Sheila founded SHARP UpSwing in 1996, with a vision to create growth opportunities for small businesses, entrepreneurs and women in business. Her keen insight into these business markets led her to create the UpSwing Business EXPO in 1997 and in 2002 she co-founded the Women on Boards event.
Sheila, SHARP UpSwing and her events have been highlighted in the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Chicago Sun-Times, Upsize Minnesota, and dbaWomen.
She serves on the board of the City of Lakes Chamber of Commerce, and as Chair of the Small Business Committee for the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, Edina Chamber of Commerce, Metro North Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She is on the Strategic Marketing Committee for WomenVenture, and the Business Advisory Group for Lifeworks Services.
Sheila was named one of the top 25 “Women to Watch” in 2002 by the Mpls/St. Paul Business Journal, and was a 2005 Finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year – TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. She won the “Changemaker Award” from Minnesota NAWBO in 2005, and was named one of the ‘40 under 40’ by the Mpls/St. Paul Business Journal for 2006.
Women On Boards