Our Team & Partners
Dennis Hanno, PhD
Director, Fordham Community Entrepreneurship Initiative; Clinical Professor
Dennis Hanno, PhD, has spent his career helping students and entrepreneurs turn ideas into action— from serving as president of Wheaton College (MA) to founding IDEA4Africa, which mentors young entrepreneurs across several African countries.
During his times at Fordham's Gabelli School of Business, he has brought that same hands-on approach to the Bronx, running an entrepreneurship workshop with POTS that paired Gabelli School students directly with local business owners. He now leads this program, bringing that same experience to Bronx-area entrepreneurs ready to grow.
Dante Ayars '26
Coordinator, Fordham Community Entrepreneurship Initiative
Dante Ayars graduated from Fordham's Gabelli School of Business with a BS in Business Administration. During his time at Fordham, he studied Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation through the Ignite Scholars Honors Program. He started his own business, a hand-poured candle company, while still in high school, and is working toward building a new consumer products company. He brings that same builder's mindset to this program, working day-to-day with participants and partners to help each cohort go from workshop to real progress.
Partners in Success
The success of the Fordham Community Entrepreneurship Initiative depends upon the network of partners we grow. If you are interested in becoming a CEI partner, contact us at: [email protected]
Part of the Solution (POTS) is a prominent community support center and nonprofit organization located in the Bronx. POTS offers a variety of comprehensive and personalized services to fight poverty and hunger at no cost to its clients. Its mission is focused on the premise that every person should have access to the essentials of life and the support necessary to achieve stability and ultimately self-sufficiency.
The Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI) equips partner institutions to help individuals in low-income or other disadvantaged circumstances start and grow sustainable businesses. While each local program operates independently and reflects the unique needs of its community, every site benefits from the same proven model, structure, and tools.