Northwest Indiana SBDC

Judith Cardenas
Business Advisor

Judith is a business advisor for the Northwest Indiana SBDC. Judith has over 20 years sales and customer service experience. With a background in customer relationship management, tradeshow events and promotions marketing, Judith has worked in various industries including higher ed, culinary, retail/manufacturing and utilities, as well as health, beauty and wellness services. As a small business owner, Judith holds a strong interest in assisting others with developing and executing small business startup initiatives. Judith holds a Bachelors in Business Marketing from Purdue University Northwest.

Jim Mooney
Business Advisor

Business Advisor Jim Mooney is an experienced business professional with a wealth of experience obtained from over 25 years of serving customers in the private and public sectors.   He has developed expertise in business start-ups and turnarounds, giving him firsthand experience in making a new or existing business a successful venture.  He has his first Master's Degree in Development Administration from Michigan State University and a second in Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management. In addition, he has received numerous certifications in finance, marketing, exporting, and energy efficiency. Jim brings these experiences to bear as he works closely with his clients to chart and implement the path to business success.

Julia Plumb
Business Advisor

Julia Plumb has over twenty years of experience working in conservation program management while also operating her own small business in sustainable landscape design and installation for homeowners across the Chicago region. She has worked with a diverse set of constituents and customers, from municipal staff and elected leaders collaborating on conservation initiatives, to higher educational professionals, private foundation staff, homeowners, and returning citizens seeking stable work and increased job skills. Julia has extensive experience in fundraising, marketing, grant writing, program development and PR for conservation initiatives. Julia Plumb has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont, a Masters of Science in Landscape Design from the Conway School in western Massachusetts, and an MBA from Indiana University Northwest.

Joanne Tica
Business Advisor

Joanne Tica is a specialty business advisor at the Northwest Indiana SBDC since 2021. In this position, Joanne works with start up and established businesses who are seeking minority and women's certification to assist with business growth. Joanne is an experienced strategic consultant and a capacity building growth specialist who has worked with the small business community for the past twelve years. She is a former commercial real estate banker and has experience with SBA loan readiness. Joanne has a BA in Psychology from Purdue University, an MA in Workforce Training and Organizational Development from Roosevelt University (Chicago) and is completing her doctorate in Adult and Community Education at Ball State University. She also has a graduate certificate in Organizational Leadership and Transformation. Joanne enjoys international travel (as often as she can), spending time with family (including her daughter and her two dogs, Scout and Jem) and friends, and exploring the restaurant scene in Chicago and NW Indiana.

Al Turnbeaugh
Business Advisor

Al Turnbeaugh has many decades of entrepreneurial experiences both as an employee of Fortune 500 companies and spearheading new product lines and numerous start-ups. His skill sets are mainly sales and marketing however he understands the pressures of wearing all the hats in start-ups. He can offer many insights to help guide you in your journey in building and expanding your business by sharing his varied experiences of what works and what does not work. The resources we offer can save you precious time and energy and yes frustration in all the stages of your business. Just ask for help and he can point you in the right direction. Al has a degree in Biology and Chemistry from Baylor University.

Anjail Luckett
Business Advisor

Anjail Luckett is a part time business advisor for the Northwest Indiana SBDC. Anjail is a PNW graduate. Anjail has 10 years of corporate banking experience. She has small business expertise in culinary, child care, and a beauty startup. Anjail is also a small business owner who enjoys assisting both of her parents who are also entrepreneurs. Anjail is a Purdue University Northwest graduate with a B.S. in Accounting and Human Resources Management.

Jennifer Cosenza
Business Advisor

Jennifer is a business advisor for the Northwest Indiana SBDC, bringing over 25 years of experience in marketing, branding, customer engagement, and high-end event planning. She excels at crafting impactful strategies and creating memorable experiences that help businesses thrive. Jennifer has supported countless organizations in expanding their reach, enhancing customer service, and building a strong online presence. Her expertise spans a variety of industries, including retail, insurance, construction, and small business consulting. A recognized leader and educator, Jennifer specializes in building brands and fostering lasting customer relationships. In 2021, she was honored as the Influential Woman of Northwest Indiana Influential Woman in Marketing/Media. Jennifer is a dedicated community advocate and Lions Club member. In her free time, she enjoys camping, cooking and reading.

Maggie Havens

Administrative Assistant

Margaret (Maggie) is Executive Assistant for the NW-ISBDC where she works closely with the Director. Her responsibilities include office management, maintaining client business files, account management, ordering supplies and purchases, creating and managing databases, correspondence, compiling reports, meeting and event coordination, and scheduling appointments. Maggie has extensive experience in office management working both in the business world as well as in different roles at Purdue University Calumet. She has completed courses at Purdue University Calumet and has been involved in a variety of community outreach efforts, including Tri Kappa Sorority, SAE Fraternity, and Highland Boys Baseball, Inc.

Eric Beschinski

Ecosystem Navigator

Northwest Ecosystem Navigator Whether you are starting a business, growing an enterprise, or scaling an empire, I can point you to the resources and people you need to succeed. We entrepreneurs tend to learn by doing. Often, however, there is a better way... learning from others. Let me be your guide to the wealth of information and resources available to you. Not only have I run businesses, taught business to college students, and coached business leaders, but my experience includes writing books, creating content, solving problems, and devising systems. I have lived in Northwest Indiana my whole life, and I love building community by building up entrepreneurs.