Author - Lisa-Marie Pierre

Dr. Lisa-Marie Pierre is Executive Director of Founder Forward, a nonprofit providing funding and strategic support to entrepreneurs in underserved U.S. markets. With over 10 years managing transformation initiatives that bridge innovation, systems change, and community impact, she is a passionate advocate for neighborhood revitalization and economic development.

Throughout her career, Dr. Lisa-Marie has developed multi-year strategic plans, secured over $900k in funding, and cultivated relationships across 200+ stakeholders including entrepreneurs, government agencies, corporate partners, and community organizations. Her experience spans from grassroots community engagement to federal innovation initiatives, giving her a comprehensive understanding of how to drive systemic change at multiple levels.

Her doctoral research focused on university technology transfer and women faculty's entrepreneurial engagement. Combined with her strategic roles at Luminary Labs as an open innovation strategist and at Bronx Community College/CUNY as an economic development program director, she brings unique insights into how emerging innovation can address systemic inequities and create pathways to economic mobility.

Dr. Lisa-Marie serves as a board member for Grown in Haiti and is a proud alumna of Spelman College and Michigan State University. She has completed leadership training through the Mockingbird Incubator, Black Venture Institute, and the CORO New York Neighborhood Leadership Program.