Mike Fulkerson is the Regional Director for the Southeast Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Before becoming Regional Director, Mike served as a Business Advisor and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Navigator for the Southeast region.

Prior to joining the Indiana SBDC, Mike accumulated over 18 years of experience in the food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. He has held executive positions in Business Development, Category Management, and Operations at companies ranging from seed-stage startups to century-old brands. Throughout his career, Mike has successfully launched numerous ready-to-drink beverages, guiding them from ideation stage to nationwide retail distribution. Since becoming a part of the Indiana SBDC team, he has been honored with the State Rising Star Award (2022) and the Navigator of the Year award (2024).

Mike is passionate about the collaborative and inclusive nature of entrepreneurship, and the vital role that entrepreneurs and small-business owners play in building our communities. In his daily role as Regional Director, Mike strives to transcend geographic, economic, and cultural boundaries to add genuine value to Indiana businesses, organizations, and communities.

John Riley is the founder of the Maker Mobile and Maker13. Growing up in Southern Indiana on the family farm he was no stranger to building, fixing, or designing anything that was mechanical. He graduated from Floyd Central High School where he then went on to get his Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Louisville’s Speed School of Engineering.  During this time he met his beautiful wife Christy on a blind date on Friday the 13th. This is where the 13 comes from for Maker13! Together they have 2 sons that they use for all kinds of Maker and Science related activities and experiments! John has worked full time for Samtec, in New Albany, IN for the past 24+ years where he now works with the Technical Marketing team designing futuristic architectures for their new products.  

Monica brings a rich tapestry of experiences and skills to the Maker13 board, shaped by a career that spans global business, creative ventures, and community service. Growing up on a local family-owned sod farm, she learned the value of hard work, problem-solving, and building connections with people from all walks of life. These early lessons carried her through a career in sales, marketing, and international trade, where she negotiated multi-million-dollar contracts across 14 countries and led teams from Amman to Paris. Her ability to navigate cultural and professional nuances with respect and adaptability has been a hallmark of her success.

After moving to the Pacific Northwest, Monica became CEO of a high-tech marketing and communications firm, overseeing a talented team while championing business development and contract negotiations. In her free time, she dedicated herself to nonprofits like Whidbey Island Garden Tour and Hearts and Hammers, contributing to community enrichment and housing repair initiatives. A return to the Midwest brought new opportunities, including co-founding The Cottage Project, a soon-to-be nonprofit that teaches younger adults hands-on trade and communication skills while building homes for those in need.

Her creativity thrives in both professional and personal projects, from renovating her 1956 Airfloat trailer, Talulah, to co-teaching dance and communication workshops with her partner, Walter. A proud advocate for the arts, creativity, and skill-building in her hometown, Monica serves as a board member for both Maker13 and the Jeffersonville Public Arts Council. Her passion for empowering others aligns seamlessly with Maker13’s mission to provide tools, knowledge, and support to artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, helping dreams take shape in meaningful ways.

Donna McDonald is from the heart of Western Louisville, Kentucky. As the Chief Inspirational Officer (CIO) of MYCAAA (Making You Consciously Aware Apparel and Accessories), she’s been at the helm of a vibrant, full-service embroidery, screen printing, promotional products, and personalized gift shop for over 13 years. But don’t be fooled by the title—Donna’s mission is anything but ordinary.

At MYCAAA, Donna isn’t just creating custom designs. She’s helping people unlock their potential and empowering them to grow in the Kingdom of God. She’s on a mission to connect the dots—uniting people, groups, and organizations to make real, lasting change in the community. Donna believes with all her heart that when we work together, share our God given knowledge, resources and experiences, we have the power to transform a neighborhood, one heart, mind, household, and block at a time.

At age 12 she learned to sew in her home economics class at Shawnee Jr. High. Donna went on to study tailoring at Ahren’s Vocational School, setting the stage for her long career in fashion and design. As a proud graduate of Shawnee High School and Bauder College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. It was in Atlanta that she discovered the world of monogramming and embroidery—a skill that would become the cornerstone of her future businesses.

Returning to Louisville in the ‘90s, Donna worked for Brunswick Bowling and Billiards in Eminence, KY, where she honed her skills embroidering golf bags for high-profile clients like Nike, the PGA, and top golf courses across the country. Her work quickly became legendary in the embroidery world, and became one of the few companies in the nation capable of embroidering logos and names directly onto golf bags. With 38 years of embroidery expertise, Donna’s skill and precision are unmatched. Her work is synonymous with quality, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the value of personalized service.

