On November 19, we celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day—a moment to recognize the power, innovation, and leadership that women bring to the entrepreneurial world. Here at the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE), we’re proud to be surrounded by incredible leaders on our faculty who drive this mission forward every day. Here’s a spotlight on a few of the amazing instructors shaping CFE’s programs and our community:
Dr. Alison Bailey
Dr. Bailey brings over 20 years of senior HR experience to CFE, specializing in executive coaching, organizational development, and sustainable diversity. She’s currently partnering with a hospital in south-central Michigan, driving initiatives that ensure alignment across internal teams and community stakeholders. Dr. Bailey’s goal? To build inclusive workplaces where everyone feels supported and engaged. Her expertise shows us the difference inclusive leadership can make—and she’s here to help you harness that same power.
Alisyn Malek
Alisyn Malek is a trailblazing leader in mobility and automotive innovation, co-instructing CFE’s PJTL-Electrification course—a year-long, hands-on program connecting students with challenges in electric vehicle and mobility technologies. A serial entrepreneur, Malek has reshaped the transportation landscape by leading EV product development and venture strategy at General Motors, co-founding May Mobility to pioneer autonomous vehicle solutions, and building global coalitions to drive transformative mobility policy. With deep expertise in emerging technologies and a bold vision for sustainable transportation, Malek is defining the future of how people and goods move.
Sara (Dari) Eskandari (they/them)
Meet Sara (Dari) Eskandari, a trailblazer in the world of virtual reality! Dari works at the DMC-CAEN Emerging Technologies Group, where they create cutting-edge VR, AR, and MR applications for research, medical, and educational purposes. With a passion for blending technology and design, Dari has contributed their programming skills to innovative games like We are the Caretakers and Chess Heroes, showcasing their artistic flair and technical expertise. Beyond their impressive work in XR, Dari is actively involved in the U-M community, serving on the DMC DEI Committee, advising the Digipaint Club, and collaborating with the University of Illinois-Chicago Biomedical Visualization Graduate program. Dari’s dedication to making futuristic tech accessible to all inspires students at CFE to think creatively and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Erika Block
Erika Block is all about creating change and igniting innovation. With experience across arts, politics, food supply chains, and tech startups, Erika thrives on guiding entrepreneurs and founders to realize their vision. She’s especially passionate about supporting early-stage women founders, providing them with coaching and strategic guidance tailored to the unique challenges they face. Her work inspires us to think boldly and act with purpose—lessons she brings to every class and conversation at CFE.
Amy Cell
Amy Cell knows how to unlock potential. As the founder of Amy Cell Talent, she helps businesses, nonprofits, and communities overcome talent challenges with creative programs. She’s worked with organizations like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Ann Arbor SPARK to create impactful initiatives, and now, she brings that strategic mindset to CFE. If you’re aiming to build a team or network, Amy’s insights and experience will be invaluable on your entrepreneurial journey.
Tiffany Fidler, JD
As a practicing patent attorney and former Assistant Professor, Tiffany Fidler combines technical prowess with legal expertise. She’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs and startups navigate intellectual property, ensuring their innovative ideas are protected and poised for success. As a U-M alum three times over, Tiffany’s dedication to the Michigan community runs deep, and her commitment to empowering the next generation of creators is unwavering.
Grace Hsia-Haberl
Warmilu CEO Grace Hsia-Haberl is a force of nature in impact-driven entrepreneurship. Her work with Warmilu, providing infant warming devices in resource-scarce areas, has helped save lives across the globe. Recognized by Forbes and even presenting at the United Nations, Grace brings a global perspective on what it means to create change with your venture. Her boundless energy and commitment to giving back make her a true inspiration to the entire CFE community.
Christine Gordon
Christine Gordon’s commitment to U-M students is unmatched. Known for her role in coordinating impactful CFE programs, she’s the backbone of our Entrepreneurship Hour Speaker Series, ENTR 417 course, and more. Christine believes in helping students push boundaries and explore their full potential, whether on campus or through global opportunities like Discovery Treks. Her support, mentorship, and dedication to education make her a standout leader here at CFE.
Tiffany Teng
Bringing a fresh approach to digital product design, Tiffany Teng focuses on crafting tech that simplifies everyday life. With a background in digital illustration and animation, she bridges creativity and innovation in the classroom. Tiffany’s passion for helping aspiring designers find their voice means each class is filled with real-world challenges, encouraging her students to think beyond conventional solutions and embrace new possibilities.
These leaders make the CFE an empowering place for every student, embodying the values of creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven innovation. On this Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we’re proud to honor their contributions and celebrate their dedication to helping students like you create change.
Ready to start your journey? Join us at CFE to learn from inspiring women like these and bring your own ideas to life.