Our team

The people behind the mission.

A dedicated team of strategists, educators, and entrepreneurship champions working to drive impact locally and globally.

Faris Alami
Faris Alami CEO & Founder

Faris works with international leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-ranking officials including presidents of countries and ministries to facilitate economic and workforce development programs. His trademarked teaching methodology has been sought out by more than 61 leaders of nations and organizations.

Molly O'Meara
Molly O'Meara Director of Growth & Opportunity

A visionary small business consultant specializing in women's initiatives, Molly has a passion for empowering women in the business world and a keen eye for identifying untapped opportunities. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive business ecosystem has earned her a reputation as a leader in women's business consulting.

Kayla Schwartz
Kayla Schwartz Executive Assistant

Kayla heads Operations and HR at ISM, managing grant proposals, program coordination, and company marketing. Prior to ISM she worked as an Executive Assistant and Paralegal across corporate, tax, and insurance law.

Joe Licavoli
Joe Licavoli Manager of Innovation & Technology

Joe is Managing Director of Aventura Business Consulting and former Manager of Capital Programs at Ann Arbor SPARK. He coaches startups across Detroit and Ann Arbor in customer discovery, AI, and business development.

Dr. Joyce L. Suber
Dr. Joyce L. Suber Entrepreneurial Program Manager

Joyce holds a doctorate in Executive Leadership with over 20 years of experience building successful small businesses. An accomplished thought leader and DEI strategist, she has worked with entrepreneurs around the world.

Derrick Simpson
Derrick Simpson Marketing Manager

A proud Detroiter with over 30 years of creative and technical expertise, Derrick manages ISM's web presence, video editing, and monthly newsletter. His background spans film, print, digital, and the comic book industry.

Linda Anger
Linda Anger Marketing Communications Manager

President of The Write Concept, Inc., Linda brings over three decades of corporate communications and content development experience. A 2011 NAWBO Pioneering Spirit Award recipient and active Toastmasters member.

Michael Maniaci
Michael Maniaci Project Manager

Michael supports the coordination and delivery of entrepreneurship programs, training initiatives, and client engagements at ISM. He manages timelines, proposal development, and cross-functional communication across domestic and international initiatives. A Wayne State University graduate.

Joe Fanta
Joe Fanta Manufacturing & Industry Advisor

Joe brings 15+ years leading quality, supplier development, and operational excellence at Apple, General Motors, and Saint-Gobain. At ISM he leads advanced manufacturing advisory including Industry 4.0 audits, manufacturing export strategy, and supplier quality reviews.

DongHyeon Kim
DongHyeon Kim IP & Global Markets Coordinator

DongHyeon Kim is a motivated professional with experience in intellectual property law, trademark support, and global business operations. With a background in Intellectual Property and Business Administration, he has supported legal filings, international events, and brand protection projects across public and private sectors.