Donna’s heart has always been with the people—whether that means supporting local business, mentoring young leaders, ensuring that the voices of the underserved are heard and that tangible change is made, or giving back to her hometown. She’s served in volunteer and leadership roles on various boards and committees, including the West Louisville Business Associations, where she served for 18 years, and on countless other community-focused initiatives. From Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA) to Dress for Success Louisville, Shawnee Neighborhood Association, Mayor's Violence Reduction Task Force, Habitat for Humanity, GLI, the Kentucky Minority Business Council, West Louisville Holiday Festival, I Love West Louisville, and Maker 13.

Even though she no longer lives in western Louisville, her connection to the community remains strong—her heart is forever there.

Donna is the proud mother of two adult daughters and grandmother to two teenage granddaughters who continue to inspire and energize her.

Through God’s grace and guidance, anything is possible—and every person has the ability to make a powerful impact. That one person, she believes, could very well be YOU!

Education
· A.A.S Degree/Mechanical Engineering Technology – Monroe Community College
·3rd year Mechanical Engineering – University of Louisville, J.B. Speed School of Engineering
· B.S. Degree/Sociology – University of Louisville
· M.S. Degree/Community Development- University of Louisville

Experience
· Design Draftsman with companies such as Eastman Kodak, Xerox, Deibold, Ryan Industries, Louis & Henry Architects, Tropel, Watkins-Burrows Engineering, Amatrol
· Founder and President of Kentucky Polytechnic Institute (8 years) Louisville, KY
· 20 years with the University of Louisville before retirement in 2017
·Associate Professor/Engineering Graphics with University of Louisville
·Director of Outreach Programs; working with Elementary and Middle Schools students to instill interest in STEM projects and engineering careers - University of Louisville, J.B. Speed School.

Other Related Experience

· Member of Kentucky State Board of Proprietary Education – two term
· President of Kentucky Association of Colleges and Schools (KACCS) 2 terms
· Evaluation team member for Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) -regional accreditation commission – responsibilities include reviewing financial stability and curriculum – 5 years

Bryan Reed is the Academy & CTE Coordinator for Greater Clark County Schools, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of career and technical education for students in Southern Indiana. In this role, Bryan fosters meaningful partnerships with local businesses and industries, develops pathways to prepare students for high-demand careers, and creates hands-on learning opportunities that bridge classroom instruction with real-world applications. His leadership ensures students graduate equipped with both the academic foundation and practical expertise needed to excel in today’s workforce.

Beyond his time in the field of education, Bryan gained valuable professional experience as an independent orthopedic sales representative and a manufacturer’s agent. These roles provided him with a deep understanding of the skills and attributes employers seek, as well as the importance of building strong professional relationships and maintaining workplace professionalism.

In the education industry, Bryan has a rich history of service as a high school teacher and district administrator. He has taught business, marketing, and entrepreneurship courses, inspiring students to think innovatively and take initiative in achieving their career goals. As a grant manager for a previous school district, Bryan oversaw federal fund administration, ensuring resources were allocated to programs with the greatest impact on students and staff. This diverse background gives him a comprehensive perspective on the intersection of education, industry, and community development.

Bryan’s dedication to workforce development and education aligns seamlessly with the mission of Maker13. As a board member, Bryan is passionate about the opportunities Maker13 affords to local schools and students. He appreciates the collaborative approach Maker13 deploys to engage and educate future business owners, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. By offering access to innovative tools, resources, and expertise, Maker13 serves as a cornerstone of creativity and innovation in the region. Bryan’s involvement reflects his commitment to giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that inspire the next generation of creators and leaders.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Bryan enjoys listening to business and tech-related podcasts; visiting and supporting locally owned businesses with his wife; and attending fundraising events with family and friends. He also finds fulfillment in hiking, traveling, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions on economics with his entrepreneurial brother. These interests enrich his personal life and deepen his commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within his community. By combining his professional expertise, community involvement, and personal passions, Bryan serves as a dynamic advocate for connecting education, industry, and local businesses. His dedication to empowering students and advancing economic growth makes him an invaluable member of the Maker13 board and a driving force behind its mission to inspire creativity and innovation.

After excelling with some of the top names in the logistics world, Kenya arrived at Workwell Industries in 2017 and found a culture unlike any he had experienced - vibrant, inclusive, and powered by a mission to help people overcome barriers and thrive in the workplace. Within his previous roles as Director of Operations and General Manager, Kenya boosted organizational efficiency and engagement through mentorship and moments of opportunity, all while staying true to the values that make Workwell so special.

Today, Kenya’s passion lies in creating an environment where everyone can learn and grow - no matter their background. Whether you’re developing new job skills, charting a path to long-term career success, or simply seeking a second chance, this vision ensures every voice is heard. From individuals with criminal records or disabilities to refugees and beyond, Kenya believes in uplifting people; making today (and tomorrow) purposeful.