Marisol Herrera serves as the State Director of the Connecticut APEX Accelerator (CT APEX), where she leads statewide efforts to strengthen Connecticut’s Defense Industrial Base by helping businesses build the capacity, readiness, and connections needed to compete successfully in government contracting. She also serves as Vice Chair of Engagement & Strategic Initiatives for the Department of Defense Northeast Regional Council (NERC), advancing collaboration and strategic partnerships across the Northeast APEX network.

A Certified Procurement Professional (CPP), Marisol brings experience in government contracting, supplier diversity, strategic partnerships, and business development. She is passionate about helping businesses build long-term capacity through a broad, strategic approach to government contracting—connecting them with federal, state, local, tribal, and defense opportunities that align with their capabilities and long-term growth goals.

Under her leadership, CT APEX has expanded its focus on industry engagement, supplier readiness, and strategic partnerships that strengthen both the Defense Industrial Base and the broader Government Industrial Base. By taking a comprehensive view of the government marketplace, Marisol helps businesses identify opportunities across multiple levels of government, diversify their customer base, and build long-term resilience. As a frequent speaker, moderator, and facilitator, she brings together government, industry, and economic development leaders to share insights, strengthen partnerships, and advance opportunities for small businesses.

Prior to joining CT APEX, Marisol served as Director of Certification and Minority Business Enterprise Services at the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council and as President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to expanding economic opportunity, strengthening the nation’s industrial base, and building partnerships that empower businesses, foster innovation, and create lasting impact.

Allisa Young is a Senior Procurement Specialist with CT APEX, where she’s been proudly supporting Connecticut businesses since 2020. With over two decades of experience in B2B and outside sales, Allisa brings a unique blend of strategic insight and real-world industry knowledge, drawing from her background in legal administration, public relations, real estate, general contracting, telecommunications, solar energy, and marketing. She also spent several years as the co-owner of a small construction company in Southeastern Connecticut, giving her firsthand perspective on the challenges small to mid-size businesses face.

Allisa is also a Certified Corporate Wellness Coach and a lifelong learner who thrives on helping others succeed. She’s passionate about demystifying the complexities of government contracting and serving as a trusted guide for businesses at every stage of the journey.

Some of her areas of expertise include SAM.gov registrations, SBA and state certifications, solicitation and bid proposal preparation, market research, capability statements, FAR compliance, teaming and joint ventures, cybersecurity, business development, subcontracting, and contract compliance across federal, state, and local levels.

Contact Allisa: [email protected]

Ishrat Nazmi brings a wealth of experience to her role as the Business Development Manager at CT APEX. Starting her journey as a Procurement Specialist, Ishrat quickly demonstrated her strategic acumen and dedication, which paved the way for her transition into business development. With over a decade of experience in aerospace manufacturing, particularly with industry giants like Pratt & Whitney, she has honed her skills in procurement, project management, and supply chain optimization.

In her current role, Ishrat leverages her extensive background in strategic planning and stakeholder relationship building to drive growth and development for Connecticut businesses in the government contracting space. Her expertise includes conducting market research, organizing educational workshops, and developing competitive proposals for government contracts. Ishrat is focused on strengthening the Defense Industrial Base and enhancing the CT Manufacturing Ecosystem.

Contact Ishrat: [email protected]

Meredith Glasgow, a Nashville native now based in New Haven, graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.S. in Marketing. She expanded her global business perspective by studying International Business in Maynooth, Ireland. As a Procurement Specialist, she leverages her diverse experience in account management, customer service, team leadership, shipping and receiving, parts manufacturing, and procurement to effectively empower Connecticut businesses to successfully enter the government marketplace. She specializes in cybersecurity & government contracting for manufacturers, especially with the Department of Defense. In her current role as Director of Marketing and Database Management for the CT APEX program, she oversees marketing initiatives—including social media, communications, outreach, and data analytics—while also managing public relations across the state.

Contact Meredith: [email protected]

Andres David Calvache is a bilingual Ecuadorian native and recent CT resident. Andres’s 6-year career in procurement has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier management. Andres really gives his time and effort to all his clients and is always willing to hear their issues. His dedication to excellence and his proactive approach to problem-solving have set him apart as a reliable and resourceful professional. Andres’s involvement with CT Apex Accelerators reflects his strong belief in the potential of local businesses and entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and innovation.

Contact Andres: [email protected]

Jonathan Hart holds an AAS in Intelligence Operations. He has a diverse background, including work as a procurement agent for a Food Manufacturer and has experience with sales, data entry, logistics, intelligence analysis, Foreign Relations, International business, and Apparatus Maintenance.

He currently serves in the Army Reserves as a Sergeant and is a Volunteer Firefighter with the rank of Lieutenant. Jonathan will passionately advocates for Veteran and First Responder owned businesses.

Contact Jonathan: [email protected]

Emma Velasquez is a Procurement Specialist who is excited to help support small businesses of Connecticut navigate government contracting opportunities and build strategic growth paths.

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor in B.A. from Drury University in Springfield MO. Her background and experience as a Graphic Designer and Project Specialist blends creativity with business strategy, allowing her to approach procurement with both analytical insight and innovative problem-solving. She is passionate about empowering small businesses and building meaningful relationships as they search for new opportunities.

Contact Emma: [email protected]