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Our Team

Aaron Cline

Position: Worldwide Digital Revenue & Accounting, Electronic Arts (EA)

Aaron Cline

Worldwide Digital Revenue & Accounting, Electronic Arts (EA)

Aaron Ow-Yeang

Position: Partner, EY

Aaron Ow-Yeang

Partner, EY

Aaron Swinton

Position: Co-Founder & Managing Director, ShockVentures

Aaron Swinton

Co-Founder & Managing Director, ShockVentures

Adeleke Omitowoju

Position: Principal, Groundwork

Adeleke Omitowoju

Principal, Groundwork

Afdhel Aziz

Position: Co-Founder/Chief Purpose Officer, Conspiracy of Love
Email: af@conspiracyoflove.co

Afdhel Aziz

Co-Founder/Chief Purpose Officer, Conspiracy of Love

Ajay Agarwal

Position: Managing Director, Bain Capital Ventures

Ajay invests in early-stage software with a focus on front-office SaaS, AI/ML infrastructure, and supply chain technology. Prior to Bain Capital Ventures, Ajay led product and sales as an early employee at Trilogy, an enterprise software pioneer, growing annual revenues to $300 million.

Ajay’s primary investment themes include AI-enabled applications (Clari, Gainsight), the future of work (Homebase), bottom-up and developer led software (Sendgrid), supply chain and manufacturing transformation (FourKites, ShipBob, Vention), and automation (Ike). Ajay served as board director of several exited companies with combined outcomes of nearly $5 Billion, including SendGrid (acq. by Twilio), TellApart (acq. by Twitter), Kiva Systems (acq. by Amazon), and InfoScout (acq. by Vista Equity), and has been named multiple times to the Forbes Midas List Top 100 Venture Capitalists.

As employee #18 and SVP Product, Sales & Marketing at Trilogy Software, Ajay built a legendary recruiting program, signed multi-million-dollar contracts with Fortune 500 customers, and delivered breakthrough enterprise products, including market leading config-price-quote (CPQ) software. Ajay holds a patent for the “Method and Apparatus of Configuration Solutions”.

Combining his track record at Trilogy with 17 years of investment experience at Bain Capital Ventures, Ajay’s passion is working with early stage founders on team-building, culture, iterating on product-market fit, and scaling go-to-market operations.

Ajay invests in early-stage software with a focus on front-office SaaS, AI/ML infrastructure, and supply chain technology. Prior to Bain...

Ajay Agarwal

Managing Director, Bain Capital Ventures

Ajay Menon

Position: Analyst, Apax Digital

Ajay Menon

Analyst, Apax Digital

Akala Francis

Position: Y3+ Senior Program Manager, Bay Area
Top: 16

Akala Francis

Y3+ Senior Program Manager, Bay Area

Alankrita Narang

Position: Manager of Strategy and Business Development, Boston Harbor Now

Alankrita Narang

Manager of Strategy and Business Development, Boston Harbor Now

Alethia Young

Position: Chief Financial Officer, Graphite Bio

Alethia Young

Chief Financial Officer, Graphite Bio

Alex Bayman

Position: Associate, KKR

Alex Bayman

Associate, KKR

Alex Eacker

Position: Learning Designer, Multiverse

Alex Eacker

Learning Designer, Multiverse

Alex Laser

Position: Senior Program Manager Yr 3+
Email: alaser@build.org

Alex Laser joins the BUILD Greater Boston team with over 12 years of experience in secondary education and project management in high schools around the country, including DC, Chicago and Greater Boston. It was during his early tenure teaching English in DC that Alex became a Year 1 BUILD teacher, igniting an enduring passion for community building and project-based learning. At every opportunity, he opened the four walls of his English classroom to guest speakers and field trips, partnering with an array of local teaching artists, theater companies, recording studios, even public television and radio programs. True to the BUILD spirit, Alex loves to provide students platforms to share their stories, topple dominant narratives about their communities, and pitch their vision of a better world.

In his most recent roles, Alex co-founded and facilitated the Boston-based group PARC (Practicing Anti-Racist Collegiality), a coalition of White educator allies and BIPOC educators engaging in tough conversations on race, matching community activism with rigorous inner work. He has several years of experience writing anti-bias curriculum and training educators in DEI and culturally responsive teaching practices. During COVID, he also organized Edubabble, an eZine showcasing the creative voices of educators outside the classroom, and Coffee House, a virtual monthly meetup and writing space for educators seeking self-care and community through communal art and storytelling. Alex holds a B.A. in English Literature and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from George Washington University. He is excited to serve BUILD Greater Boston students and teachers in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams!

Alex Laser joins the BUILD Greater Boston team with over 12 years of experience in secondary education and project management...

Alex Laser

Senior Program Manager Yr 3+

Alfred Solis

Position: National Director of Digital Strategy
Email: asolis@build.org

Before joining BUILD, Alfred dedicated his efforts towards community-led systems change with high schools as fulcrum at XQ Institute. He led the professional learning community within the network of schools across the country to actualize their bold ideas and fostered the partnership with the Carnegie Foundation of the Advancement of Teaching to build a new architecture for learning to replace the current time-based system.

While at the Buck Institute for Education (now PBLWorks), Alfred led the development of their integrated Project Based Learning teacher experience that offered services and tools to guide educators in their journey toward sustained, high-quality PBL practice.

Alfred also taught math and physics at High Tech High where he used his engineering background and industry experience to design classroom projects and educator workshops. Alfred started his career with Andersen Consulting doing business/internet consulting and later joined a Bay Area venture fund, CreateLabs.

Alfred currently resides in Minneapolis with his wife and daughter.

Before joining BUILD, Alfred dedicated his efforts towards community-led systems change with high schools as fulcrum at XQ Institute. He...

Alfred Solis

National Director of Digital Strategy

Alicia Perry

Position: Executive Assistant, National
Email: aperry@build.org

Alicia Perry joins BUILD with many years of administrative experience in the nonprofit world in the areas of conservation, higher education and philanthropy. She was born and raised in Boston, MA, and holds a B.A. in Communications from Suffolk University. In her spare time, she enjoys documentaries, traveling, and writing.

Alicia is excited to be a part of the National Team supporting the Director of Impact and Organizational Learning and the Director of Philanthropy. She looks forward to mentoring and seeing the impact BUILD is making in the world first hand.

Alicia Perry joins BUILD with many years of administrative experience in the nonprofit world in the areas of conservation, higher...

Alicia Perry

Executive Assistant, National

Alison Mooradian

Position: Director of Marketing, Wildgrain

Alison Mooradian

Director of Marketing, Wildgrain

Alvin Wei

Position: Corporate Development and Ventures, Coinbase

Alvin Wei

Corporate Development and Ventures, Coinbase

Alvina Antar

Position: Chief Information Officer, Okta

Alvina Antar

Chief Information Officer, Okta

Alyssa Hudak

Position: Program and Salesforce Associate
Email: ahudak@build.org

Alyssa Hudak joins BUILD as a student at Robert Morris University, where she is studying business administration. She was first hired at BUILD as a Salesforce intern and is now being taken on as a part-time associate. She is excited to be a part of the BUILD culture and transition to this new role. In her spare time, she enjoys volleyball, reading, and baking.

Alyssa Hudak joins BUILD as a student at Robert Morris University, where she is studying business administration. She was first...

Alyssa Hudak

Program and Salesforce Associate

Alyssa Lim-Sweet

Position: Advisor

Amy Pan

Position: FOUNDER AND PRODUCT PARTNER, THE COMBINATION RULE

Amy Pan

FOUNDER AND PRODUCT PARTNER, THE COMBINATION RULE

Amy Trutor

Position: Portfolio Manager, State Street

Amy Trutor

Portfolio Manager, State Street

Andrea Atwell *Co-Chair*

Position: NYC Regional Board Chair, VP eCommerce, L’Oreal USA
Top: 2

Andrea Atwell is the Vice President eCommerce for L’Oreal USA. Prior to this position, she was VP of US Market Supply Chain at L’Oreal’s Luxe Division. Her responsibilities included business, demand and supply planning, and customer care, with the vision of leveraging improved supply chain results to drive strategic relationships with L’Oreal’s US customers. Andrea has helped to lead significant planning process initiatives for L’Oreal which has transformed forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory results, including managing the supply chain and human transitions of 3 major acquisitions for L’Oreal USA. Andrea’s efforts helped to shape the partnership between the supply chain and brands in L’Oreal, shifting the culture to drive operational awareness, improved results and competitive advantage. Prior to her 10 years at L’Oreal, Andrea has worked in the medical device and food & beverage industries.​

Andrea has 15 years of supply chain experience and a true passion for leading and developing teams and recognizing and growing talent. She was recognized as a 2015 Visionary Leader by Consumer Goods Technology for her approach in prioritizing people and leadership to drive supply chain results. Andrea’s leadership has demonstrated that by focusing on people and creating a culture of change leaders, no business challenge is insurmountable. Andrea is also a frequent speaker on supply chain planning and talent development.​


Andrea has a BA in Marketing from Michigan State University.

Andrea Atwell is the Vice President eCommerce for L’Oreal USA. Prior to this position, she was VP of US Market...

Andrea Atwell *Co-Chair*

NYC Regional Board Chair, VP eCommerce, L’Oreal USA

Andrea Dimarco

Position: Vice President, Strategic Finance, Tenable

Andrea Dimarco

Vice President, Strategic Finance, Tenable

Andrew Jasen

Position: Finance and Operations Manager, FinLync

Andrew Jasen

Finance and Operations Manager, FinLync

Andy Torelli

Position: Senior Vice President, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Andy Torelli

Senior Vice President, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Anesa Parker

Position: Principal, Deloitte Consulting

Anesa Parker

Principal, Deloitte Consulting

Angela Stokes

Position: Director of Mentor & Community Engagement
Email: astokes@build.org

Angela Stokes joins BUILD with varied non-profit experience across education, mentoring and corporate engagement. She is also a proponent of National Service, having served two years in AmeriCorps, solidifying her desire to give back to the community. Moving to Boston over a decade ago, Angela hoped to connect better to the community by becoming a mentor and pursued being a Big Sister. This experience has now helped her call Boston home. She is excited to join the BUILD team to continue connecting with students, maximizing their potential and engaging awesome mentors to do so too. In her spare time, Angela enjoys music, cooking and exploring parks with her toddler.

