Strategic Leadership Group
The Team
President – Nicole Forsberg
Nicole Forsberg is the Business Development Executive at Venture Partners at CU Boulder where she leads business development for a portfolio of ~200 patented research inventions ranging from biotech, materials to quantum computing. Her passion for research commercialization stems in the large impact it has solving some of society’s most pressing problems; from eradicating diseases to enabling new renewable and efficient energy sources.
Prior to joining CU, she was the Program Manager at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Prior to that she was the Director of New Business for North America at a public IR-technology company, and has also been the Head of Costumer Engagement for a medical device startup based in Stockholm. Nicole Forsberg has a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Technology from Lund University, and has a certificate in entrepreneurship and business strategy from the Wharton School.
Vice President – Emelie Hodges
Emelie Hodges is a dynamic and results-driven retail and e-commerce specialist with over a decade of experience in buying and sales operations. Skilled in strategic decision-making, risk analysis, and policy development, supported by a BSc in Retail Management from Stockholm School of Economics and a MSc in Decision, Risk, and Policy Analysis.
Emelie combines a strong academic foundation with hands-on expertise in optimizing processes and driving growth in fast-paced, competitive markets. Recognized for her analytical mindset, efficiency, and collaborative spirit, she thrives on challenges and delivering measurable outcomes. Whether fostering international trade or driving business growth, she’s passionate about creating value and making a meaningful impact.
Secretary – Nicklas Wihlborg
Nicklas Wihlborg is a Program Manager at KBi Biopharma in Boulder. KBI Biopharma is an award-winning biopharmaceutical contract services organization providing fully-integrated, accelerated drug development and biomanufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies globally.
In addition, he is involved in the startup ecosystem around Colorado and is passionate about sustainable and innovative business solutions. Nicklas Wihlborg holds a B.Sc. in Biomedical Science from University of South Florida, and a M.Sc. in Technical Entrepreneurship from University of Notre Dame.
Treasurer – Thor Högberg
Thor Högberg grew up in western Kentucky, where his father settled after immigrating to the USA from Sweden. He appreciates time outdoors cycling, hiking, climbing, diving, and skiing. After completing a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering from the University of Southern Indiana, he moved to Colorado in 2015 and obtained a Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University. Professionally, he works as an Aerospace Systems Integration & Test Engineer, with a background in Mechanical Engineering.
His graduate research revolved around biomass cookstoves, emissions reduction technology, and energy research while his industry experience spans spacecraft systems engineering in both the USA and Sweden. While living in Linköping, Sweden he worked as a technical consultant on spacecraft separation systems testing. In the USA, his industry experience covers systems integration efforts for a range of spacecraft mechanisms as well as entire spacecraft.
Marketing and Communication Lead – Hanna Hoikkala
Energetic and dedicated communication specialist with 15+ years of experience in journalism, corporate communications, and public relations. Proficient in creating impactful content, managing media relations, and driving strategic communications in international markets. Currently expanding technical expertise in Python programming, AI, and Machine Learning, with certifications from Stanford, DeepLearning.AI, and Google.
Hanna combines a strong academic background in biology and journalism with a commitment to sustainability. Known for a meticulous, collaborative, and fact-driven approach, she brings a fearless and innovative perspective to every project.
Trainee – Tilde Nordin
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, and Communication at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Tilde Nordin has a strong academic foundation from Gothenburg University, where studies focused on international relations, sustainability, and trade.
With hands-on experience in digital marketing at Orkla Foods Sweden, Tilde Nordin has developed expertise in marketing strategies, digital communication, and consumer behavior. Combining a global perspective with a passion for innovative business practices, Tilde Nordin thrives in collaborative and cross-cultural environments.
Director – Ceridwen J. Koski
Ceridwen Koski partners with clients to create and implement strategic and innovative workforce immigration solutions. Based on their particular challenges and goals, she helps employers create effective immigration programs. Her work also involves counseling organizations of all sizes through workforce immigration changes, including corporate reorganization, ramping-up, and reductions in force.
She engages companies throughout the United States and globally, ranging from managing immigration programs on behalf of legacy multinational enterprises to assisting with business travel and work authorization. As a leading immigration practitioner, Ceridwen Koski is listed in Chambers USA and Super Lawyers.
Director – Marie Forsberg-Mare
Marie Forsberg-Mare is an experienced executive within B2B Marketing, Sales and Business Development on the global arena. She has a history of 15+ years as Product Manager/Director of Sales and Marketing of frequency control products for telecom applications. She is also a skilled market analyst, researcher and project manager, e.g. for development of digital tools for gathering, analyzing and visualizing data.
As consultant and owner of SveUS she utilizes her skills and experience to provide leadership, project management, strategic planning, process improvements and creative support such as website building, copywriting and social media. Marie Forsberg-Mare studied International Business & Marketing at IHM Business School and Business & Office Admin at Handelsinstitutet Ehlins-Påhlmans, Stockholm.
Director – Gregg Vanourek
Gregg Vanourek is co-author of three influential books, including LIFE Entrepreneurs (a manifesto for integrating our life and work with purpose and passion) and Triple Crown Leadership (a winner of the International Book Awards). He runs a life design and leadership company and teaches at the Stockholm Business School.
He’s also a former senior executive at a tech startup, now a market leader with $1 billion in sales. He served as board chair for a global social entrepreneurship accelerator in Stockholm and on the board of Vail Alliance and Vail Leadership Institute. Gregg has given a TEDx talk and talks or workshops in eight countries.
Director – Bill Powell
Bill Powell is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur, currently the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Anthropy Partners Fund. Anthropy invests in convergent technologies that improve human physiology, mental acuity, community & environment. He has previously held roles at Black Lab X and Stadia Ventures as the Managing Director. Previously, he was Director of International Private Equity at AMG National Trust Bank with responsibility for the management of international private equity and renewable energy funds.
Before that, he was active in several technology startups in Stockholm, Sweden and Stadia Ventures. He started his career at Deutsche Bank North America in 1993. Powell also serves as an Executive in Residence for the University of Denver and an adjunct professor at the Daniels College of Business. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities and volunteering on nonprofit boards.
Director – Josephine Gutentoft
Josephine Gutentoft is a Sommelier and Restaurant Manager and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts from Örebro University, Sweden, Campus Grythyttan.
Josephine Gutentoft has worked in fine dining restaurants for 20 + years in Sweden, South Africa and the US. She is currently working at the The Kitchen in Denver.
Director and Honorary Member – Don Peterson
Donald Glenn Peterson, Attorney at Law, has extensive experience helping clients navigate through the complexities of estate planning, estate administration and elder law.
The position as Honorary Consul of Sweden is filled by Don Peterson in which he covers the states of Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.