Manifesting the mission

Kaye Reimers doesn’t just keep the wheels turning at the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship — she builds the road as she goes. As program and events manager, she leads a dynamic student team, manages year-round programming, and adapts on the fly to keep things running smoothly in an environment that’s anything but predictable.

“I’m usually guided by the event calendar and making sure we’re prepared for when the mentors come and that we have a lot of students at our events,” Reimers said. “For example, our student Ambassador Reshma [Potluri] talked to over 300 students in the fall semester, and we distributed over 900 flyers across campus - we track all of that.”

She oversees cornerstone programs like the mentor network, workshops, and the New Venture Challenge — CMU’s annual venture competition — while coordinating logistics for student trips and co-curricular experiences. Reimers also manages the institute’s marketing and communications, including social media, flyers, and email outreach.

“That’s one of my favorite parts of the job,” she said. “I get to help all the students on campus who are interested in starting a new project, a new venture, or a side gig. They can take advantage of all our programs — no matter their major.”

But with so many moving parts and stakeholders involved, it takes more than a solid checklist to keep things on track. Her secret? Listen, communicate, and focus on the student experience.

“There’s a lot of opinions about New Venture Challenge — people are really passionate. I try to listen to what everyone’s looking for and make that happen where I can,” she said. “But I think the most important thing, and what I focus on the most, is the student. What they need and want should come above everything else.”

That student-centered approach shows up not only in her planning but also in how she leads her student team — a group of nine ambitious, hands-on workers who play a major role in IBIE’s success.

“I like to hire intense people,” she said with a laugh. “Jackson, our ambassador last year, was terrified of public speaking. That’s actually why he wanted the role. I went with him to his first class, then said, ‘Alright, you’re on your own.’ I support them, but I also want them to do things on their own so they feel confident.”

That ownership carries over into everything — from NVC merchandise to the event program to social media campaigns and video interviews.

“I try to treat the students like they’re in a job in the real world. Everything they do matters and has real outcomes.”

Reimers also played a central role in transforming the Idea Den from an empty office into a student-powered makerspace.

“When I got hired, we had two 3D printers we didn’t know how to run,” she said. “I hired a tech coordinator, and we just kept building from there. We got a bigger printer, learned how to use the Cricut for student logos, and now it’s grown so much.”

From event spreadsheets and crisis planning to late-night problem solving and chaotic pivots, her work has helped raise the bar for what’s possible in student entrepreneurship programming.

“We’ve made the final presentations more like a production with the help of the broadcast students,” she said. “We also added new awards like the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, which mentors vote on. It spotlights students who work hard all year and represent the passion entrepreneurs have.”

“If you go to a big event and it goes well, just know there’s a lot of people working hard to make sure you have a good experience.”

“I didn’t realize how rewarding it would be to see students grow and change and get more confident. It’s my favorite part of this job.”

As several of her graduating seniors wrap up their time at CMU, Reimers is quick to acknowledge the impact they’ve had on her team and IBIE’s success. Amy Adams, Connor Johnson, Reeve Katt, Skky Lawrence, and Reshma Potluri each played key roles in navigating the demands of event season and bringing ideas to life across design, tech, outreach, and logistics.

“A lot of what makes IBIE successful is how student-focused Kaye is,” said Amy Adams, a senior graphic design major from Three Rivers, Michigan. “She wants things to be nice and well done, but more than anything, she wants students to have events that are not just fun, but worthwhile — where they learn something, make connections, and grow.”

Reimers’s energy and focus are matched by her ability to stay fueled and grounded during high-pressure moments. During event week, she’s known for keeping a large iced coffee from Biggby (with coconut milk and mocha syrup) in hand — usually paired with seasonal Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs. “It’s springtime — I will be eating Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs,” she confirmed.

A mantra she carries into every interaction is something she once heard from a mentor: “Always assume positive intent.” It’s a mindset that’s helped her navigate the endless stream of emails, meetings, and quick pivots required to make IBIE’s programming run.