Angela Stokes joins BUILD with varied non-profit experience across education, mentoring and corporate engagement. She is also a proponent of...

Angela Stokes

Director of Mentor & Community Engagement

Anna Schocket

Position: Vice President of Talent Development, DocuSign

Anna Schocket

Vice President of Talent Development, DocuSign

Anthony Craigwell

Position: Sales Development Representative, Lumafield

Anthony Craigwell

Sales Development Representative, Lumafield

Anthony Walker

Position: Senior Program Manager, Bay Area
Email: awalker@build.org

Anthony Walker is an entrepreneur from San Diego, CA. He is a Licensed Life Insurance Agent based in Oakland, CA and the founder of Finance Friday, a financial literacy platform. Anthony has been an educator, as well as the Founder and Director of National Elite LLC, an organization focused on summer football camps for youth in Oakland and San Diego. Anthony received a bachelor’s degree from Whittier College and a master’s from Saint Mary’s College in Sports Management.

Anthony Walker is an entrepreneur from San Diego, CA. He is a Licensed Life Insurance Agent based in Oakland, CA...

Anthony Walker

Senior Program Manager, Bay Area

Anupama Pasumarthy

Position: IBM

Anupama Pasumarthy works as a Software Engineer at IBM where she helps IBM.com visitors discover products across global markets through Search and Navigation capabilities. She has experience mentoring young adults, boot camp program design and curriculum building through working with several non-profit organizations, including BUILD where she served as a student mentor in 2017-18. In recognition of her community service efforts, she was honored with The President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2017. She received her Master’s in Computer Science from UMass Amherst in 2016, prior to which she earned her Bachelor’s in CS from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, India. In her free time, Anu enjoys cooking, running, and yoga.

Anupama Pasumarthy works as a Software Engineer at IBM where she helps IBM.com visitors discover products across global markets through...

Arushi Kewalramani

Position: Analyst, Apax Digital

Arushi Kewalramani

Analyst, Apax Digital

Ashley Washington

Position: Program Manager, Bay Area
Top: 8

Ashley Washington holds the position of Student Experience Program Manager of the Oakland, Bay Area programmatic team. Prior to joining the BUILD family Ashley earned her Master of Arts in Education from the University of Southern California and began her career within the teaching field in East Palo Alto, Ca serving her community directly. With East Palo Alto origins, she connects deeply to the purpose behind BUILD’s mission and has a strong connection to the foundation of the organization.

As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., service has played a dynamic role in her lifestyle and is of high value. Mentorship, service, and impact are instrumental pieces of her holistic approach to life, this aligning directly with the aspirations of BUILD.

Ashley BUILDs to inspire and empower youth by providing opportunities to maximize student potential

Ashley Washington holds the position of Student Experience Program Manager of the Oakland, Bay Area programmatic team. Prior to joining...

Ashley Washington

Program Manager, Bay Area

Ay’Anna Moody

Position: Senior Director, Social Impact at Golden State Warriors

Ay’Anna Moody

Senior Director, Social Impact at Golden State Warriors

Ben Mangum

Position: STRATEGIC ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, LAUNCHDARKLY

Ben Mangum is a sales and business development professional specializing in software startups. Ben has been a mentor and board member at BUILD since 2017.

Ben is a graduate of the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.

Ben Mangum is a sales and business development professional specializing in software startups. Ben has been a mentor and board...

Ben Mangum

STRATEGIC ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, LAUNCHDARKLY

Bethany Thomas-Acevedo

Position: Executive Assistant, Boston
Email: bthomas@build.org

Bethany Thomas is the Executive Operations Manager of BUILD Boston. Before coming to BUILD she worked as the Director of Sales of Taste Buds Kitchen which helped her strengthen the multi-tasking, calendar organizing, and team-leading skills she now brings to BUILD. Although she has over 10+ years of volunteer experience, working for BUILD Boston fulfills her lifelong dream of working professionally in the Nonprofit world. Bethany has a B.A in both Journalism and Philosophy from The University of Massachusetts Amherst. She enjoys spending time with her loved ones, traveling the world, and hiking with her rescue pup, Moose.

“I BUILD because I know firsthand the powerful effect the right help can make for under-resourced youth. I believe in the ability of one single, caring person to help change the course of multiple lives.”

Bethany Thomas is the Executive Operations Manager of BUILD Boston. Before coming to BUILD she worked as the Director of...

Bethany Thomas-Acevedo

Executive Assistant, Boston

Betsy Neptune

Position: Regional Executive Director, Boston
Email: bneptune@build.org
Top: 1

Betsy Neptune comes to BUILD with over 15 years of experience in community economic development in Latin America and the U.S. She is passionate about creating a world in which everyone can have a job that they love and one through which they can grow and develop in order to have a positive impact. In her most recent role as the Chief of Economic Development for the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, she led economic recovery and resilience efforts for 101 cities and towns in Greater Boston. During her tenure, she expanded the work of the team beyond traditional economic development efforts, to include workforce development, digital access, and other strategies to advance wealth creation with a focus on reducing the racial wealth gap. Over the past year, her team played a key role in COVID response and recovery efforts throughout the Greater Boston region.

Prior to that role, she led the Small Business Technical Assistance program for the City of Boston, after serving as the Executive Director of Egleston Square Main Street, an organization in Jamaica Plain/Roxbury whose mission is to support small businesses. This work was shaped by her experiences working in community economic development for several years in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.

Betsy has a heart for teaching, coaching, and entrepreneurship, so BUILD is a perfect fit. She has taught high school and graduate-level classes and also coaches existing and emerging entrepreneurs through her coaching business. She is a graduate of Trinity College with a degree in Anthropology and has certificates in Nonprofit Management and Corporate Social Responsibility. She received her MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and lives in Boston.

Betsy Neptune comes to BUILD with over 15 years of experience in community economic development in Latin America and the...

Betsy Neptune

Regional Executive Director, Boston

Beverly Rama Pritchard

Position: National Director, Talent & Culture

Having been in the for-profit sector for over ten years, Beverly joined BUILD after witnessing BUILD’s impressive student entrepreneurs at the 2013 Gala.  Beverly currently leads the National Talent Team and brings her passion for equity into her daily work and connections with BUILDers across all of our regions. Beverly lives in the San Francisco, Bay Area with her husband, three children and cat.  When not supporting our team with the important work, she enjoys watching competitive sports, learning about different cultures, trying new recipes and spending time outdoors.

 

Having been in the for-profit sector for over ten years, Beverly joined BUILD after witnessing BUILD’s impressive student entrepreneurs at...

Beverly Rama Pritchard

National Director, Talent & Culture

Bill Dunigan

Position: Director, BlackRock

Bill Dunigan

Director, BlackRock

Bill Taylor

Position: CEO
Email: btaylor@build.org
Top: 1
Top: 1
National1:

I graduated from high school thinking I wanted to be a professional musician, so I majored in music at the University of Central Florida. I spent my days playing music, sports, and pledging to a fraternity but failed to have an academic focus. After three semesters of struggle, I went to work for Disney World, where for the first time in my life I was given responsibility for other employees. I blossomed in this role and was sent to France to open Euro Disney where I lived and worked for four months. Coming back home with a burning desire to learn more about the African diaspora, I went back to school graduating with a sociology degree from State University of New York Geneseo. I wanted to pursue a career where I could make a difference in the world, particularly for those who have historically been underserved and denied the opportunity. I moved to NYC where I taught high school, then was hired by NAF (National Academy Foundation) in 2000 to help launch the Academy of Information Technology. NAF is a national network of education, business, and community leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college, career, and future ready.

My NAF career has been a wonderful 22-year journey which has prepared me for this incredible opportunity with BUILD. I helped NAF grow from supporting 3,000 students to over 120,000 today, with budgets growing from $8M to $25M, and a staff of 17 to over 90. Growth and scale are not easy hills to climb, however, I am very confident that we will accomplish that at BUILD given the incredible work done to date and the passion and energy that exists to create an even brighter future.

I believe that we are at a critical moment in the United States, confronted with deep partisan divisions roiled by populism, racism, and other dividing forces. Now more than ever, our country needs an organization committed to helping its youth develop the entrepreneurial skills and growth mindsets that will empower them as leaders of innovation, agents of change, and position them for success as the CEOs of their lives. I am very honored and super excited to lead the BUILD team at this unique moment.

I graduated from high school thinking I wanted to be a professional musician, so I majored in music at the...

Bill Wagner

Position: President & CEO, LogMeIn

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Bill Wagner

President & CEO, LogMeIn

Brian Costanzo

Position: Director of School & Community Partnerships

Brian Costanzo was most recently President and CEO of SOCAP International. He entered the association profession in 2005, joining the executive staff of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). He served first as EO’s Senior Vice President, Global Membership and later became the group’s Senior Vice President, Business Development in 2014. Brian’s previous 20 years were spent providing unparalleled client service in a variety of roles—as restaurant manager, sales manager, customer service manager and director of operations—for high-end properties, including Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Signature Hospitality Group. He is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and became a Certified Association Executive (CAE) in January 2011. As a former entrepreneur himself, Brian founded his own company, Vision Hospitality, in 2004. Brian says, “Entrepreneurship has been a significant part of my life for many years and I can think of no better mission than to deliver a program to our youth that builds self confidence and self-esteem.”

