Our Founders

Doyenne was founded in Madison, Wisconsin in 2012 by Heather Wentler and Amy Gannon. They met while Heather was launching her first venture and Amy was teaching entrepreneurship at a local college. Together they created Doyenne to fill the space that’s missing for so many women entrepreneurs — an organization that understands what it’s like for women who are building a business while wearing many hats each and every day. Doyenne gets it. We celebrate you, your business, and your many hats.

We believe the time is now for you to join the Doyenne movement and take part in creating truly diverse and gender equal entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Heather Wentler

Heather Wentler, Executive Director and Co-Founder

Heather has always encouraged others to reach for what they want to become. Professionally trained as an early-childhood through middle school educator, she taught for 8 years in disadvantaged schools, where her role was more than just teacher for the students and co-workers she spent her days with. She became a parent figure, role model, coach and educator all rolled into one to make sure the lives she was touching were creating impact on their futures. Heather’s passion for entrepreneurship and supporting women in business became more prevalent in her career as she became an entrepreneur and transitioning out of teaching in a traditional classroom. Heather has served as an active leader and organizer of Forward Fest, advisory board member of Launch Wisconsin, lead organizer of Startup Wisconsin Week - Madison, has judged various business plan competitions across Wisconsin, sat on the WEDWisconsin and Early Stage Symposium advisory boards, and the B Corp Wisconsin Movement committee.

Heather is also the founder of Fractal and the founder of Madison SOUP. 

Heather serves as the President & Treasurer of the Doyenne Board of Directors.

Learn More >

Amy Gannon

Amy Gannon, Co-founder

{In Memoriam} Dr. Amy Gannon was a change agent dedicated to identifying and unleashing entrepreneurial talent, particularly in places where others weren’t looking for it. Her work focused on building pathways to entrepreneurship for those traditionally ignored by existing entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Dr. Gannon is a Co-founder for Doyenne. With more than 10 years experience working with startup businesses, Dr. Gannon had expertise moving entrepreneurs through the idea validation, launch and growth stages. She designed, planed and facilitated developmental opportunities for entrepreneurs, including: 2-day strategic planning retreats, a year-long founder series for leadership development, and one-on-one and group peer coaching sessions.

Dr. Gannon is dearly missed within the Doyenne community. While her light no longer shines, her work and mission continues through all she touched. 

 

Our Board

The Doyenne Board of Directors is comprised of established women entrepreneurs who redefine the term Doyenne through their experiences, knowledge, and personalities.

Kristin Leutz

Kristin Leutz is all about creating and growing startups in Western massachusetts through mentorship and accelerators. She has served on the Doyenne Board since 2019.
Kristin's work experience includes being the CEO & COO of Valley Ventures Mentors in Springfield, Massachusetts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to achieving transformational growth for startups and changing the face of the economy in Western Massachusetts. She's also served as Communications Consultant for Women Moving Millions, the Director of Development for RefugePoint and V.P. of Philanthropic Services at Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

Dana Guthrie

Dana Guthrie is an engineer, entrepreneur, and investor. She has served on the Doyenne Board since 2019.
Dana is a skilled Product Manager with a decade of experience in the building automation, facility management, and energy conservation industries. She has an extensive background in engineering, sales, and operations. 
Dana is also the founder and Managing Director of Alchemy Angel Investors. An investment firm committed to putting dollars into the hands of people of color entrepreneurs through investors who are people of color.

Truscenialyn Brooks-Williams

Truscenialyn (Tru-see-nah-lynn) Brooks-Williams is an experienced litigator with a history of working with large corporations on complex litigation matters. She is skilled in both Patent and General Commerical Litigation. Truscenialyn has served on the Doyenne Board since 2019.
Truscenialyn's work experience includes being a Civil Right's Associate at Stowell & Friendman, Ltd., and as an Associate at Perkin Coie LLP.