Wendy Lea connects builders across regions to harness the spirit of innovation, driving ideas, activating talent, and unlocking capital to create thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems.

When Wendy arrives in a new state, her first question is always: “Where are the entrepreneurs?” Every state leader needs to answer this question. Under her leadership at Cintrifuse, she transformed Ohio’s entrepreneurial landscape, growing the community from 24 to 800 builders and proving that vibrant innovation ecosystems can flourish anywhere. Her bipartisan work spans nationally—from Ohio and Colorado to Mississippi and Kentucky.

Wendy drives momentum across multiple fronts: advancing quantum technology as a board member at Elevate Quantum, bringing the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado to create jobs and cultural vibrancy, and shaping national policy through her federal board appointments with the Center for American Entrepreneurship and the USPTO Council for Inclusive Innovation.

As co-founder and board chair of Energize Colorado—a newly certified Community Development Financial Institution—Wendy continues to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs and grow vibrant small businesses. She fosters a sense of belonging and builds the connections that enable ecosystems to flourish.

Download Wendy’s CV.