Brian Costanzo was most recently President and CEO of SOCAP International. He entered the association profession in 2005, joining the...

Brian Costanzo

Director of School & Community Partnerships

Brian Russell

Position: Gunderson Dettmer

Brian Russell

Gunderson Dettmer

Brian Shields

Position: Vice President of Business Development, Mynd

Brian Shields

Vice President of Business Development, Mynd

Brian Wei

Position: Analyst, BMW i Ventures

Brian Wei

Analyst, BMW i Ventures

Brianne Lucot

Position: Senior Associate, PwC

Brianne Lucot

Senior Associate, PwC

Brigitte Tondreau

Position: Oak HC/FT

Brigitte is an analyst at Oak HC/FT, a venture capital fund, where she concentrates on growth equity and early-stage venture opportunities in financial services technology. Previously, she as a consultant with Accenture’s M&A Strategy group. Brigitte graduated from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, where she was an Echols Scholar.

Brigitte is an analyst at Oak HC/FT, a venture capital fund, where she concentrates on growth equity and early-stage venture...

Brigitte Tondreau

Oak HC/FT

Brock Ballard

Position: Investment Executive, CVC Capital Partners

Brock Ballard

Investment Executive, CVC Capital Partners

Bruce Sandys

Position: Entrepeneur

Bruce has been an entrepreneur in New York City for more than 30 years. After graduating from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he was the co-founder and president of Crescent Communications, which he helped grow into the largest privately-owned pay telephone company in New York City. After selling his payphone route, he attended Stanford Law School. During his time there, he assisted Suzanne McKechnie Klahr during BUILD’s formative stages and had the honor of being one of BUILD’s first mentors. Returning to New York after graduation, Bruce founded BAS Communications, through which he built and then sold one of the largest owner operated ATM portfolios in New York City. His most recent venture was as a co-founder and CFO of a litigation finance provider.

Bruce has been an entrepreneur in New York City for more than 30 years. After graduating from the Wharton School...

Bruce Sandys

Entrepeneur

Bryce Jacobs

Position: Chief Strategy Officer

Bryce Jacobs is an educational reformer and educator with a particular interest in family engagement and college equity. Prior to joining BUILD, Dr. Jacobs was Director of National Programs at College Summit, an organization with a mission to help more low income students get to and through college, and previously was a program specialist at the National Parent Teacher Association. In her role at College Summit, Dr. Jacobs wrote training materials, designed curriculum, and innovated new programs that supported 11 regions across the country. She is a founding board chair and current board member of Sela Public Charter School, a Diverse By Design Hebrew language immersion school in Washington DC. Dr. Jacobs has a B.A. in International Development from Clark University, an M.A. from George Washington University in Education, and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in Education Policy and Leadership. Dr. Jacobs served as the Regional Executive Director for BUILD Metro DC for 5 years before moving up to the Chief Strategy Officer role on the National Leadership Team in 2019.

Bryce Jacobs is an educational reformer and educator with a particular interest in family engagement and college equity. Prior to...

Bryce Jacobs

Chief Strategy Officer

Cam Van

Position: Chief Legal Counsel, Dahlia and Collective Founder, Victory Athletics Network

Cam Van

Chief Legal Counsel, Dahlia and Collective Founder, Victory Athletics Network

Camille Gray

Position: Market Development & Insights Professional, IBM

Camille Gray

Market Development & Insights Professional, IBM

Candace Roberts

Position: Events and Meetings Professional

Candace Roberts

Events and Meetings Professional

Candice Tang

Position: VP, Developer Experience & Runtime Platform, Expedia

Candice Tang

VP, Developer Experience & Runtime Platform, Expedia

Carlton J. Charles

Position: Treasurer, Hearst

Carlton Charles, Vice President, and Treasurer, Hearst, serves as global treasurer, oversees Risk Management and Insurance, leads the company’s Risk Working Group and is on the Board of Advisors of Hearst Labs, Hearst’s platform for nurturing and grooming early-stage, women-led companies. Carlton has demonstrated financial acumen through a 30-year career in treasury and risk management. Carlton was an early architect of the Enterprise Risk Management program for Moody’s Corporation, a SEC regulated company and one of the largest rating agencies in the world. Carlton regularly reported to the Moody’s board on treasury and enterprise risk topics.​

Carlton also developed the operational risk management program for Hearst and is chair of the company’s Risk Working Group. Among the focus areas for the group are cybersecurity and data privacy. Carlton has created an annual risk summit which is an annual convening of CFOs and CTOs from across Hearst’s businesses. Prior to Moody’s, Carlton held increasingly responsible positions in treasury and risk management for International Paper, Joseph E. Seagram and Sons, Viacom and Philip Morris. ​

Carlton currently serves on the Board of Advisors of Hearst Lab, has been working with a group of professionals to establish a business accelerator in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx, was recently on the Board of Trustees of St. Thomas Aquinas College and previously served on The Board of the Bronx Preparatory Charter School.​

​Carlton holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago and a Masters in Public Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from SUNY at Stony Brook.

Carlton Charles, Vice President, and Treasurer, Hearst, serves as global treasurer, oversees Risk Management and Insurance, leads the company’s Risk...

Carlton J. Charles

Treasurer, Hearst

Caroline Ardery

Position: Harry's Inc.

Caroline Ardery comes to BUILD with a background in product development and consumer packaged goods. Since 2018, Caroline has worked on the product innovation team at Harry’s Inc., a men’s care company that began as a direct-to-consumer razor start-up. Most recently, Caroline supported the launch of Harry’s hair portfolio, an expansion into a new category for Harry’s brand. Prior to joining Harry’s, Caroline worked in brand management within the Writing division at Newell Brands, a manufacturer of consumer and commercial products.

Caroline graduated cum laude from Duke University, where she earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Arabic.

Caroline Ardery comes to BUILD with a background in product development and consumer packaged goods. Since 2018, Caroline has worked...

Caroline Ardery

Harry's Inc.

Carrie Miller

Position: Global Trade Associate, Goodwin Procter

Carrie Miller

Global Trade Associate, Goodwin Procter

Catherine De Jesus

Position: Senior Staff Accountant

Catherine De Jesus

Senior Staff Accountant

Catherine Lee

Position: Senior Network Engineer, Okta

Catherine Lee

Senior Network Engineer, Okta

Cendy Moliere

Position: Search Engine Optimization Specialist, eGenerationMarketing

Cendy Moliere

Search Engine Optimization Specialist, eGenerationMarketing

Chanfou Saelee

Position: Program Associate, OAK
Top: 14

Chanfou Saelee

Program Associate, OAK

Chelsey Brown

Position: Program Director, Bay Area
Top: 4
: Cali4

Chelsey was born and raised in East Palo Alto in a blended working-class family. The first in her family to attend and graduate college, Chelsey attended San Francisco State University. Chelsey’s own life experiences led her to design programs and advocate for underrepresented youth as Program Director of the well-known non-profits in the Bay Area and in Austin Texas. As the BUILD Program Director for the Bay Area, Chelsey uses her leadership to guide the Oakland team in implementation of the BUILD program for highest impact. Chelsey is responsible for overseeing regional implementation of BUILD’s program, curriculum and events and developing and managing partnerships with district leaders and school administrators to ensure impact with BUILD target students.

Being a living testimony to what programs such as BUILD can do for a student’s life, Chelsey BUILD’s to continue provide other students like her, with the opportunity to be exposed to a world of endless opportunities!

Chelsey was born and raised in East Palo Alto in a blended working-class family. The first in her family to...

Chelsey Brown

Program Director, Bay Area

Chen Chen Tung

Position: Environmental and Social Standards & Corporate Affairs Analyst, The World Bank

Chen Chen Tung

Environmental and Social Standards & Corporate Affairs Analyst, The World Bank

Chloe Breider

Position: Investor, GIC

Chloe Breider

Investor, GIC

Chris Cunningham

Position: Investor and founder, C2 Ventures

Chris is an active tech startup investor and founder of C2 Ventures, a privately-held investment firm with a focus on consumer, data, financial tech such as blockchain and wellness. C2V provides seed capital and hustle to early-stage companies both directly and via limited partnerships with Techstars, Bowery Capital, and NYC’s leading angels. C2V’s current portfolio includes 15 investments, three of which have been acquired or returned a multiple for the investors – Arbor.io acquired by LiveRamp, Uru acquired by Adobe and MightyTV acquired by Spotify and JenJo 3X return. C2 Ventures has a 7X return over the last 4 years.​

Previously, Chris was the President of Unacast, the leading location data platform which recently raised $17M in series B funding. At Unacast, Chris built the commercial and revenue operations from zero to seven figures in 18 months and led all commercial efforts. Chris was the first US employee and 7th overall. Chris was also the CEO and Co-Founder of appssavvy, a company that pioneered in-app advertising on Facebook and mobile while putting the user experience first through timing and context. In 7 years appssavvy drove over $75MM in gross revenue for the app ecosystem.​

Chris has been named one of the “Most Important People in Mobile Advertising” by Business Insider, as well as being an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist 2 years in a row. He’s been a featured speaker at International CES, Cannes Lions, IAB’s Annual Leadership, dmexco, and f.ounders. He is a contributor to CNBC and Bloomberg TV via on-screen appearances and also produces content through C2V Studios. Chris sits on the board of both Build NYC and Cornell Tech here in New York City and strongly believes in supporting young people and their startup journey.

Chris is an active tech startup investor and founder of C2 Ventures, a privately-held investment firm with a focus on...

