:30 PM
Date: Wednesday 8th April 2026
Location: Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

BusinessMinds

We’re excited to introduce Bianca Jones, a South Bend native whose work is transforming how our community supports small businesses and promotes equitable economic development.

With experience in accounting, entrepreneurship, and project management, Bianca serves in the City of South Bend’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. She is passionate about ethical leadership, social impact, and creating opportunities that uplift every corner of our community.

Bianca is also a lifelong learner, advocate, and proud wife and mother of three.
We’re grateful to have her share her experience and wisdom with our Entrepreneurship Certificate Program.

Date:Thursday 9th April 2026
Time:3:30-5:30PM
Location:Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Have an idea? Let’s hear it.

The Personal & Product Branding Pitch Competition is here to help you turn your idea into a clear, confident pitch.

You don’t need a business yet.
You don’t need experience.
You just need the willingness to start.

🎤 Top 5 finalists will pitch live
🏆 Win up to $500 + mentorship

📅 Submissions open April 1
📅 Deadline April 24
📅 Live pitch April 30

This is your opportunity to:
- Build confidence
- Get feedback
- Take your first step as a founder

👉 Apply now: go.iu.edu/iC1PdV

Open to IUSB Students Only

Tag a student who should apply

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship At the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at IU South Bend, you will forge bonds with kindred spirits and exchange groundbreaking ideas. Brace yourself for electrifying events – talks that stir the soul, workshops that mold the mind, and webinars that challenge the status quo, all ho...

Join us in welcoming Jess Koscher, Founder & CEO of Write Connections, to the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program at IUSB!

Jess helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into strong brands and smart marketing strategies. She’s worked with businesses across 12 states and partners with organizations like the Small Business Development Center, HustleSBE, and the Elkhart County Economic Development Corporation.

She’s also a Gallup Strengths Coach and certified fundraiser, known for her practical, high‑energy, no‑fluff approach to branding.

Students will gain real‑world tools to communicate their brand with clarity and confidence. We’re excited for this powerful session!

Date:Tuesday 24th March 2026
Time: 3:30-5:30pm
Location: Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

We’re excited to introduce Cherri Kulp as the facilitator for our Teams Conflict Resolution Role-Playing Workshop in the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program.

Cherri is a dedicated leader with a passion for community impact, emotional intelligence, and personal development. A graduate of Indiana University Indianapolis and DePaul University, she also holds coaching credentials and an ACC certification from the International Coaching Federation, bringing together strong academic training and real-world leadership expertise.

Her career includes serving as the first Director of Community Outreach for Mayor Pete Buttigieg, leading youth and equity initiatives; Vice President of Community Outreach & Advocacy for ADEC, championing disability rights; and Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer for the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, advancing diversity and workforce development. Her work has earned her honors, including Michiana Forty Under 40, the Key to the City, and the Inclusive Excellence Award.

Today, Cherri leads UnEarthed Coaching & Consulting, where she helps high-performing leaders reframe their mindset and unlock greater clarity and confidence.

We’re thrilled to have her share her expertise with our participants!

Date: Thursday,5th March,2026
Time: 3:30-5:30 PM
Location: Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

We’re excited to introduce Sam Centellas (Sen‑tay‑us), Executive Director of CDFI Friendly South Bend, as a featured speaker in our Entrepreneurship Certificate Program.

Sam Centellas is an engineer by trade, an administrator by training, and an educator at heart. He leads regional efforts to expand access to flexible CDFI capital and has helped small businesses secure over $25 million in financing, especially minority- and women‑owned enterprises.

His leadership spans community development, nonprofit management, and advocacy, including founding Westside Wednesday, serving on the City of South Bend’s Diversity and Utilization Board, and hosting the WNIT/PBS program Education Counts.

We’re honored to have Sam share his insight and experience with our participants.

Date: Thurs. 26th Feb. 2026
Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Location: CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
1825 Northside Blvd. South Bend
Northside Hall 136 (Old Book Store/Adjacent to the Joshi Performance Hall)