Our Mentors

The people behind the work.

Every Verge mentor is a working or former operator who has been in the seat they are advising on. They volunteer their time because someone once did the same for them.

Rosemary Danon

Rosemary Danon

President & Chair of the Board, Verge Mentors

Rosemary Danon is an Emmy Award-winning producer and senior media executive with more than four decades of experience in broadcast management, content creation, international co-production, and new media strategy.

Over the course of her career she held Vice President and Senior Vice President roles at KSCI/KIKU International Channel, TCI/Liberty Media, Liberty/Ascent Media, and Pappas Telecasting Companies. She holds a BA in Communications from Cal State Fullerton and is the recipient of an Emmy Award for Best Informational Series, a CTAM Broadband Award, a City of Los Angeles Mayor's Award for Outstanding Community Service, and the Gabriel Award from KSCI, among other honors.

Rosemary is a committed civic leader with deep roots in the Long Beach business community.

As Chapter Chair of SCORE Long Beach/South Bay for four years, she grew the volunteer mentor base from 20 to 51, initiated educational workshops, and helped numerous small businesses launch and thrive.

She is the Founding Board President of NAMI Long Beach and serves on the board of the Crenshaw-Leimert Park Business Improvement District.

Building on this foundation, she is now launching a new community mentoring organization in Long Beach, Verge Mentors — agile, organic, and designed to work in close partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Long Beach to support local business growth and economic opportunity.

Ken Camarillo

Ken Camarillo

Vice Chair & Treasurer, Verge Mentors

Ken Camarillo spent 35 years inside one of the world's most disciplined brand organizations — Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. He launched Lexus dealerships across several western states, shaped the marketing and technology strategy behind Toyota Entune and Lexus Enform, led the U.S. GTM execution for the Lexus NX launch, and closed his tenure leading the launch of MONOGRAM by Lexus. He learned what separates brands that grow from brands that stall — clarity, consistency, and systems.

SpaceBeach Creative Services is how he brings that experience to founders and CEOs who are building something worth growing. Every engagement combines strategic consulting, brand storytelling, and in-house media production — so the strategy doesn't sit in a deck. It shows up in how your brand looks, sounds, and converts.

A certified business mentor, former Co-chair of SCORE Long Beach/South Bay, and Registered Vendor with the Port of Long Beach — recognized by CA Assemblymember Mike Gipson for his work on AI for Small Businesses. He lives in Long Beach, CA.

Our Team

More mentors in the network.

Doretta "Dee" Ellsworth

Doretta "Dee" Ellsworth

Mentor, Verge Mentors

Doretta "Dee" Ellsworth has nearly three decades of experience in operations leadership, customer experience, and account management. As a corporate executive, she excelled in streamlining workflows, optimizing vendor relations, and ensuring operational excellence in fast-paced environments.

Now, as the founder of Wear the Promise dba DLE Management Services, Dee leverages her extensive understanding of business to help entrepreneurs navigate operations, optimize efficiency, and scale their businesses with confidence.

She's also a proud AIU Online Summa Cum Laude graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

Edgardo Villaneuva

Edgardo Villaneuva

Mentor, Verge Mentors

Edgardo Villanueva is the President and founder of E.M.S.I. Consulting LLC, a management consulting firm with offices in Chicago, IL. and Palm Springs, CA.

Mr. Villanueva's expertise lies primarily in Human Resources Management, Employee Relations, and Labor Relations as well as Business start-up procedures and Mentoring.

With over 35 years of professional experience and two years of providing practical Mentorship to many Start-up entrepreneurs, Edgardo has advised clients across diverse industries.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, Mr. Villanueva's bilingual skills have enabled him to work across diverse workforces, ensuring clear communication and fostering inclusive workplace practices.

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