Chris Cunningham

Investor and founder, C2 Ventures

Christian Souza

Position: Vice President, Silicon Valley Bank

Christian Souza

Vice President, Silicon Valley Bank

Christian Souza

Position: Vice President, Silicon Valley Bank
Phone: Board co-Chair

Christian Souza

Vice President, Silicon Valley Bank

Christine Lee

Position: Compass

Christine Lee is a Licensed Real Estate Agent at Compass Inc. Where she specializes in the sale of Manhattan condos and coops and helping international buyers relocating to the city. After working with high profile clients and recognizing the significant personal impact of selling and purchasing a home, she sought to help her clients live happily and fulfilled lives as a Certified Professional Life Coach. As a first-generation American, she experienced first hand the impact teachers and mentors had for her growth towards personal and professional success. Her passions lie in bridging the gap between the eastern and western worlds through holistic practices and integrative medicine. Christine is a graduate of Drexel University with a BSBA focused in International Business and Marketing. Find Christine escaping to nature or sipping on a matcha latte somewhere, in nature.

Christine Lee is a Licensed Real Estate Agent at Compass Inc. Where she specializes in the sale of Manhattan condos...

Christine Lee

Compass

Cindy Pineda

Position: Director of Pathways

Cindy Pineda is a mission-driven educator with over 10 years of experience who has dedicated her life to youth development, fighting social injustices and closing the achievement gap. She cares deeply about future generations and seeks to leave a legacy through everything she does. Hailing from the sunny city of Los Angeles, she attended the University of California Berkeley, where she received her Bachelors’ in Psychology with a minor in Public Policy. Upon graduation, Cindy interned in Washington DC, working on educational policy reform on Capitol Hill. While in Washington, she moved on to work as an Academic Advisor for a non-profit organization called Upward Bound, chaired the Policy Committee for the District of Colombia of Consolidated Services and worked for the US Census Bureau. Her interest in international education came after she worked on and led various Latin American education development projects in Colombia and El Salvador. Being a huge advocate for social change and multicultural exposure, Cindy was devoted to bring students of all backgrounds together to share their stories and experience the world from different perspectives. This interest led her to pursue a Master’s in International Education with a focus on development at New Yok University. While at NYU, she continued her career as the Assistant Director of the Field Projects office. There, she managed the daily operations of all civic engagement, college preparation and community outreach programs with NYC public schools, and designed first-year college programs. At BUILD, Cindy has spent the last 4 years instilling and developing entrepreneurial lessons to a budding group of students in NYC communities. Her innovative ideas and program design have been instrumental in improving the student experience. She serves as an imputation to the first graduating class to become the best they can be, add value to others lives and explore the world as evidence by lessons learned in her travel of over 30 countries. Cindy is obsessed with tacos and french-fries., and loves to try new foods wherever she goes. On her free time, Cindy likes to work out, do yoga, run, cook, show off her dancing skills or just sit at a park on a sunny day and read a good book.

Cindy Pineda is a mission-driven educator with over 10 years of experience who has dedicated her life to youth development,...

Cindy Pineda

Director of Pathways

Claire Storement

Position: Associate, Apax Digital

Claire Storement

Associate, Apax Digital

Corry Bedwell

Position: Senior Risk Analyst, Nodal Exchange

Corry Bedwell

Senior Risk Analyst, Nodal Exchange

Courtney Bernabei

Position: Director, Integrated Marketing Strategy-Partnerships, Silicon Valley Bank

Courtney is a marketing leader with over 18 years of experience. She’s led accounts at various advertising agencies managing internal and external client marketing needs – from strategy evolution through to creative development and execution across all mediums. Some of her key clients include; Northrop Grumman, Amazon, Walmart, LEGO, ConAgra, Samsung, and NBA. In 2017 Courtney co-founded PAL, a childcare tech platform, which was acquired in 2019. In 2021 she joined the Techstars NY Accelerator as the Marketing Expert in Residence where she advised early-stage startups on branding and marketing. Courtney holds an MBA from Columbia University and a BA from Denison University and is currently at Silicon Valley Bank as the Integrated Marketing Strategy Director for Partnerships.

 

Courtney has a career that spans contributing as a Marketing Expert in Residency at Techstars, founding a company that was acquired in 2019 and leading digital marketing engagements with clients while working on the agency-side.  Courtney graduated from Columbia Business School – attending business school part-time while juggling a full-time job and starting a company. She is currently at Silicon Valley Bank as the Integrated Marketing Strategy Director for Partnerships.

Courtney is a marketing leader with over 18 years of experience. She’s led accounts at various advertising agencies managing internal...

Courtney Bernabei

Director, Integrated Marketing Strategy-Partnerships, Silicon Valley Bank

Craigwell Anthony

Position: Account Executive, Rapid7

Craigwell Anthony

Account Executive, Rapid7

Crissi Cole

Position: Vice President, Goldman Sachs

Crissi is a Vice President at Goldman Sachs in New York where she leads global client engagement and technology for the Private Wealth Management division. Crissi is also the Co-Founder of Project Bead Foundation, a social enterprise that sells beaded products made by female Ghanaian entrepreneurs in order to fund scholarships for children in Ghana. ​

She earned a BS in Finance from Bentley University in 2011 and a Masters in Policy and Nonprofit Management at New York University in 2018.

Crissi is a Vice President at Goldman Sachs in New York where she leads global client engagement and technology for...

Crissi Cole

Vice President, Goldman Sachs

Cristen Koufakis

Position: Global Marketing, Executive Office, Goldman Sachs

Cristen Koufakis

Global Marketing, Executive Office, Goldman Sachs

Curren Kulkarni

Position: Strategic Finance Associate, Apex.AI, Inc

Curren Kulkarni

Strategic Finance Associate, Apex.AI, Inc

Curt Hunnewell

Position: Director, Bank of America

Curt Hunnewell

Director, Bank of America

Dakotah Rice

Position: INVESTOR, COATUE MANAGEMENT 

Dakotah Rice is an internet, media, and telecom investor at Coatue Management, a $30bn
hedge fund and venture capital fund based in New York. Prior to Coatue, he worked at The
Carlyle Group, where he was a private equity investor. Before joining Carlyle, he worked as
an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs, where he advised internet and media
companies on mergers and acquisitions as well as various other capital markets
transactions. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in Political Science in
2016.

Dakotah Rice is an internet, media, and telecom investor at Coatue Management, a $30bn hedge fund and venture capital fund...

Dakotah Rice

INVESTOR, COATUE MANAGEMENT 

Dan Siegel

Position: Head of Customer Success, Paladin Cyber

Dan Siegel

Head of Customer Success, Paladin Cyber

Dan Vallimarescu

Position: Founder, Sawtooth Mountain Partners, LLC

Dan is the CEO of an e-learning startup called Nardagani and is involved in a number of other investment and philanthropic activities.​

Prior to that, Dan ran the Americas Debt Capital Markets Group for Santander Investment Securities for 11 years and the Latin America Debt Capital Markets Group, among other businesses, at Merrill Lynch for 13 years. Early in his career, he worked at The World Bank and the Bank of Boston. ​

Dan received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his MBA from Insead.

Dan is the CEO of an e-learning startup called Nardagani and is involved in a number of other investment and...

Dan Vallimarescu

Founder, Sawtooth Mountain Partners, LLC

Daniel Rivera

Position: Student Experience Program Manager
Daniel is the Student Experience Program Manager at BUILD Boston. With four years of experience working with BPS students with a focus on engagement and retention, Daniel is a passionate advocate for youth in under-resourced communities. Daniel grew up in Dorchester, but nowadays you can find him at your local coffee shop or taking photos through the city.
“Don’t you remember how hard it was being in high school? I BUILD to work with our students day-to-day. To listen, learn, and grow together. To believe in our young people and help guide them on their journey”

Daniel is the Student Experience Program Manager at BUILD Boston. With four years of experience working with BPS students with...

Daniel Rivera

Student Experience Program Manager

Danielle Conkling

Position: Director, Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG at Silicon Valley Bank

Danielle Conkling

Director, Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG at Silicon Valley Bank

Danielle Staggs

Position: Development and Operations Manager
Email: dstaggs@build.org

Danielle joined BUILD Metro DC in the Fall of 2020 and serves as the hub of all development operations for the Metro DC team. This includes, but is not limited to helping to manage fundraising, coordinating social media/communication, and supporting the Executive Director. Danielle’s background is in events and fundraising, having worked both for political agencies and education nonprofits. She has always had a passion for youth empowerment and an entrepreneurial mindset, believing in the power of education as a pathway to closing the opportunity gap in underserved communities. Danielle graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.A. in International Relations, with a focus in diplomacy and political communication.

Danielle joined BUILD Metro DC in the Fall of 2020 and serves as the hub of all development operations for...

Danielle Staggs

Development and Operations Manager

Darnell Marescot

Position: Senior Associate, DoorDash

Darnell Marescot

Senior Associate, DoorDash

Dave Henault

Position: Director - Global Fund Banking, Silicon Valley Bank

Dave Henault

Director - Global Fund Banking, Silicon Valley Bank

David Li

Position: Managing Partner, Arenova

David Li

Managing Partner, Arenova

David Marston

Position: Founder, Marston Associates & Former Partner, Silicon Valley PwC

David Marston

Founder, Marston Associates & Former Partner, Silicon Valley PwC

David Peinsipp

Position: Partner, Cooley

David Peinsipp

Partner, Cooley

David Toney

Position: Senior Vice President, Development, Akridge

David Toney

Senior Vice President, Development, Akridge

Deb Mercado

Position: SmartRoom

Deb Mercado

SmartRoom

Decota Letman

Position: Director of Strategic Partnerships
Email: dletman@build.org

A graduate of Howard University with a background in Communications. Decota was born and raised in the Bronx by way of Jamaica. Hailing from a single parent home and growing up in one of the most disenfranchised communities in New York City, Decota has experienced the affects of living and surviving in an under served community. Working with students that look like her and live in the same area she grew up in brings joy to Decota’s heart knowing she can share her experience with others. It is for this very reason she BUILDS. Combining nine years of experience in communications in the entertainment, arts, and lifestyle space and five years in community engagement. Decota joined the BUILD NYC team as its Community Engagement Manager, and is now the Director of Strategic Partnerships, NYC .  In her spare time she enjoys listening to music, grounding, traveling and experiencing all the world has to offer. She would ultimately like to create safe spaces for students in under-resourced communities to fully exercise their potential and be given the same opportunities as their counterparts.

