Sheri Palazzo

I have had an amazing 30-year (and still going strong!) career in technology and management. Along the way, I’ve taken on nearly every role an engineer can hold—drafter, designer, QC, program manager, systems engineer, VP, and yes, even floor sweeper. Working across both industry giants like HP, GE, and Bose and fast-paced startups like Altaeros, I’ve built a deep playbook of best practices—and a few crucial "don’t-ever-do-this" practices!

What has opened the most doors for me is a unique blend of technical aptitude, organizational rigor, and strong interpersonal skills. But the best part of the journey has always been the people: the teams I've led, the mentors who guided me, and the 150+ startups and 200+ leaders I’ve had the privilege to support along the way. While I’ve designed award-winning products, the creations I am most proud of are my three young adults. Keeping family as my top priority has always been a non-negotiable core value as I built this career.

Now, it’s my turn to give back. Saplings Consulting is my official "branch" into supporting others as others have helped me. As an EMCC-accredited executive coach, mentor and strategic advisor, my goal isn't just to hand you solutions—it's to "teach you how to fish" so you build the capability, confidence, and operational independence to lead your company for the long haul.

M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Northeastern University

B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Tufts University

Experience, Credentials & Recognition

Awards

Mentor of the Year
Cleantech Open · 2024

Mentorship Excellence Award
Womenx Innovators · 2024

Outstanding Advisor Award
AeroShield Materials · 2024

Boston Best Tech Manager
Timmy Award · 2020

Coaching & Professional Devleopment

Accredited Executive & Senior-Level Coach and Mentor, EMCC
2025

Founder & Trainer, GrantGuide
2025

Leadership Coaching Practices, Harvard Professional Development
2021

SLIDE DEI Training, Aleria
2022

Leadership Practices · GE

Management at GE · GE

Advisory & Leadership Roles

Supporting founders, executives, and start-up ecosystems.

Board Member
FORGE · 2024–Present

Expert in Residence & Mentor
Boston University · 2022–Present

Expert in Residence
Greentown Labs · 2024–Present

Expert in Residence — Climate Program
MassChallenge · 2025

C-Suite Advisor
MFN · 2026–Present

Steering Committee Chair
Women of Greentown, Greentown Labs · 2024–Present

Expert Mentor
Derby Entrepreneurship Center, Tufts University · 2023–Present

Lead Mentor & Recruiting Chair
Cleantech Open · 2024–Present

Mentor
C10 · 2025–Present

Mentor
MassRobotics · 2024–Present

Mentor
delta v, MIT · 2024–2025

Mentor
Activate · 2023–2025

Mentor
ACCEL, Greentown Labs · 2023–2025

Mentor
Scale-Up, TiE Boston · 2022–2023

Mentor
GO, Greentown Labs · 2019–2025

Mentor
TiE Young Entrepreneurs, TYE Boston · 2019–2023

Mentor & Sponsor Company
Station1 · 2018–2022

Mentor & Leader
APAF Women's Group, GE · 2014–2016