As Women’s History Month comes to a close, the CIE is spotlighting leadership on our predominantly women team—Liz Fisher, Stephanie Zombek, Karen Tillman and Nichole McAllister—who work tirelessly to keep CIE & SBDC programs up and running for people to succeed and thrive. These women are a powerhouse of leaders dedicated to empowering students, supporting local small businesses and driving the startup ecosystem forward.

—

Stephanie Zombek – Senior Marketing and Communications Manager

Stephanie Zombek’s career began with a love for creativity and design, nurtured by her mother’s encouragement. After discovering her passion for branding and storytelling at Cal Poly, she ventured into marketing but found herself craving more creative work. Her journey brought her back to the CIE—where she had once interned as a Cal Poly student—now leading a creative team that blends marketing and design.

Zombek sees her mother as her biggest role model, a woman who persevered through immense challenges, including battling cancer and overcoming debilitating vertigo. “She’s proof that success isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about knowing when to stop, when to heal and when to rebuild,” Zombek said.

Her career pivot to the CIE was a leap of faith. “I hadn’t applied for a design job in years because I didn’t think I was ‘good enough.’ Imposter syndrome is real,” she admitted. “Thankfully, I went for it, and that one decision changed everything.” Now, she not only channels her creativity daily but also mentors students and leads a dynamic marketing team.

Zombek has faced many of the same challenges that impact most women, whether rooted in social conditioning or generational experiences. “Women tend to second-guess themselves a lot, and I’m definitely guilty of it, too,” she said. “But I’ve learned that the best way to prove yourself isn’t to wait for validation…it’s to show up, do the work and own your space. And surrounding myself with strong, supportive people (especially other women) has made all the difference.”

She finds immense fulfillment in working at the CIE, surrounded by talented, driven women who uplift and inspire one another. “We always talk about wanting to see more women in leadership, in startups, in business—but change starts by showing what’s possible. We get to be that example. If we want more women in these spaces, we have to make space for them, and I love that we’re doing that here at the CIE.” 

Liz Fisher – Assistant Director of the Cal Poly CIE SBDC

For the past five years, Liz Fisher has helped lead the Cal Poly CIE Small Business Development Center (SBDC), managing a team of three staff members and over 30 business consultants. With a background in public relations and event coordination, she transitioned into higher education, drawn to its mission-driven environment.

Fisher credits much of her success to female mentors, particularly Judy Mahan, who encouraged her to lean into her strengths. One of her proudest achievements has been building a full-time, all-women staff within the CIE. “Now, we are a team of five amazing women who work well together and truly rely on each other’s strengths to create (in my opinion) the best program in the County,” she said.

Navigating a male-dominated industry has presented challenges, but Fisher remains a steadfast advocate for women entrepreneurs. “I see more challenges for women who are running their own business, which in turns makes me a bigger champion for them as they pursue their dreams and do what I can to support them through our organization,” she explained. 

Beyond her work, Fisher believes in fostering a supportive environment where women can lead with confidence. “I love being part of an all-women team,” she said. “I think the energy is incredible and it truly is a large part of why I love what I do. Being around so many empowered women who are constantly going above and beyond what is expected is an amazing opportunity that I don’t take lightly.” 

Karen Tillman – Interim Executive Director of the CIE

With a background in tech communications, economic development and strategic leadership, Karen Tillman has built a career on curiosity and adaptability. Her experience spans major public companies economic development, and now, leading the CIE. Throughout her journey, she has drawn inspiration from a multitude of women, each offering unique perspectives on leadership and strategy. “There have been so many influential women, not a singular one, but it’s been awesome to learn that way,” she said. 

One of her proudest career moments was helping transform GoDaddy’s reputation from a company known for misogynistic advertising into an industry leader in gender equity. By implementing systemic changes and prioritizing transparency, she helped shift public perception and internal culture. “It was hard work, but incredibly rewarding to see meaningful change take place,” she said.

Tillman has faced the challenges many women encounter in male-dominated industries—working harder, staying longer, and carefully balancing how she presents herself. “You had to be heard, but not too much,” she said, referencing the now-famous “Barbie” monologue. Rather than letting obstacles define her, she focused on understanding people who held different perspectives than her own. “Is it something I can change? If not, how do I work around it?” she said.