A graduate of Howard University with a background in Communications. Decota was born and raised in the Bronx by way...

Decota Letman

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Desiree Ford

Position: Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Email: dford@build.org

Desiree Ford

Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Dianna Nguyen

Position: Staff Accountant

Dianna Nguyen is a Staff Accountant at BUILD. She handles account payable activity and trains BUILD staffs on the most effective ways to use Concur. Prior, she was a part of San Jose Grant Thornton Audit team. Dianna had experienced in teaching and working with students during her years in college as a Supplemental Instructor at San Jose City College. She was a member of BAP, a prestigious Accounting Club running by students where she gained an insight Accounting. She also worked at The Health Trust and Bank of America. Dianna is a proud Spartan, graduated from San Jose State with a Bachelor degree in Accounting.

She always believes that “success doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work”.

Dianna Nguyen is a Staff Accountant at BUILD. She handles account payable activity and trains BUILD staffs on the most...

Dianna Nguyen

Staff Accountant

Dillipan Sundaramoorthy

Position: Legislation Analyst, Jennings Policy Strategies

Dillipan Sundaramoorthy

Legislation Analyst, Jennings Policy Strategies

Divya Talla

Position: Croissant

Divya Talla currently serves as Head of Partnerships at Croissant, a tech company that supports the growing remote and entrepreneurial workforce. Previously, she helped build real estate and tech brands in creative agencies. Her passion is working alongside entrepreneurs and teams building innovative products. She was born and raised outside of Detroit, Michigan and is a proud University of Michigan Alum. She’s traveled to 20+ countries, loves exploring the world’s oceans as a scuba diver, and is busy raising a feisty Husky/Retriever puppy named Rambo.

Divya Talla currently serves as Head of Partnerships at Croissant, a tech company that supports the growing remote and entrepreneurial...

Divya Talla

Croissant

Donovan Tyson *Chair*

Position: Real Estate Agent, Compass Real Estate , Arlines Reporting Corporation

Donovan Tyson *Chair*

Real Estate Agent, Compass Real Estate , Arlines Reporting Corporation

Dora Gougoufkas *Chair*

Position: DC Regional Board Chair, Managing Vice President, Capital One
Top: 1

Dora Gougoufkas *Chair*

DC Regional Board Chair, Managing Vice President, Capital One

Dora Gougoufkas *DC*

Position: DC Regional Board Chair, VP Risk Management, Capital One
Top: 1

Dora Gougoufkas *DC*

DC Regional Board Chair, VP Risk Management, Capital One

Doug Brien

Position: Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Mynd

Doug Brien

Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Mynd

Dr. Lindsa McIntyre

Position: Secondary Superintendent, Boston Public Schools

Dr. Lindsa McIntyre

Secondary Superintendent, Boston Public Schools

Dr. Mary Loeffelholz

Position: Dean, Northeastern College of Professional Studies

Dr. Mary Loeffelholz

Dean, Northeastern College of Professional Studies

Ed Wilson

Position: Chief Development Officer
Email: ewilson@build.org

Ed Wilson has over a decade of experience in fundraising and development. Prior to leading BUILD’s National Development efforts, Ed served as the Development Director for BUILD Boston. Ed earned his MBA, with a concentration in Leadership & Organizational Change, from Northeastern University, and his BA in Economics and Management from Albion College, Michigan. Ed resides in Dedham, MA with his wife Jennie and his two daughters Adeline and Violet.

Ed Wilson has over a decade of experience in fundraising and development. Prior to leading BUILD’s National Development efforts, Ed...

Ed Wilson

Chief Development Officer

Eddie Carroll *Co-Chair*

Position: Growth Lead Americas, JLL Sparks
Top: 1

Eddie Carroll *Co-Chair*

Growth Lead Americas, JLL Sparks

Elan Bar

Position: Founder, Urban Gastronaut

Elan Bar

Founder, Urban Gastronaut

Eldridge Gray

Position: Managing Director, Seven Post Investment Office LP

Eldridge Gray

Managing Director, Seven Post Investment Office LP

Elia Hernandez

Position: Development and Operations Manager
Top: 18

Elia Hernandez

Development and Operations Manager

Elizabeth Nadeau

Position: Senior Manager of Talent Operations

Liz has been with BUILD since the spring of 2018 and is currently the National Talent Acquisition and Benefits Manager. Previously employed by Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts and Arlington Free Clinic, Liz has always had a passion for helping others and working for organizations which put people at the center. She was initially drawn to BUILD because of its mission – helping underserved youth recognize and harness their potential for greatness – and continues to be blown away by the affect BUILD’s programming has on students’ personal growth. In her spare time, Liz refinishes old furniture, volunteers at the local dog shelter, and cheers on her Boston sports teams. Liz graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Studio Art and Family Life Cycle Studies.

Liz has been with BUILD since the spring of 2018 and is currently the National Talent Acquisition and Benefits Manager....

Elizabeth Nadeau

Senior Manager of Talent Operations

Elizabeth Ukpe

Position: Crux Informatics

Elizabeth, who is a first-generation Nigerian American, was born & raised in Westchester, NY. She attended college in upstate New York at SUNY Albany where she studied Communication & Rhetoric. Following an internship at Vogue Magazine, she worked in IT before becoming a founding team member of the luxury fashion brand, Moda Operandi. Since then, she’s transitioned from fashion to finance to better understand the process that goes into vetting and investing in a company. Now in Fintech, she is focusing her attention on People & Culture at the data delivery startup, Crux Informatics, based in NYC. In her spare time, Elizabeth is building a women’s lifestyle brand, The Anti Heel, which merges fashion with foot wellness. She is an avid runner/yogi/cook and has a deep love for interior design. Currently residing in Brooklyn, she’s a volunteer for Hearts & Bones animal rescue and loves exploring all NYC has to offer.

Elizabeth, who is a first-generation Nigerian American, was born & raised in Westchester, NY. She attended college in upstate New...

Elizabeth Ukpe

Crux Informatics

Elton Kwok

Position: Head of California and Nevada at WeWork

Elton Kwok

Head of California and Nevada at WeWork

Emily Donato

Position: Senior Program Manager
Email: edonato@build.org

Emily joins BUILD with experience as Manager of Career Development Programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania and a former Career Coach serving high school students placed in corporate internships in the greater Pittsburgh area. With expertise in personalized learning, program development, and youth and volunteer recruitment, Emily’s tools workforce development includes Project Based Learning and Human Centered Design. Emily is an AmeriCorps Public Ally Pittsburgh Alum and a yoga instructor. She received her RYT-200 Certification from YogaRoots on Location’s Anti-Racist Yoga Teacher Training in 2018. Emily’s yoga and career-mentorship practices utilize trauma-informed care and restorative practices.

Emily believes that engaging, real-world workforce development training for young people is the key to social, economic, and educational equity. For fun she enjoys travel, food, music, reading, playing with dogs, laughing with friends, and encouraging self-compassion and accountability. Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Theatre Dance from the College of Wooster.

Emily joins BUILD with experience as Manager of Career Development Programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania and...

Emily Donato

Senior Program Manager

Eric Donado

Position: Apax Partners

Eric Donado

Apax Partners

Erin E. Bring

Position: Davis Polk & Wardwell

Erin Brinig is a corporate attorney working in mergers and acquisitions. Previously, she worked as a financial services consultant in San Francisco. Erin has fundraising and event planning experience and has worked with nonprofits to coordinate service projects and programming opportunities for students of all ages. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, with a B.S. in Business Administration and a concentration in Accounting and Finance, and of UCLA School of Law. Erin is originally from San Diego and enjoys playing volleyball, dressmaking, and skiing.

Erin Brinig is a corporate attorney working in mergers and acquisitions. Previously, she worked as a financial services consultant in...

Erin E. Bring

Davis Polk & Wardwell

Erin Schaefer

Position: Vice President Operations, Niantic, Inc.

Erin Schaefer

Vice President Operations, Niantic, Inc.

Esau Sanchez-Diaz

Position: Regional Vice President of Customer Success, Amplify

Esau Sanchez-Diaz

Regional Vice President of Customer Success, Amplify

Ethan Kessinger

Position: Senior Product Manager, Real World

Ethan Kessinger

Senior Product Manager, Real World

Felipe Duran

Position: Community Engagement Manager, LA
Email: forozco@build.org

Felipe Duran is excited to join BUILD Los Angeles as the Community Engagement Manager. Felipe is an experienced non-profit professional having worked with disconnected youth and youth experiencing homelessness in the Los Angeles area. In his prior experience designing and leading holistic youth programs, Felipe has applied research-based mentoring tools and developed various community partnerships to support youth in their personal and professional development.

Having grown up and still currently living in Northeast Los Angeles, it is his mission to support youth in his community. He looks forward to leveraging his experience to support a network of mentors for student entrepreneurs. In his spare time, Felipe enjoys watching professional football, playing golf, and going on walks with his wife and daughter.

Felipe Duran is excited to join BUILD Los Angeles as the Community Engagement Manager. Felipe is an experienced non-profit professional...

Felipe Duran

Community Engagement Manager, LA

Frank Graziano

Position: Partner, PwC

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Frank Graziano

Partner, PwC

Gagan Kanjlia

Position: Chief Product Officer, Silicon Valley Bank

Gagan Kanjlia is the Chief Product Officer at Silicon Valley Bank, a Division of First Citizens Bank. In this role, he oversees all commercial products related to liquidity, cross-border payments, card services, merchant services, trade finance and credit. In addition, he manages the channel, core banking and digital aspects of SVB’s products. Gagan is also the co-executive sponsor for SVB’s PRIDE LGBTQ+ employee resource group.

