Meet The Team

FUEL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

As Director of the Fuel Accelerator, Grace oversees program strategy, execution, and growth. Since joining Fuel in 2022, Grace has helped deepen the program’s mentor network and strengthen partnerships across the region, having been a key member of the program team as it grew. She previously served as Fuel’s operations lead, where she supported cohort companies and built lasting relationships with advisors, collaborators, and enterprise partners. Grace brings prior experience in nonprofit and marketing from her time at the Mary R. Koch Arts Center in Wichita, KS. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Innovation from the University of Arkansas’ Walton College of Business, graduating with honors.

Outside of the startup world, Grace is a decorated competitive powerlifter: a 2x world record holder, 3x national record holder, Arkansas’ 2022 Best Female Powerlifter, and a 2023 American Pro competitor.

FUEL OPERATIONS MANAGER

A Ft. Smith, Arkansas native, Danny Duong serves the Fuel Accelerator program as Operations Manager. Prior to joining the Startup Junkie Foundation, Danny led creative operations across health tech, event marketing, and fantasy sports. He started his career in digital marketing at Inuvo, Inc. and later served as Design Lead for Housecall. He also served as Founding Designer for the Atlanta International Night Market, leading visual design and social media strategy for one of Atlanta’s largest multicultural food festivals. Additionally, he led the redesign of Matthew Berry’s Fantasy Life App, serving a user base of 300,000+. Danny holds a B.S. in Biology with post-grad studies in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Central Arkansas and is a Project Management Professional (PMP). Devoted Razorback fan, plant enthusiast, and pug lover.

ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE

Diana McDaniel, MPA, FACMPE, is a board-certified Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives and a high-performing healthcare executive recognized for innovative leadership and strategic growth. She serves as CEO and Principal Consultant of Prosper Med, where she partners with health tech companies, medical practices, and healthcare systems to drive innovation, scale operations, and execute growth strategies. Diana is the Managing Partner of MedExcellence, founder of CSymplicity, and strategy leader for Community Clinic. Previously, Diana was the inaugural operations executive at Arkansas Children’s Northwest, where she led the opening and operational oversight of the region’s first and only pediatric hospital. Her leadership has been widely recognized, including honors such as 40 Under 40 by Arkansas Business, Women in Business by NWA Business Journal, Future 50 by Arkansas Money & Politics, and Ones to Watch by Celebrate. Diana holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Institute of Government.

ENTREPRENUER IN RESIDENCE

Permjot Valia is an internationally recognized facilitator who helps senior leadership teams cut through complexity, build trust, and move forward—together. Known for his sharp insight, dynamic presence, and signature sense of humor, Permjot brings a fresh, human-centered approach to leadership development. With deep experience across industries and continents, he specializes in creating energizing, action-oriented conversations that drive real change. He regularly supports teams in fostering trust and a sense of shared success, breaking down silos to improve collaboration, shifting to a mission-driven mindset, and strengthening both cohesion and clarity of purpose. The result is stronger, more aligned leadership teams that communicate better, lead with intention, and deliver together.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Caleb Talley is the Executive Director of Startup Junkie Foundation, where he leads initiatives to empower entrepreneurs and grow innovation-driven ecosystems across Arkansas and beyond. Caleb joined the Startup Junkie team in 2019 and has had the privilege of being a part of the Fuel program since its inaugural cohort. Under his leadership, Startup Junkie has expanded its impact through programs like the Fuel Accelerator and others, supporting small businesses and scalable ventures with no-cost consulting, technical assistance, and access to capital, resources and mentorship. With a background in journalism, public policy, and community development, Caleb is committed to fostering regional economic growth.

FOUNDING ADVISOR

Jeff Amerine is nationally recognized for the creation of lasting venture ecosystems, and co-authored in 2021 the Amazon bestselling book, Creating Startup Junkies – Building Sustainable Venture Ecosystems in Unexpected Places. Jeff has held senior leadership positions in nine startups and multiple Fortune 500 companies including American Freightways and FedEx Freight. He has made more than 90+ venture investments. Jeff is the founder and managing director of Startup Junkie Consulting, and co-leads Innovation Junkie and Cadron Capital Partners. Jeff served as Associate Vice Provost, Research and Economic Development, and Director of Technology Ventures at the University of Arkansas until leaving to pursue Startup Junkie Consulting full-time in 2015. Jeff graduated from United States Naval Academy in 1984, served as an Air Force Officer for 6 years, and holds a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas.