- 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 300+ entrepreneurs
Helped launch 100 new companies
Helped 100 companies grow
Helped 15 students secure employment at Berkshire companies
Helped 60+ intrapreneurs innovate from within
Placed 150 college students in paid internships
To date, Lever-supported startups:
- Raised more than $30M in equity investment
- Realize more than $50M in aggregate revenues
- Created more than 350 jobs
NATALIA GIACOMOZZI
Communications Associate
Natalia Giacomozzi supports Lever’s marketing strategy by assisting with social media content and managing internal databases and metrics. She joined the Lever team in the winter of 2023. A native of Carver, MA and a recent graduate from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Natalia holds a B.A. in English.
Communications Associate
Natalia Giacomozzi supports Lever’s marketing strategy by assisting with social media content and managing internal databases and metrics. She joined the Lever team in the winter of 2023. A native of Carver, MA and a recent graduate from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Natalia holds a B.A. in English.
Natalia Giacomozzi
Communications Associate
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
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
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
ANDREW FITCH
Community Engagement Manager
Andrew’s community engagement experience extends across industries, cities, and regions. From running a Boston screen acting school to evangelizing San Francisco-based Tech startups. Andrew is passionate about connecting with and supporting entrepreneurs in his home state of Massachusetts and home city of North Adams. In his personal time, Andrew enjoys serving on local boards such as North Adams Pride and commissions such as the North Adams Zoning Board, running a farmers market booth, officiating weddings for friends and family, and producing city-wide celebration opportunities.
Community Engagement Manager
Andrew’s community engagement experience extends across industries, cities, and regions. From running a Boston screen acting school to evangelizing San Francisco-based Tech startups. Andrew is passionate about connecting with and supporting entrepreneurs in his home state of Massachusetts and home city of North Adams. In his personal time, Andrew enjoys serving on local boards such as North Adams Pride and commissions such as the North Adams Zoning Board, running a farmers market booth, officiating weddings for friends and family, and producing city-wide celebration opportunities.
Andrew Fitch
Community Engagement Manager