At the CIE, Tillman sees firsthand the power of an all-women team. “We’re not all of one mold,” she said. “If there are six women, we are six different molds, and I love that. Because you get something from each of these people. And in a smaller organization like this one, you can really see the impact.” 

Nichole McAllister – Operations Manager

As Operations Manager at the CIE, Nichole McAllster plays a vital role in keeping the HotHouse running smoothly. Whether managing day-to-day logistics, coordinating events, or fostering a welcoming coworking environment, McAllister is the backbone of the CIE’s operations.

Beyond her work at the CIE, McAllister has always been a pillar of support in her family and community. A mother of three and a dedicated student pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business, she often steps into leadership roles, whether in the PTA at her children’s school or at the CIE.

McAllister’s grandmother has been a guiding influence in her life, who helped raise not only her own children, but her grandchildren, instilling in them the importance of patience, support and open-mindedness. “She’s the person you could tell anything to, and she’d listen and support you no matter what,” McAllister said.

McAllister’s journey has been shaped by personal challenges, including supporting her husband after his Parkinson’s diagnosis. “For me, education was always something I wanted to pursue, but life had other plans,” she said. “Now, I’m doing it for myself and my family’s future.” 

Despite her many responsibilities, McAllister continues to push forward, driven by her commitment to her family and personal growth. “Knowledge is power, right? That’s why I push myself to keep learning, so I can be a better advocate, a better leader and a better example for my kids.” she explained. 

When reflecting on the challenges women face in the workplace, McAllister acknowledges being underestimated or taken advantage of. “It’s just important that we believe in ourselves and know that what we have to say matters,” she said.

Being part of an all-women team at the CIE has been a unique experience—one she values, but also sees from multiple perspectives. “I think it’s awesome, but I also believe in balance. Sometimes, different perspectives can challenge our way of thinking and that’s important,” she explained. She finds fulfillment in working with driven women who uplift and support each other, knowing that these efforts help create a stronger, more inclusive future.

To her, Women’s History Month represents both the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. “I think about my grandmother and how much change she’s seen in her lifetime,” she said. “Yes, we’ve made progress, but I also see how much more we have to fight for.” 

—

The CIE is not only fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs but also setting an example of strong, supportive leadership. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women of the CIE and the impact they make every day.

As we continue to highlight inspiring women for Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting Kim Bisheff, an Assistant Professor of Media Innovation at Cal Poly. With a career that has taken her from reporting for the Los Angeles Times to writing feature stories for Outside magazine, Bisheff has dedicated herself to both journalism and the evolving landscape of media innovation. Now, she is shaping the next generation of journalists at Cal Poly, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate an ever-changing industry.

Bisheff’s love for journalism began in high school when her English teacher encouraged her to start a school newspaper. The thrill of reporting, collaborating with fellow students and meeting deadlines sparked a passion that would later define her career. Though she didn’t study journalism as an undergraduate, she found herself drawn to it through her college newspaper.

After earning her degree, Bisheff initially took a job at an investment firm—a position she quickly realized wasn’t for her. That realization pushed her to pursue journalism professionally, landing an internship and later a reporting job at the Los Angeles Times. She then pursued a master’s degree at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, where she fell in love with magazine feature writing. This path led her to Outside magazine, where she covered sustainability in adventure travel destinations, combining storytelling with environmental advocacy.

“It is such a privilege to help journalism students start their own careers, especially in a forward-thinking department that is committed to preparing them for jobs in an ever-changing industry,” Bisheff said.

Throughout her career, Bisheff has been shaped by the guidance of strong women mentors, including Mary Glick, a former Cal Poly journalism professor who introduced her to media innovation and entrepreneurship. She credits Lynn Metcalf and Karen Tillman for their support through the Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) and Teresa Allen who taught her to “not suffer fools.” 

Now, Bisheff takes great pride in mentoring her own students, helping them develop tech solutions for media challenges and navigate the evolving world of journalism. Her proudest moments come when former students reach out to tell her how they are using the skills they learned in her classes—whether it’s decoding city council reports, digging into public records, or fixing website glitches.

