Robert T. Lalka
Executive Director and Professor of Practice
504-314-2007
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Rob Lalka is Professor of Practice in Management and the Albert R. Lepage Professor in Business at Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business. He is also the Executive Director of the Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He has twice received the A.B. Freeman School's Excellence in Intellectual Contributions Award and is the author of book, The Venture Alchemists: How Big Tech Turned Profits Into Power, from Columbia University Press.
Emily Egan
Director of Strategic Initiatives
504-865-5462
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Emily Egan serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Tulane University. In this role, she oversees the direction of the Lepage team and implements the center's long-term vision. Emily also designs and develops programs that support student, alumni founders and the local community. Notably, she played a key role in launching the Greater New Orleans Startup Report, a regional benchmarking initiative that tracks and measures startup activity across New Orleans.
Timekia Mallery
Manager of Student Programs
504-865-5455
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Timekia Mallery is the Manager for Student Programs. She creates spaces and programs that foster holistic growth for students. In her role, she manages and oversees all student services programs and activities, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of the student body. Timekia collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and administration to identify and address student needs effectively.
Theresa Smith
Executive Secretary
504-865-5030
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Theresa Smith serves as the Executive Secretary at the Lepage Center. Theresa provides essential administrative support to the executive team. Her responsibilities include managing a variety of clerical tasks, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that important deadlines and meetings are met. She also assists with meeting preparations by taking detailed notes, which helps streamline communication and follow-up actions within the team.
Manuela Alban Navarrete
Program Coordinator, Community Engagement
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Manuela Alban collaborates with the local community, as well as Tulane’s staff and faculty, to create innovative programs that support local businesses, such as the GNO Startup Report. She uses data analysis to inform program decisions and develops outreach strategies to engage students, community partners, entrepreneurs, and investors. Manuela also supports the Assistant Director with community engagement, manages all Lepage Center social media accounts and maintains the center's visual identity.
Erica Buher
Assistant Director of Community Partnerships
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Erica Buher strengthens Lepage Center’s regional leadership by developing innovative programs and fostering community partnerships. She collaborates with the Executive Director to enhance student and alumni engagement, conduct outreach, and establish strategic partnerships. Erica also plays a key role in mentorship, research support, and creating programs that connect students to real-world business experiences, advancing the center’s mission of empowering the business community.
Carl Briggs
Senior Program Coordinator, Student Programs
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Carl Briggs, Jr. creates and implements innovative programs that enhance the entrepreneurial skills and experiences of students. In his role, Carl coordinates and oversees a wide range of student-focused initiatives, including workshops, networking events, and the Lepage Fellows. Carl collaborates with the faculty, staff, and administration to facilitate learning experiences that prepare students for success in entrepreneurship and innovation.
