MAURA SHENKER
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Maura is deeply involved in community and economic development, focusing on building entrepreneurial ecosystems to address racial and gender wealth gaps in the U.S. and support marginalized communities. Her recent role as an Economic Impact and Innovation Fellow at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) with the Small Business Administration (SBA) involved enhancing inclusive access to resources and connecting regional and national networks.
Currently, Maura works as a consultant and serves as the Program Director for the Make Startups Executive Fellowship (MSEF), a program aimed at training leaders in securing federal funding for local entrepreneurial training initiatives. Her previous position as Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Temple University's Fox School of Business, and her ongoing pursuit of a Ph.D. in Political Science at Temple, where she researches the intersection of political and economic participation, showcases her dedication to empowering urban communities through entrepreneurship.
Before Temple, Maura was the Vice President of Development at FINANTA, a nonprofit financial institution supporting immigrant and underserved communities, where she led initiatives to empower entrepreneurs, contributing to FINANTA's recognition with the 2016 SBA Raskind Award.
Recognized for her advocacy in social, racial, and economic justice, Maura has shared her insights through panel discussions, media appearances, and contributions to think tanks like the Brookings Institution and the PEW Research Center, making her a respected voice in efforts to create a more equitable society.