About Us

As director of economic development and innovation hubs, Sheryl Waddell leads Carolina’s effort to create an innovation hub and downtown innovation district that will attract, retain and grow more innovation-oriented companies and talent in Chapel Hill. She leads the implementation of UNC-Chapel Hill’s economic development strategy centered around innovation, talent and place by engaging with University and community partners, including corporate, nonprofit and government leaders.

As a senior leader of Innovate Carolina – the University’s central team for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development – Waddell’s work focuses on enhancing career opportunities for students and creating economic vibrancy for the local community, region and state. The relationships developed, the knowledge transferred, and the conduit to additional connections facilitates a cohesive network that will have a long-term impact on innovation and economic benefits from both within the region and to major markets outside the region, connecting it to capital sources and go-to-market partners.

Sheryl is also co-founder of e51, a women’s entrepreneurial initiative. Women are 51 percent of the working population in the US; e51 symbolizes an entrepreneurial community powered by women aimed to harness the talent and potential of female entrepreneurs.

Sheryl brings more than 25 years of business development and relationship management sales experience to the Innovate Carolina Team. She has experience in all phases of program management, including business development, team formation, proposal support, program execution (contract administration, reporting close-out) and cultivating customer relationships.

Most recently, Sheryl was the national program director for the Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network, a program developed at UNC-Chapel Hill and deployed in conjunction with Duke University, NC State University and North Carolina Central University. The Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network unlocks the tremendous economic potential of select regions by identifying and networking the area’s successful serial entrepreneurs so they can advise and coach the region’s next generation high-growth companies.

Julia Lutz serves as the Innovate Carolina Junction Community Manager. With a solid background in marketing and community management at OrangeTheory Fitness, Julia brings her expertise to foster a vibrant and engaged community. Originally from Milwaukee, she embarked on an educational journey at Iowa State University, earning her B.S. in Advertising with a minor in English.

Julia actively fundraises for the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Huntington's disease. With her fundraising efforts she has raised over $25,000 collectively. In her pursuit of making a difference, Julia has taken on extraordinary challenges like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise funds and awareness for HDSA. Additionally, she has orchestrated and led a 24-hour walk-a-thon, showcasing her commitment and organizational skills. With Julia at the helm, the Innovate Carolina Junction community can expect a passionate and community-oriented approach that fosters collaboration, growth, and innovation.

Kimberly Yingling connects people, programs and companies to resources through collaborative communities and projects supporting students, startups and innovative solutions. As the Assistant Director of Innovation Hubs at UNC’s Office of Innovate Carolina, Kimi designs and implements strategic initiatives that support entrepreneurs, small businesses and changemakers in Orange and Chatham County. Kimi joined the Innovate Carolina Team in May of 2017.

Previously, Kimi built and managed the 1789 student community, student venture seed funding and the annual Startup Connect Meet and Greet at UNC. She also handled financial and member services for the Carolina Angel Network. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Penn State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from West Virginia University, Kimi establishes strong, meaningful partnerships and creates accessible programming with clear objectives to establish inclusive communities. Kimi lives in Garner, NC with her husband, cat and pup Barley (who you may have met on campus). She enjoys Burn Bootcamp, college football and the beach.

Emily Nelson provides administrative and event support to the Office of Innovate Carolina, including, but not limited to programming at our new innovation hubs as well as the 1789 student community. Prior to joining Innovate Carolina, Emily worked as the Content Manager for multiple startup organizations and as the Communications Specialist for a state restaurant association.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a focus in Journalism from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA.

Anise Robinson is student engagement and events manager for the Office of Innovate Carolina. She provides administrative and event support to the programming at our new innovation hubs as well as the 1789 student community.

Prior to her time at Innovate, Anise spent five years working in Singapore as a school counselor at United World College of Southeast Asia.