October 2024
Jennifer Ryan
As GEDI celebrates its 40th class of the Intensive Economic Development Training Course, we have been chatting with some of our course alumni to learn where they are now and how their participation in the program has impacted their professional careers.
Juliana Bolivar currently serves as the Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Troy University. Ms. Bolivar is a graduate of Intensive Class 2021.
Q & A with Juliana
Since completing the course, I have continued in my role as the Director of the Alabama SBDC at Troy University, leading impactful initiatives aimed at supporting small business growth and economic development across the Wiregrass region. Through my leadership, we’ve launched several new programs that provide entrepreneurs with the tools they need to secure funding, develop their brands, and scale their operations successfully. I was honored with the 2023 State Star award for my exemplary performance and recognized nationally in the 40 Under 40 by the SBDC Network. In 2024, I received the Wiregrass Outstanding Woman and Prelude of the Tri-State awards for my ongoing work in fostering economic development and promoting multiculturalism in the region.
The biggest lesson I took away was the importance of networking and community building. Understanding how to forge strong relationships with stakeholders is a skill I use daily in my role at the SBDC.
The Intensive program gave me practical insights that have been invaluable in my professional journey. It helped expand my network and provided tools I still use today to create meaningful impact. The relationships I built there continue to support the work I do to this day.
