Alex Cleary Pelc

Alex Cleary Pelc (image by University at Buffalo)

Published September 17, 2019

Each month, we'll introduce you to an interesting member of the Professional Staff Senate. This month's featured member is Alex Cleary Pelc, senior program coordinator for the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

How long have you worked at UB?

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I have worked at UB for seven and a half years.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

It’s really fast-paced and I’m always interacting with someone different. Lucky for me, they’re always passionate people, which is energizing.

What's the most challenging part about your job?

There isn’t enough time in the day!

What would you say is your most significant achievement at UB?

My biggest achievement at UB is being able to expand the reach of both the Henry A. Pansaci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition and the Allstate Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs program. I’m so glad more people are aware of these programs and have access to bring their ideas to fruition and to grow their businesses.

Tell us something about your department that isn't well known.

At CEL, we run multiple programs for business owners, and we have many resources available for them depending on stage and need. At Launchpad, we have tons of resources and prize money for students, faculty and staff to develop their business ideas! We also don’t take any ownership and all of our venture coaching is confidential.

If you were to share some advice for other professional staff, what would it be?

Find a mentor – at the university or otherwise someone with more experience and expertise. I wish I had done that earlier and more intentionally.

Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

I love cooking, gardening and entertaining, though it’s tough to squeeze these things in now with a one-year-old!

Do you have a favorite meal you like to prepare?

Too many! I love to make Sunday Sauce and pasta, roasted veggie and orzo salad, and generally, I really like trying new recipes – anything I find on Pinterest. I usually go overboard and choose the complicated recipes.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

It’s a three-way tie – I’ve always wanted to spend time in South America, but I’d also love to go to Italy and France.

Any other fun facts about you?

I go by my middle name rather than my first name (Elisabeth) and seven and half years later people are still confused by it.