Prior to joining SVB in December 2018, Gagan was the Head of Product at OnDeck, where he led a team that reimagined the financing experience for small businesses by offering a complete credit solution that could be delivered both online and via mobile. He also spent several years with Capital One Financial where he co-founded Capital One Garage, a corporate internal incubator for Capital One Financial Services. He also ran product efforts for the Auto Finance and Home Loans divisions and built the digital product practice for Capital One Financial Services.

Gagan is an avid philanthropist and spent five years heading up the Washington, D.C. chapter of Asha for Education, an organization that helps fund early childhood education for underserved communities in India.

Gagan holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the Delhi Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Iowa, and an MBA in finance from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.  Currently, Gagan resides in the Bay Area with his wife and two children. When he is not solving for the advancement of humanity, Gagan enjoys preparing home-cooked meals for his family.

Gagan Kanjlia is the Chief Product Officer at Silicon Valley Bank, a Division of First Citizens Bank. In this role,...

Gagan Kanjlia

Chief Product Officer, Silicon Valley Bank

Gary Moon

Position: Managing Partner, Nfluence Partners

Gary Moon

Managing Partner, Nfluence Partners

Gaurav Ahuja

Position: Tech Investor, Thrive Capital

Gaurav Ahuja is an investor at Thrive Capital, a venture capital firm in NYC that has supported companies like Warby Parker, Instagram, Robinhood Markets, Spotify, GitHub, and Slack. He is responsible for executing investments in growing technology companies with the goal of helping them scale and sculpt their strategy. Prior to being at Thrive, Gaurav worked in San Francisco on later stage, enterprise software investments at TA Associates, a growth private equity firm.

Gaurav was formerly a consultant with McKinsey & Co, a global consulting firm that advises management teams at Fortune 100 companies. He was part of McKinsey’s Technology, Media, and Telecom practice. Gaurav has helped guide several large technology companies with growth strategy and go to market

Gaurav was not only born and raised in Michigan but also attended the University of Michigan, where he studied pre-medical sciences and earned a B.B.A. degree with high distinction. While at the University of Michigan, Gaurav was a Head Resident Advisor in Michigan Housing and the Director of the SAAN, a non-profit group devoted to acting on and spreading awareness of social justice issues. In his free time, he enjoys watching the Detroit Pistons lose and fantasizes about the latest consumer tech gadgets.

Gaurav Ahuja is an investor at Thrive Capital, a venture capital firm in NYC that has supported companies like Warby...

Gaurav Ahuja

Tech Investor, Thrive Capital

Grant Williams

Position: Director, Business Development, Macro Solutions

Grant Williams

Director, Business Development, Macro Solutions

Greg Minetti

Position: Director of Corporate Development, Togetherwork LLC

Greg Minetti is an Associate on Togetherwork’s Corporate Development team where he works on the Company’s Mergers & Acquisitions strategy. Specifically, Greg is involved with deal sourcing, modeling and financial analysis, market research and deal diligence. Prior to joining Togetherwork, Greg worked in Advertising Sales at AMC Networks. Greg is a graduate of Wake Forest University with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and History. In his spare time, Greg enjoys going to the movies, running, reading and watching sports.

Greg Minetti is an Associate on Togetherwork’s Corporate Development team where he works on the Company’s Mergers & Acquisitions strategy....

Greg Minetti

Director of Corporate Development, Togetherwork LLC

Greg Williams

Position: Program Manager
Email: gwilliams@build.org

Gregory Williams joins the Build Metro DC team with years of experience as a Special Educator in the Washington D.C area. As a former Program Coordinator with the College Steps Program, Greg provided customized college support for students with learning and social challenges.

He is excited to join BUILD DC and transition back into High School Programming. Greg is most excited to continue to make a positive impact on the empowerment of our students. He often enjoys spending time with his family and friends and serving his community as a local Football coach in his spare time. Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Johnson C. Smith University.

Gregory Williams joins the Build Metro DC team with years of experience as a Special Educator in the Washington D.C...

Greg Williams

Program Manager

Gregory Hendler

Position: Partner, Assurance Services, Ernst & Young

Gregory Hendler

Partner, Assurance Services, Ernst & Young

Hadiya Culbreath

Position: National Shared Services Talent Associate
Email: hculbreath@build.org

Hadiya Culbreath recently graduated from the University of Southern California and is thrilled to be a part of the BUILD family. While studying Health and Human Sciences with a Psychology emphasis, Hadiya co-directed the USC Prison Education Project and worked as a Community Health Organizer at her alma mater. She also interned at the City of Hope medical center and gained valuable experience in Human Resources and employee development. Hadiya fed her passion for health and education as often as she could and is excited to contribute to the BUILD mission as a Talent Associate.

A former member of collegiate a cappella, Hadiya loves singing, listening to suspenseful podcasts, and gardening in her free time. She is originally from Atlanta, GA and now lives in Houston, TX, where she’s getting to know the city through local festivals and small businesses.

Hadiya Culbreath recently graduated from the University of Southern California and is thrilled to be a part of the BUILD...

Hadiya Culbreath

National Shared Services Talent Associate

Harry O’Sullivan

Position: Bowery Valuation

Harry O’Sullivan is VP of Finance at Bowery Valuation, a venture-backed real estate tech startup based in New York. Prior to Bowery, Harry worked at ff Venture Capital, a seed-stage venture fund that invests in a range of early-stage technology companies. Harry has worked with Build for two years, first as a Venture Capital Advisor and more recently as an Associate Board member. In his spare time, Harry enjoys traveling and skiing.

Harry O’Sullivan is VP of Finance at Bowery Valuation, a venture-backed real estate tech startup based in New York. Prior...

Harry O’Sullivan

Bowery Valuation

Hayden Broberg

Position: VP of Partnerships, Insurify

Hayden Broberg

VP of Partnerships, Insurify

Heather Godsmark

Position: DC Regional Board Chair, Consultant, Egon Zehnder
Top: 2

Heather Godsmark

DC Regional Board Chair, Consultant, Egon Zehnder

Ian Mabie *Co-Chair*

Position: NYC Regional Board Chair, Current
Top:

Ian Mabie *Co-Chair*

NYC Regional Board Chair, Current

Ike Oji

Position: Strategic Analysis, Oncology at Regeneron

Ike Oji

Strategic Analysis, Oncology at Regeneron

Irving Yoskowitz

Position: Senior Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP

Irving Yoskowitz

Senior Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP

Isai Serrano

Position: Digital Media and Communications CTE teacher and BUILD Coordinator, Ralph McKee High School

Isai started his career in the print industry going from an estimator to production/ outsourcing manager and later a production artist and Account specialist. After working with the top cosmetics, publishing, and entertainment companies, Isai shifted gears and became a CTE teacher in 2009. He has taught graphic arts, financial management and now entrepreneurship and digital marketing through BUILD. His goal is to impact students and help them achieve the potential they have yet to see in themselves. His claim to fame are his students’ achievements many of which are now leaders in their respective industries. Currently Isai is a certified work-based learning coordinator providing all the students at Ralph McKee High School opportunities to engage in their career interest though field experiences. 



Isai started his career in the print industry going from an estimator to production/ outsourcing manager and later a production...

Isai Serrano

Digital Media and Communications CTE teacher and BUILD Coordinator, Ralph McKee High School

Jack Dorsey, Emeritus

Position: Twitter & Former-CEO of Twitter, Co-founder & CEO of Square

Jack Dorsey, Emeritus

Twitter & Former-CEO of Twitter, Co-founder & CEO of Square

Jake Bohenko

Position: Account Manager, Botkeeper

Jake Bohenko

Account Manager, Botkeeper

Jake Wieseneck

Position: Principal at Maniv Mobility

Jake Wieseneck

Principal at Maniv Mobility

Jamaal Glenn

Position: Vice President, Alumni Ventures Group

Jamaal Glenn is a Vice President at Alumni Ventures Group, a global venture capital firm. He is also an adjunct professor at New York University and the founder of Glenn Media Group, a boutique strategy and digital media consulting firm with clients that include Google, Harvard University, and the City of New York. ​

Previously, he was Vice President of Strategy, Business Development and Corporate Development at First Look Media, a company started by eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar which produces world-class investigative news and journalism, documentary and scripted films/television, digital video, and podcasts. Jamaal led U.S. business development for a venture-backed, Israeli tech startup that was acquired in 2016. He also founded and sold Politiconomist.com and Capitolista.com, and worked at Google and J.P. Morgan.​

Jamaal received an MBA from Stanford, an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a bachelors degrees in finance and journalism from the University of Missouri.

Jamaal Glenn is a Vice President at Alumni Ventures Group, a global venture capital firm. He is also an adjunct...

Jamaal Glenn

Vice President, Alumni Ventures Group

James Evans

Position: Project Leader, Boston Consulting Group

James Evans

Project Leader, Boston Consulting Group

James Farmer

Position: Global Senior Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Nike

James Farmer

Global Senior Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Nike

Jamie Bader

Position: Executive Advisor, EY-Parthenon

Jamie Bader

Executive Advisor, EY-Parthenon

Jan McAdoo

Position: Co-Founder/CEO, MacPac Entertainment

Jan McAdoo

Co-Founder/CEO, MacPac Entertainment

Jaren Sorkow

Position: Director of Strategic Partnerships, CA
Email: jsorkow@build.org

A Los Angeles native, Jaren has dedicated his career to community engagement and working with disenfranchised populations. Prior to joining BUILD, Jaren served as the Director of Casa Esperanza, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit focused on gang intervention and prevention activities for Latinx youth and their families. He has also held senior positions at Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles, CASA of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Animal Services, and Union Station Homeless Services.

He earned a BA in English from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco, and a Master of Public Administration, with a focus on public policy, from California State University, Northridge.

