Meet the team that makes The Launch Pad happen.
A team comprised of genuinely gifted minds.
Staff
A native of Miami, Samantha Palmer-Shields, better known as “Sam”, joined The Launch Pad team in February 2013. She previously worked in many departments at the University of Miami including the Provosts Office – Faculty Affairs, School of Law Center for Ethics & Public Service, and it’s Legal Communication and Research Skills Program. Sam is a serial entrepreneur, lover of creativity, dream supporter, and embraces failure. Sam received her BA from Southern New Hampshire University and MSML degree from Western Governors University.
A Michigan native, Ashton Keys joined The Launch Pad team in July 2025 as Assistant Director. Ashton is a serial entrepreneur who founded the venture-backed company Athlytic and has led product and engineering initiatives at organizations such as Rocket Companies and OPS Solutions. He has participated in renowned accelerator programs, including Techstars, Gener8tor, and a16z. Ashton earned his degree in Experience Architecture from Michigan State University with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Tanayla Bentley is the newest member of The Launch Pad team, joining as the Program Coordinator. Her role will oversee and help design all programs within the department. Tanayla is a Miami native and is a mother of two. She features a background in retail management and enjoys designing events that create connections. She plans to continue seeking her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Miami.
A longtime resident of Miami, Enrique joined The Launch Pad in 2020, after serving as Director of the Innovation Hub at Broward College. There he developed the Startup NOW Entrepreneur Training Program, a South Florida accelerator in partnership with CareerSource Broward that launched 41 startups since 2016. Enrique’s problem-solving mindset has been a constant in his pursuits in engineering, finance, software development, data analysis & modeling, automation, operations, management, entrepreneurship, publishing, mentoring, education & parenting. Aside from his role at The Launch Pad, he provides strategic and operational expertise and financial advice to selected early-stage and growth companies as a consultant. He holds BS and Master of Chemical Engineering degrees from Cornell University, and an MBA from Stanford University.
Betsy P. Earle is a marketing consultant, speaker, and trainer, as well as the Managing Director and Founder of Event Driven Solutions. Betsy works closely with her clients to execute successful trade show programs and exhibit designs, as well as on their marketing programs. She is a Diamond-Level CTSM (Certified Trade Show & Event Marketer) through Northern Illinois University. Betsy obtained her MBA at the University of Miami, with a concentration in Marketing & Statistics, and her BA and BS at the University of Rhode Island. She also completed her Certificate in Entrepreneurship with Babson College through the 10KSB Program, funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation, and her Certificate of Residential Interior Design with the University of Central Florida.
Students
Ustina is a Senior at the University of Miami, pursuing a degree in Finance and Business Technology. This is her fourth year working at The Launch Pad as a Venture Consultant and Project Lead. Following graduation, she will begin her career at McKinsey as a Business Analyst. During her summer internship with McKinsey, she contributed to a range of internal and client-facing projects, from CRM development to cost consolidation initiatives. She also gained hands-on experience in Venture Capital as a Summer Associate at Florida Funders, where she evaluated over 90 startups as part of their deal flow process.
Her passion for entrepreneurship and consulting deepened through her involvement with The Launch Pad, where she focused on helping clients build clear, goal-oriented timelines for business creation. Beyond her entrepreneurial work, Ustina has also held a Real Estate license for more than three years.
Her passion for entrepreneurship and consulting deepened through her involvement with The Launch Pad, where she focused on helping clients build clear, goal-oriented timelines for business creation. Beyond her entrepreneurial work, Ustina has also held a Real Estate license for more than three years.
Sara is a Senior, double-majoring in Accounting and Business Technology from Atlanta, Georgia. She is actively involved in several university organizations, including Alpha Kappa Psi, American Marketing Association, and the Orientation staff. She is constantly seeking new opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
Ava Heavenrich is a junior at the University of Miami, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a minor in Strategic Communication. She currently serves as the Social Media Manager at The Launch Pad, where she promotes events, collaborates with campus organizations, and fosters community engagement. Ava is also involved in Distraction Magazine and is an active member of a sorority, further developing her leadership and marketing skills. Through these experiences, she combines her passion for social media, entrepreneurship, and leadership, making a meaningful impact both on campus and in the business community.
Colin is a sophomore at the University of Miami, pursuing a BBA in Finance. This is his second year at The Launch Pad serving as a venture consultant and project lead. Colin is involved in multiple on-campus consulting clubs (Miami Undergraduate Consulting Club & Rem on Campus) and is passionate about helping the community through consulting.
Nicholai Hansotia is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a degree in Exercise Physiology with an additional major in Biology.
Nicholai plans to further his education after, with the end goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. Nicholai enjoys spending time with friends, going to the gym, playing pickup sports, and enjoying the beach. He is a part of some clubs on campus, including the Chess Club, Hurricane Productions, Physical Therapy Student Association, and more.
Nicholai plans to further his education after, with the end goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. Nicholai enjoys spending time with friends, going to the gym, playing pickup sports, and enjoying the beach. He is a part of some clubs on campus, including the Chess Club, Hurricane Productions, Physical Therapy Student Association, and more.
Joce is a finance and global business major with a passion for helping people bring their ideas to life. A former ice cream shop owner from a family of entrepreneurs, Joce brings strong client relations, communication skills, and teamwork to every project. She has served as a project manager and account executive for Orange Umbrella, and she’s always eager to collaborate and innovate. Joce is excited to be at the front desk at The Launch Pad, welcoming and connecting with everyone who walks through the door. When she’s not working, she enjoys baking and dreaming up her own future ventures.
Simone is a senior from Maryland majoring in Health Science with minors in Sports Medicine, Business, and American Sign Language. She’s the founder of Sim’s Desserts, a bakery born from her love of baking and building community. On campus, she serves as president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a Nike Run Club College Ambassador, and a strong advocate for inclusive, student-centered spaces. When she’s not running events as a student leader or training for her next half marathon, she’s exploring new ways to connect people and spark ideas. With a passion for entrepreneurship and social impact, Simone is excited to support fellow students through the entrepreneurship office. after, with the end goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. Nicholai enjoys spending time with friends, going to the gym, playing pickup sports, and enjoying the beach. He is a part of some clubs on campus, including the Chess club, Hurricane Productions, Physical Therapy Student Association and more.
Ben is a junior at the University of Miami, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a dual focus in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. Originally from South Africa and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, he brings a global perspective and a deep appreciation for innovation and cultural diversity.
Driven by a passion for building and scaling impactful ventures, Ben chose the University of Miami for its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and access to world-class mentorship and resources. He has hands-on startup experience through launching and developing his own venture, where he honed skills in business development, strategic planning, and creative problem-solving. Ben is constantly seeking opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow within the startup space, and is committed to turning bold ideas into real-world solutions.
Driven by a passion for building and scaling impactful ventures, Ben chose the University of Miami for its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and access to world-class mentorship and resources. He has hands-on startup experience through launching and developing his own venture, where he honed skills in business development, strategic planning, and creative problem-solving. Ben is constantly seeking opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow within the startup space, and is committed to turning bold ideas into real-world solutions.
Join The Launch Pad
- Completely free
- Receive 1-on-1 support for your venture
- Access to mentorship programs
- Learn to scale your ideas