Michelle E. Messina is CEO of the international training and consulting firm, Explora International LLC focused on accelerating entrepreneurs and their companies, while developing sustainable ecosystems worldwide. As a serial entrepreneur and consultant, she speaks on the topics of entrepreneurship, startup best practices, sustainable ecosystems, business acceleration, market readiness, Silicon Valley best practices, and regional development Michelle has deep experience with corporate and government startup acceleration and entrepreneurship programs aimed at helping companies find repeatable business models, while leveraging the best practices of Silicon Valley. During the past 6 years, she has worked in more than 30 countries, including developing, post- war, and transitional economies. The global increase in startup acceleration programs has created opportunities for ecosystem partners, investors and mentors to better align with the needs of entrepreneurs and their startups. Michelle trains extensively in this area, while working with international governments on their ecosystem strategies, the alignment and unification of partners within their ecosystems, and best practices for portfolio company management. She has a strong revenue and operational background and leverages it to develop actionable growth strategies and tactical plans that make sense. Michelle is a sought after speaker and travels regularly supporting public private partnerships benefitting SME’s, women, and entrepreneurs. She actively mentors startups at GSVlabs, Alchemist Accelerator, The Last Mile @ San Quentin Prison, Telefonica’s Wayra academies, and Innovation Center Denmark.