“It makes me so proud. I want to give them an A in life,” she said. 

Bisheff acknowledges that women in professional settings often walk a fine line in how they are perceived, balancing assertiveness with approachability. While she continues to overcome these challenges, she has found strength in working with colleagues who listen, validate experiences and advocate for one another. She emphasizes the importance of having female allies in the workplace and male colleagues who use their voices to support women.

For Bisheff, Women’s History Month is personal. She grew up watching her mother, a champion of women’s rights, break barriers in academia. Her mother pursued a master’s degree and doctorate while raising a family, eventually becoming a food science professor and department chair at CSU Northridge.

“When I was born, women still weren’t allowed to have their own bank accounts,” Bisheff said. “But my mom raised me to believe that girls could do anything while she fought to make that true. Women’s History Month honors the women like my mom who helped create an easier path for their daughters and granddaughters. At the same time, it reminds us that there is still a lot of work to do.”

As the CIE continues to highlight extraordinary women who are making an impact in the community in honor of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting Skye McLennan, a passionate advocate for cinema, storytelling and community. As the Executive Director of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, McLennan has dedicated her career to the power of film and its potential to foster community. 

Her journey into the film industry began at just 18 years old, when she started working in film festivals simply as a way to be around what she loved most—movies. Over time, that passion evolved into a deep appreciation for the unique experiences film festivals provide.

“I really believe in the transformative power of cinema and connection and cultivating community,” McLennan said.

Her career has taken her to some of the world’s most renowned film festivals, including Sydney Film Festival, Sundance and Tribeca, before bringing her back to her home to San Luis Obispo. Now, she is shaping the local film scene and expanding its reach through year-round programming.

One of McLennan’s proudest career moments was the establishment of the SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre, a cherished local venue. “It’s a place I treasure near and dear to my heart, and I hope that our vision helps ensure its future for many years to come,” she said.

Like many industries, the film world comes with its challenges, particularly for women.

“I think not only just as a woman but as a younger woman, people judge you on your appearance and have certain expectations of you,” McLennan shared. “There is this constant feeling that you have more to prove and that you also need to be ‘nice’ so you don’t come off the wrong way.”

Though Women’s History Month is an important time to reflect on the achievements of women throughout history, McLennan believes in celebrating those contributions every single day.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks and support one another. I believe in the power of collaboration and a team of peers that uplift each other. Identify the people that support you and hold onto them.”

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience and contributions of women who have shaped history and continue to pave the way for future generations. 

Here at the CIE, we are proud to spotlight inspiring women who are making an impact in the field of entrepreneurship and beyond. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing the stories of incredible women who are driving innovation and empowering others to follow their dreams.

Our first spotlight shines on Mayela Fernandez, Cal Poly MBA student and co-founder of Ecoplasticity, a startup committed to revolutionizing sustainability in the food industry.

Fernandez witnessed firsthand how sustainability was no longer just a trend, but rather an essential part of business. This propelled her to take action and create Ecoplasticity’s first product, a biodegradable seaweed-based coating that could replace plastic. 

Fernandez and her business partner, Michelle Cullen (materials engineering, ‘24), developed the perfect formula for their sustainable coating. “That breakthrough validated months of research, problem-solving, and persistence,” she explained. “It was a powerful reminder that women can drive innovation and create meaningful change when they pursue their passions with determination.”

Fernandez is familiar with the challenges that come with working in an industry that is often shaped by male-driven perspectives. She noticed that many leadership strategies and negotiation tactics were framed through a male lens, which initially made it difficult to find her own footing. 

“One of my personal challenges has been redefining what success looks like for me as a woman in this space. I’ve learned to prioritize my well-being, set boundaries, and embrace a more balanced approach to leadership,” she said. 

Fernandez credits her success to the strong women who have guided and supported her. Her mother and sister have been her greatest role models, while the women leaders in her father’s company reinforced her belief in the power of women’s leadership.

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women who have paved the way for us,” she said. “For me, it’s an opportunity to amplify women’s voices, support one another, and inspire the next generation to dream big and break barriers.”