A Los Angeles native, Jaren has dedicated his career to community engagement and working with disenfranchised populations. Prior to joining...

Jaren Sorkow

Director of Strategic Partnerships, CA

Jasmine Ochoa

Position: Senior Program Manager, Bay Area
Top: 9

Raised in East Oakland, Jasmine graduated high school from Lionel Wilson Prep as a BUILD student. Throughout high school Jasmine spent a lot of her time volunteering at a variety of organizations, such as OUSD and The Red Cross. Jasmine attended Holy Names University, where she received her Bachelor’s in Business marketing in 2018 and her Master’s in business administration in 2019. Throughout her college experience she continued volunteering with different organizations and often remembered about BUILD and the knowledge and benefits it brought her. Jasmine greatly believes in the BUILD program and the doors it can open for students, which is why she decided to come back to the organization and work with high school freshmen and sophomores. As the Bay Area Program Manager Jasmine is regularly visiting our partner schools. She attends class sessions to work directly with our 9th and 10th grade students preparing them for showcases and ensuring they are receiving the most from the BUILD program.

Jasmine strives to provide students with the same benefits BUILD provided for her. She loves to get to know our BUILD students closely and aspires to be a positive influence in their life.

Raised in East Oakland, Jasmine graduated high school from Lionel Wilson Prep as a BUILD student. Throughout high school Jasmine...

Jasmine Ochoa

Senior Program Manager, Bay Area

Jason Yen

Position: Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions, Citi

Jason Yen

Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions, Citi

Jazmin Moreno

Position: Entrepreneurship Program Manager

Jazmin Moreno

Entrepreneurship Program Manager

Jeff Glass

Position: CEO, Hometap Equity Partners

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jeff Glass

CEO, Hometap Equity Partners

Jeffrey H. Blum

Position: Senior Vice-President and Deputy General Counsel, DISH Network LLC

Jeffrey H. Blum

Senior Vice-President and Deputy General Counsel, DISH Network LLC

Jenise Gonzalez

Position: College & Career Access Coordinator
Email: jGonzalez@build.org

Jenise Gonzalez is the College & Career Access Coordinator at BUILD Boston. Jenise is a Boston Public Schools alum and is passionate about serving youth in underserved communities. Jenise served an AmeriCorps year with The Massachusetts Promise Fellowship at BUILD Boston working with juniors and seniors with college & career access work. Jenise has a B.A. in Sociology from Stonehill College in Easton, MA.

Jenise grew up in the Hyde Park/Roslindale area. She enjoys blogging, fashion and traveling!

“I BUILD because I see myself in my youth. I was once that student who needed a caring adult in their life to push them towards their goals/aspirations. My youth are full of life, energy, and are innovators. I enjoy listening to them talk about their college and career goals. It also excites me to see their growth throughout the year and relationships they create with peers, mentors, and BUILD staff”

Jenise Gonzalez is the College & Career Access Coordinator at BUILD Boston. Jenise is a Boston Public Schools alum and...

Jenise Gonzalez

College & Career Access Coordinator

Jennie Woo

Position: Director of Philanthropy, MA
Email: jwoo@build.org

Jennie Woo is a nonprofit fundraising professional with over ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector. In her various roles at Bottom Line, she has developed the organization’s individual giving program, deepened relationships with key corporate partners, supported the implementation of cross-regional communications and giving campaigns, and executed signature annual events for the Massachusetts region. Prior to Bottom Line, Jennie supported donor communications, major gift cultivation and stewardship, and donor database management.

Jennie is passionate about increasing access to opportunities for the next generation and is excited to join the team at BUILD Boston to connect the visions of young entrepreneurs with supporters in Greater Boston. As an active member in her community, Jennie also serves as a Town Meeting member for the town of Norwood and a member of Progress Norwood, a community action group that informs, organizes, and participates in events that are aligned with progressive and inclusive values. In her spare time, she likes to cook and be active with her family, including Bobby Furmino, their energetic lab mix. Jennie graduated cum laude from Rutgers University with honors in Art History.

Jennie Woo is a nonprofit fundraising professional with over ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector. In her various...

Jennie Woo

Director of Philanthropy, MA

Jennifer Tribush

Position: Senior Vice President, State Street Corporation

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jennifer Tribush

Senior Vice President, State Street Corporation

Jessica McGill

Position: Director of Philanthropy, California
Top: 4
: Cali5

Jessica, a graduate of Virginia Tech, has fifteen years of fundraising experience having worked for nonprofits in both California and Maryland and is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Prior to joining BUILD in February 2020, Jessica most recently worked for Family Giving Tree where she managed individual and corporate relationships. In her spare time, Jessica has a passion for mentorship and has served as a CASA to foster youth for the past five years.

Jessica, a graduate of Virginia Tech, has fifteen years of fundraising experience having worked for nonprofits in both California and...

Jessica McGill

Director of Philanthropy, California

Jessie Goldman

Position: MBA, Columbia Business School

Jessie Goldman

MBA, Columbia Business School

Jilan Tobar

Position: Sales Enablement Instructional Designer, Silicon Valley Bank

Jilan Tobar

Sales Enablement Instructional Designer, Silicon Valley Bank

Jill Moran

Position: Director of Events

Jill S. Moran, CSEP, has spent her career creating memorable experiences across the globe bringing people, ideas and organizations together for social, corporate and fundraising initiatives. Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership roles in the International Live Events Association (ILEA), been featured on TV and in the press and lectured at industry events and universities. Her passion for education and innovation prompted her to create the Special Events Institute, an online educational program for event professionals, and ultimately led her to BUILD, where she serves as Director of Events. She leads Boston and National event initiatives and supports all regions with best practices in event management.

 

She an alumnus of the University of Connecticut and has completed graduate coursework at Babson College, the University of Connecticut and the Arizona State University.  She is proud of her numerous industry awards for events she’s created, her online program and for her two books Howto start a Home-based Event Planning Business and How to Start A Home-based Wedding Planning Business(Taylor Trade). She loves a good party, and when she’s not at one, she’s with her family, cooking up something new or in her vegetable garden.

Jill S. Moran, CSEP, has spent her career creating memorable experiences across the globe bringing people, ideas and organizations together...

Jill Moran

Director of Events

Jill Wesley

Position: Founder, Science + Soul of Speaking

Jill Wesley

Founder, Science + Soul of Speaking

Joe Zawadzki

Position: Chairman and CEO, MediaMath

MediaMath’s Chairman and CEO Joe Zawadzki has spent his career redefining the marketing and advertising industries through software and data sciences. He has created and scaled companies with a combined $2B in market value, personally invested in a range of start-ups and is sought after for his vision on the future of technology. Throughout his career representing marketers at top-tier agencies and Fortune 500 companies such as AOL, American Express, IAC, Verizon and Vonage, Joe has focused on the integration of media, data and data sciences, in software. That reached its peak with the founding of MediaMath in 2007, a company credited with starting the programmatic revolution with the first demand-side platform. ​

Prior to MediaMath, Joe was Founder, President, and Chairman of Poindexter Systems / [x+1], a pure-play marketing optimization enterprise, where he helped found and incubate Right Media, which sold to Yahoo! in 2007. He has been an active champion of digital media and the broader NYC startup ecosystem, having made investments in over 50 companies including 33Across, Accordant, AppNexus, CreditKarma, DataMinr, Electronics, Integral Ad Science, Namely, Optoro, Sourcepoint, and Vistar Media. He is a graduate of Harvard University and was a Teaching Fellow in cosmology, set theory and the history of science. He lives in New York City with his wife, Daria, and their children Dune and Jack.

MediaMath’s Chairman and CEO Joe Zawadzki has spent his career redefining the marketing and advertising industries through software and data...

Joe Zawadzki

Chairman and CEO, MediaMath

John Bernier

Position: Director of Entrepreneurship
Born & raised in the community of Fields Corner , MA, John is no stranger to the community that BUILD Boston serves today. The youngest of 8 siblings, John attended Boston College High School where he discovered his love for football and music. After graduating in 2003, he went on to attend Boston University where he held multiple student leadership positions and was awarded the highest honor bestowed upon graduating seniors- The Scarlett Key Award. That same year, after a series of influential meetings at his internship site with Sony BMG , John decided to start his own company that focused on managing artists.

As he puts it, “Although I grew up in church, I really didn’t discover gospel music until my junior year in college. It was a very gradual process. I knew that I was good at marketing and I had a passion for music so I just started helping local artists in the genre that I liked the most at the time.” From there John discovered a passion for entrepreneurship and decided to pursue an MBA to further elevate his brand.

While in school John was recruited by PepsiCo post a successful consulting projected.  He worked for the company for two years overseeing marketing strategy elements for Tropicana, Gatorade, and Lipton in New York. In 2014, unable to avoid his passions , John departed his full-time role  and voyaged on a journey back into the Gospel Industry and his hometown of Boston. It was there that John discovered BUILD which seemed to be the perfect opportunity to pair his love for his community and entrepreneurship. In 2015, John began as a part-time E1 teacher at Jeremiah Burke High School. In the years to follow John would come on board full-time as a member of the program staff.

Today as John’s clients include award winning international artists John is often working remotely from the road. Today John’s main focus is E1 Teacher Development and Branding Strategy for BUILD Boston. He also enjoys reading, working out, traveling, and baking.
“I BUILD because I personally love entrepreneurship and believe that if students uncovers their passions while  learning  how to start a business, they are more likely to be more successful in life.”

Born & raised in the community of Fields Corner , MA, John is no stranger to the community that BUILD...

