- We invest in people, first and foremost. Human capital is our most valuable resource.
- We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- We believe young people are essential to creating innovative and enduring companies.
- We believe our success depends on the strength of our network.
- We believe in success through collaboration.
- We act like entrepreneurs.
The Lever team believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical in our work. We continuously expand our professional networks to reach groups representing marginalized populations and to ensure that all underrepresented peoples have access to Lever’s programs and resources. We strive to support and build a diverse regional economy that benefits, and includes, everyone. We believe that diversity in entrepreneurship, innovation, and the workforce is a requirement for individual regional economic prosperity.
Since its 2014 launch, Lever has led the development of the Berkshire region’s entrepreneur ecosystem.
Supported 250+ entrepreneurs
Helped launch 75 new companies
Helped 50 companies grow
Helped 15 students secure employment at Berkshire companies
Helped 60+ intrapreneurs innovate from within
Placed 125 college students in paid internships
To date, Lever-supported startups:
- Raised more than $20M in equity investment
- Realize more than $30M in aggregate revenues
- Created more than 250 jobs
AVRIL LEVESQUE
Communications Manager
Avril creates and manages Lever's digital media marketing, social media posts, and program materials. She supports fundraising, grant development, and various Lever events. A Berkshire County native and a recent college graduate, Avril holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Communications Manager
Avril creates and manages Lever's digital media marketing, social media posts, and program materials. She supports fundraising, grant development, and various Lever events. A Berkshire County native and a recent college graduate, Avril holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Avril Levesque
Communications Manager
JADE SCHNAUBER
Workforce Programs Manager
Jade oversees all aspects of Berkshire Interns and Berkshire Entry and she is the chief architect of our workforce programs. She is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and graduated in May 2020 with a B.A. in Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Workforce Programs Manager
Jade oversees all aspects of Berkshire Interns and Berkshire Entry and she is the chief architect of our workforce programs. She is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and graduated in May 2020 with a B.A. in Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Jade Schnauber
Workforce Programs Manager
JEFFREY THOMAS
Executive Director
Jeffrey co-founded Lever in 2014 and has served as its Executive Director since then. He focuses on fundraising, community engagement, and startup funding. His career began in scientific research which led him to biotechnology and entrepreneurship. Jeffrey holds a B.A. from Wabash College and M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Indiana University.
Executive Director
Jeffrey co-founded Lever in 2014 and has served as its Executive Director since then. He focuses on fundraising, community engagement, and startup funding. His career began in scientific research which led him to biotechnology and entrepreneurship. Jeffrey holds a B.A. from Wabash College and M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Indiana University.
Jeffrey Thomas
Executive Director
ELIZABETH NELSON
Challenge Coordinator
Elizabeth comes to Lever with 20+ years of experience in strategic innovation and product development. She leads selected programming for entrepreneurs bringing her training and Lever mentors to prepare them for success. Elizabeth received her B.S.E. In Biomedical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and her PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Duke University.
Challenge Coordinator
Elizabeth comes to Lever with 20+ years of experience in strategic innovation and product development. She leads selected programming for entrepreneurs bringing her training and Lever mentors to prepare them for success. Elizabeth received her B.S.E. In Biomedical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and her PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Duke University.
Elizabeth Nelson
Challenge Coordinator
FRANCESCA OLSEN
Media Strategy Consultant
Francesca Olsen is a writer and consultant with more than a decade of experience in marketing and communications, from branding to digital strategy. She works with small business owners and creative professionals who want to sharpen their digital marketing strategy, build a following online, launch new projects, and more. She also advises and supports businesses, artists, nonprofits, and startups on social media, content marketing, digital advertising strategy, and general PR and communications.
Media Strategy Consultant
Francesca Olsen is a writer and consultant with more than a decade of experience in marketing and communications, from branding to digital strategy. She works with small business owners and creative professionals who want to sharpen their digital marketing strategy, build a following online, launch new projects, and more. She also advises and supports businesses, artists, nonprofits, and startups on social media, content marketing, digital advertising strategy, and general PR and communications.
Francesca Olsen
Media Strategy Consultant