This spotlight is part of the “PLACE Builders mentors” series. More information about the PLACE (Pava LaPere Award for Cultivating Ecosystems) Builders fellowship can be found here.
Maura Shenker
PLACE Builders mentor Maura Shenker is dedicated to supporting the development of emerging ecosystem builders and honoring Pava LaPere’s legacy through her mentorship.
Matched Fellow: Mari Hicks, Southwest region
"I have many reasons for wanting to serve - to honor Pava's legacy, to assist younger ecosystem builders, to be part of this community."
Maura Shenker
Maura Shenker found a strong connection with her mentee, Mari Hicks, whose goal of creating and expanding community programs to support women entrepreneurs resonated with Maura’s own values. Reflecting on their time together, Maura appreciated Mari’s openness in discussing her motivations and the community she serves. She remains committed to supporting Mari and staying in touch post-fellowship.
Meet the other PLACE Builders mentors:
Inspired by the legacy of Pava LaPere, forever Chief Ecosystem Officer and Co-Founder of EcoMap Technologies, as a tribute to her legacy of fighting for equal access to opportunity, the PLACE (Pava LaPere Award for Cultivating Ecosystems) Builders fellowship aims to catalyze more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems by providing intensive training, peer support, and community pilots to eight selected fellows.