Meet Our
Recovery Specialists

Amy Cervantez serves as the E-Learning Manager for Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF). She serves as the manager of CSBDF's Digital Learning Academy, which provides small businesses with technical assistance through online learning. The DLA is a free program that offers courses from expert practitioners on a range of topics and includes courses in both English and Spanish. Amy is originally from the Littleton, Colorado area. She moved to the Asheville area to bring her 501(C)3 organization, the Angel K Love Project to life. Amy and her wife wanted to help children with mental health and wellness needs through holistic therapies. Amy has also owned a few small businesses and has first-hand experience understanding the importance of small businesses to our ecosystem and the American dream.

April Nash joined the Western Women's Business Center team in 2023. She is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for small business and social justice. She is accomplished in business and financial planning, cost-saving initiatives, and mentoring executives.

Beverly Jurenko, MBA, ACC, is an executive and leadership coach who helps senior managers and executives elevate their leadership and emotional intelligence to achieve professional success and positively impact their teams. With decades of international corporate and nonprofit experience, including roles in private equity, startups, and diversity initiatives, she brings a rich background to her coaching practice. An NC Idea Ice House Gold Level Facilitator and certified in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Beverly also holds degrees from Yale and Harvard and has extensive experience navigating transitions and multicultural environments as a mother, wife, and serial expat.

Vanesa Garcia Nuñez is currently a Business Solutions Associate at CSBDF, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting business development, program delivery, and client services in North Carolina.

Lydia Turgeon serves CSBDF as a Business Solutions Officer. Lydia has over 30 years of experience in banking and worked as a Relationship Manager/Commercial Loan Officer outside of Chicago for 20 years prior to joining CSBDF. Lydia is passionate about assisting small businesses in achieving their goals, and she has worked extensively in both banking operations and sales. Lydia established and managed a lending services office for a previous employer while being responsible for business development in the new market. Prior to joining the banking industry, Lydia spent nine years in retail management. She started a nonprofit animal rescue in Illinois, and she was also involved with the local Chamber of Commerce, YWCA, Rotary, and other nonprofit organizations in the community.

Nanette Asbury is a digital media marketer and designer dedicated to helping small businesses build unique brand identities and effective marketing strategies. With experience as a pewter jewelry business owner and 15 years in the trade show industry mentoring small businesses, she brings a resourceful and collaborative approach to her work. Passionate about sharing insights and continuously learning, Nanette creates designs that capture attention, foster connections, and inspire growth.

After 12 years as a successful General Manager of a top-ranking fast-food franchise, Rene Hernandez transitioned to the nonprofit sector to support crime victims in Henderson County, NC, eventually becoming Operations Manager due to his strong organizational skills. Passionate about empowering Latino entrepreneurs, Rene now helps business owners streamline operations and gain essential skills to grow their businesses. With a commitment to bilingual support, his organization ensures Latino entrepreneurs have equal access to community resources, financial opportunities, and networking, fostering growth that benefits both businesses and communities.

Vanesa Garcia Nunez is currently a Business Solutions Associate at CSBDF, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting business development, program delivery, and client services in North Carolina. Her journey with CSBDF began in 2018 as a Latino Program Intern. Prior to her current role, she served as a Marketing Specialist for the Western Women's Business Center, a program of CSBDF. Vanesa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in Economics from Johnson & Wales University. As a NC native, she is truly passionate about contributing to the economic development of the state and its thriving small business ecosystem.