Meet the Team
At Vision to Venture, we're more than dreamers; we're architects of potential.
We're building bridges to a brighter tomorrow, a thriving community where entrepreneurs aren't just nurtured; they're ignited!
Director - Founder, Mentor, Investor, and
OCD Enthusiast
W Michael Buckovich
Mike has led and developed digital strategies for a variety of Fortune 500 firms ranging from apparel, financial services, SaaS, B2C, B2B, and start-ups from Chicago, New York, Washington, Richmond, and, most recently, various cities in North Carolina.
He has been assisting founders, startups, accelerators, private equity groups, and enterprises with 30+ years of experience in the advertising, marketing, customer experience design, digital product development and management, and software development world.
Over the years, Mike’s fascination with what influences and makes an audience tick has only grown. His wheelhouse is helping his clients to truly understand and define the user experience while translating it into both actionable technical requirements and a unique value proposition to set them apart from the competition.
Director of Community Development and Events
Kami Leslie
Cross-functional and resilient director, Kami has 25+ years of experience working internationally in live entertainment, special events, and education as a producer, executive director, event manager, and facilitator.
She worked for large corporations such as Cirque du Soleil, Franco Dragone, and MGM, as well as for non-for-profit organizations worldwide.
Her unconventional profile reflects upon her desire to connect the incompatible and build bridges between Entrepreneurs, Creativity, Innovation, and Business opportunities.
She is passionate about activating and nurturing communities empowering entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Alyson Gammons
Alyson is a marketing, entrepreneurship, and creativity enthusiast. Her journey in this dynamic field began at Salem College, where she graduated in May 2023 with a major in business administration with minors in entrepreneurship and non-profit management. While at Salem College, she completed two immersive internships at The Center for Creative Economy and REACH Women’s Network.
Currently, she proudly serves as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Carlisle School. On the side, she devotes her time to being the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Vision to Venture. She finds great joy in assisting non-profits use the power of marketing as a catalyst for growth and connection.
Her dedication and drive are rooted in the potential to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Program & Events Coordinator
Saahithi Pinapati
Saahithi is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with minors in Data Science and Design at Salem College in Winston Salem, North Carolina, with an expected graduation date of May 2025.
In spring 2024 she interned with Vision to Venture assisting in event planning, graphic design, social media posts, recruitment of volunteers and participants for V2V programs & events, and administrative support. She is joining us again this summer as the Program and Events Coordinator, for a paid internship.
She brings a wealth of experience as the Public Relations Chair of the Eco Club, a volunteer at the REACH conferences, and a recipient of the Emerging Leader certificate from Truist.
She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue growing as a leader and contributing to the success of Vision to Venture.