Marisol Herrera, CPP is the State Director of the Connecticut APEX Accelerator (CT APEX) and the Vice Chair for Engagement & Strategic Initiatives of the Northeast Regional Council (NERC), where she drives outreach, events and training coordination, cross-regional collaboration, and resource development.

Passionate about bridging the gap between industry and government, Marisol has built strong partnerships with federal, state, municipal, and tribal entities, as well as major prime contractors, to expand procurement access and create new opportunities for businesses across Connecticut and the New England region.

Under her leadership, CT APEX has hosted high-impact events—including matchmakers, government contracting networking sessions, and industry roundtables—that connect small businesses with decision-makers and unlock millions of dollars in contract opportunities. She is widely recognized for her collaborative approach, knowledge of government contracting, and ability to equip businesses with the tools, resources, and confidence to succeed in federal, state, local & tribal procurement.

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 Andres: [email protected]