Meet the Hub's Regional Ecosystem Coordinator: Clarissa Schauseil
Two years ago, Clarissa Schauseil began volunteering at the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. In that role, she worked to build capacity at the Hub by expanding digital skilling initiatives, recruiting program participants, managing student volunteers, and offering additional entrepreneurship support.
Because of her yearlong service experience, which offered training and professional development, she was able to continue her professional career at Shawnee State and become the new Regional Ecosystem Coordinator at the Hub. For the last year, she has worked to connect entrepreneurs, partners, and stakeholders across the region by connecting them with resources, programming, mentorship opportunities, and more.
“My role fulfills two important functions,” says Clarissa. “Behind the scenes I manage our data. But the public facing aspect of my position has me working with entrepreneurs, partners, and stakeholders across our region. When potential entrepreneurs come to the Hub needing help - whether that is developing a business plan, website, marketing strategy, etc. - I help talk through their specific needs and guide them towards one of our programs or connect them to resources to move forward in their journey.”
Clarissa grew up in Scioto County and graduated from Minford High School. She sees her position as Regional Ecosystem Coordinator as a way to help build and grow the economy in the region - one entrepreneur at a time.
“Over the years, I worked in a variety of roles from retail, to the food industry, to advertising and consulting. It wasn’t until I moved back to Portsmouth and started working at the Hub that I developed a long term plan. I knew this field was something I wanted to be involved in. And now, being here two years, I get to see our impact. For example, our Ignite Portsmouth program has seen some amazing success stories. We’ve seen alumni, like the Julia Collier and the Kitchen Collective, featured on WSAZ. We’ve seen Lisa Brickey, Vonda Rogers, and Grey Brush Vintage Market featured in an internet documentary produced by GoDaddy. I consider myself lucky because I am working on programs that really help people build their dreams and succeed.”
Going forward, Clarissa hopes to see the Hub continue its programming and outreach to the community.
“I want to see our programming grow. I want to attract more people to our region. The Hub’s doors are always open - we are here to provide support. We have so much to offer in Portsmouth and, by fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, I think we can grow our City, grow our region, and continue to build our 21st century economy.”
Clarissa can be reached at cschauseil@shawnee.edu.
