Dr. Ana Mendieta has joined BCC as the next Blackstone LaunchPad Project Director. “We are pleased to have Dr. Mendieta on board to further the great work of this program, which was founded in 2008 to create economic opportunities for diverse and historically underrepresented communities,” said Vice President of Advancement, Communications and External Relations Eddy Bayardelle.

Dr. Mendieta will work with BCC student entrepreneurs to provide them with mentorship opportunities enabling them to gain entrepreneurial experiences and competencies to build successful companies and careers. Through the Blackstone program, students learn how to network and present their ideas both on campus and beyond BCC’s walls; they also receive important support and resources made possible by the Blackstone Charitable Foundation.

“We have so many students here on our BCC campus who have fantastic ideas for starting their own business, but don’t know where to begin. I am confident that Dr. Mendieta’s project management, research, marketing and leadership skills gained through her previous employment experiences at higher education institutions will be an asset to our students and our program,” Bayardelle remarked.

Dr. Mendieta’s career has included positions at SUNY Maritime College as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Coordinator and the Co-Chair of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Task Force, as well as at Sacred Heart University, where she served as the Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs. She has earned multiple degrees throughout her academic journey, including a Bachelor’s in Political Science, a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, and a Doctorate in Executive Leadership.

Dr. Mendieta maintains a steadfast commitment to advancing diversity and fostering positive societal impact. Her research centers on addressing underrepresentation of Latinas in STEM fields and entrepreneurship. Dr. Mendieta herself is recognized as a social entrepreneur, having established two ventures in New York City supporting immigrant families.