John Bernier

Director of Entrepreneurship

John H. Lee

Position: COO, Divvy Homes

John H. Lee

COO, Divvy Homes

John Morytko

Position: Donor Engagement Manager
Email: jmorytko@build.org

John Morytko joins BUILD with a diverse background in the nonprofit industry. Previously he has operated in roles that include volunteer management, grant writing, and even program implementation in Ghana for Pencils of Promise. Most recently, John worked with Citizen Schools to raise funds around the country for programs focused on STEM education and increasing the representation of underserved populations in STEM career fields. John has a BSBA in Entrepreneurship from Xavier University, as well as his Masters in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. John is excited to join BUILD and work to provide students with new educational opportunities and help them find the same passion for entrepreneurship that sparked his career.

In his free time, John is an advocate for educational nonprofit work across the globe. He serves as the UN youth representative for Caring for Cambodia and is always planning his next international trip. When not working or volunteering, he can be found cooking, at a baseball game, or with his family exploring New England.

John Morytko joins BUILD with a diverse background in the nonprofit industry. Previously he has operated in roles that include...

John Morytko

Donor Engagement Manager

Jon Kanter

Position: CFO, Public Consulting Group

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jon Kanter

CFO, Public Consulting Group

Jon Lang

Position: Partner, EY

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jon Lang

Partner, EY

Joseph Chang

Position: Senior Program Manager, Cisco

Joseph Chang

Senior Program Manager, Cisco

Joshua Cook

Position: President, Proof

Joshua Cook

President, Proof

JP Giannini

Position: Vice President of Early Stage Practices, Silicon Valley Bank

JP Giannini

Vice President of Early Stage Practices, Silicon Valley Bank

Julie Tumasz

Position: National Creative Director
Email: jtumasz@build.org

Julie brings her passion for visual storytelling, entrepreneurship and digital design to her position as the National Creative Director. She uses her positive energy and strategic digital tactics to bring the spark to BUILD’s national communications plan, digital campaigns and video production.

Julie comes to BUILD after working with the United Nations as a digital content analyst/video producer where she produced, edited and shot promotional videos in Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon and Hawaii to spotlight grassroots organizations and local sustainable development solutions to be showcased at the UN Climate Change Summit. Julie’s passion for entrepreneurship comes after co-founding the nonprofit organization, Design Xchange in 2019, a startup providing training to Ugandan social enterprises in digital communications. While working in Liberia as a Visual Storytelling Consultant at the nonprofit Accountability Lab, Julie developed her interest for nonprofit communications while producing digital marketing content promoting accountability and exposing corruption.

Julie first developed her passion for education as a teacher during her 2 year Peace Corps service in the small village of Zvan, Macedonia. Julie’s love for teaching only grew while teaching internationally in Morocco and Myanmar in the years following her Peace Corps Service. Julie completed her MPA in Development Practice at Columbia University with a specialization in Technology, Media and Communication. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Design with a minor in Film Production from the University of Virginia.

Julie brings her passion for visual storytelling, entrepreneurship and digital design to her position as the National Creative Director. She...

Julie Tumasz

National Creative Director

Justin Lokossou

Position: STUDENT EXPERIENCE PROGRAM MANAGER (E2)

Residing in Harlem, New York by way of Benin, West Africa. Justin Lokossou has spent the majority of his life in the service to students. As a curriculum designer, educator, academic advisor, and fencing instructor, Justin has worked with students from grades K through 12, and has since focused his passion towards working with high school students. He enjoys long walks on the beach, riding his bicycle, judo, lying about enjoying walks on the beach (he and sand do not get along, the sand knows what it did), and writing amusing biographies about himself. This is amusing bio #8. Justin hopes to bring his love of writing, poetry, fantasy fiction, music and comic culture into designing an engaging curriculum for BUILD that will help students not only see themselves in their lesson, but fulfill and exceed their own expectations of how great they can become. 

Residing in Harlem, New York by way of Benin, West Africa. Justin Lokossou has spent the majority of his life...

Justin Lokossou

STUDENT EXPERIENCE PROGRAM MANAGER (E2)

Kaitlin Moroney

Position: Attorney Development Senior Manager, Goodwin

Kaitlin Moroney

Attorney Development Senior Manager, Goodwin

Kali Walker

Position: Executive Operations Administrator for Greater Boston
Email: kwalker@build.org

Kali Walker has more than 25 years of experience in operations, project management, administration, customer service and sales. She earned a bachelor of arts in English/Communications and Theatre from Regis College in Weston, MA, where she also worked in the role of the Center for Student Services Manager before coming to BUILD. In addition, Kali has worked for Kaplan Test Prep, Harvard University and Young Audiences of Massachusetts. In her spare time, Kali is an active volunteer with Hagar’s Sisters, a domestic violence nonprofit in Acton, MA, as well, as an actor with local performing arts projects on stage and the web.

Kali Walker has more than 25 years of experience in operations, project management, administration, customer service and sales. She earned...

Kali Walker

Executive Operations Administrator for Greater Boston

Kanika Mediratta

Position: Head of Operations, First Republic Foundation

Kanika Mediratta

Head of Operations, First Republic Foundation

Kara Kubarych

Position: Rightway Healthcare

Kara Kubarych

Rightway Healthcare

Karl Jacob

Position: Serial Entrepreneur

Karl Jacob

Serial Entrepreneur

Karleton Thomas

Position: Regional Executive Director, DC
Top: 1

Karleton Thomas is a social entrepreneur and workforce development practitioner who has spent much of his career developing opportunities for marginalized communities. After nearly a decade of engaging vulnerable populations and witnessing the myriad of barriers to effective programming, Karleton is poised to deliver on the “dream” and provide sustainable solutions to the students, residents, and parents of our communities.

Karleton Thomas is a social entrepreneur and workforce development practitioner who has spent much of his career developing opportunities for...

Karleton Thomas

Regional Executive Director, DC

Kassie McGue

Position: Investments Associate, DiamondRock Hospitality

Kassie McGue

Investments Associate, DiamondRock Hospitality

Kate Lin

Position: Director, PwC

Kate Lin

Director, PwC

Kate Slater

Position: National Director of College Success
Email: kslater@build.org

Prior to joining BUILD, Kate Slater, Ph.D. was the Assistant Dean of Graduate Student Affairs at Brandeis University and the Associate Director and Manager of Programs at the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers, a nonprofit that addresses the lack of educators of color in the American educational system. Kate is also a professor and teaches courses in the Department of Education at the University of New Hampshire, including “Issues in Education” and “Teaching Race”. Kate also facilitates trainings and conversations around social justice and anti-racism with K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and private organizations.

Kate Slater, Ph.D. received her doctorate in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of New Hampshire, where her dissertation research focused on the experiences of underrepresented students who participate in bridge / access programs as an entry point into predominantly white institutions (PWIs). She is thrilled to bring this expertise to her role as the National Director of College Success at BUILD. Kate lives in Massachusetts with her partner, her two daughters, and her absurd dog Carrot Cake. In her spare time, she’s an obsessive reader and a very slow runner.

Prior to joining BUILD, Kate Slater, Ph.D. was the Assistant Dean of Graduate Student Affairs at Brandeis University and the...

Kate Slater

National Director of College Success

Kateri Jones

Position: Small Business Specialist, National Community Reinvestment Coalition – Women’s Business Center

Kateri Jones

Small Business Specialist, National Community Reinvestment Coalition – Women’s Business Center

Katerina Sokolova

Position: Head of Growth Initiatives, BNY Mellon

Katerina Sokolova

Head of Growth Initiatives, BNY Mellon

Katherine Tkaczyk

Position: Program Operations Manager
Email: ktkaczyk@build.org

Katherine Tkaczyk joins the BUILD team to serve as Program Operations Manager for the National Shared Services team. Katherine is an experienced educator who has worked with adolescents in various settings―including as a high school English teacher in Dover, NH, and as a hospital teacher, supporting teens receiving mental health treatment in Southeastern PA. Most recently, Katherine served as project coordinator, maintaining training and development operations with the Penn Center for Community Health Workers in Philadelphia, PA. She is passionate about supporting the holistic needs of learners, discovering how to best utilize technology to improve learning, and centering equitable practices.

Katherine attended the University of New Hampshire, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Teaching Secondary English Education. She now lives in Philadelphia, PA with her partner, Nick, and her sweet ol’ cat, Kitty. In her free time, she enjoys taking long bike rides, exploring new food and places, and spending time in nature.

Katherine Tkaczyk joins the BUILD team to serve as Program Operations Manager for the National Shared Services team. Katherine is...

Katherine Tkaczyk

Program Operations Manager

Katie Ambrose *Co-Chair*

Position: NYC Regional Board Chair, Reddit
Top:

Katie Ambrose *Co-Chair*

NYC Regional Board Chair, Reddit

Katie Hurley

Position: VP of Marketing, unitQ

Katie Hurley

VP of Marketing, unitQ

Keith Jackson

Position: Manager, PBWM Trust & Fiduciary for SVB Financial Group

Keith Jackson

Manager, PBWM Trust & Fiduciary for SVB Financial Group

Kelsey Smith

Position: Senior Associate, APG

Kelsey Smith

Senior Associate, APG

Kenya George

Position: Program Director
Email: kgeorge@build.org
Top: 3

Kenya is a dynamic community organizer and youth developer committed to the transformation and upliftment of youth, young adults and their families.  She currently serves as Program Director with BUILD NYC. Prior to build, Kenya spent over a decade with University Settlement,  a nonprofit that provides services throughout University Settlement.

As Community School Director, Kenya led a team of professionals in planning and implementing enrichment programs for youth, young adults and families, building relationships with stakeholders in the community, and raising funding to sustain and propel youth development forward.

Kenya holds a B.A. in psychology from Barnard College, a Masters of Social Work from Hunter College.

Kenya is a dynamic community organizer and youth developer committed to the transformation and upliftment of youth, young adults and...

Kenya George

Program Director

Kevin Beauparlant

Position: Senior Vice President, Bank OZK

Kevin Beauparlant

Senior Vice President, Bank OZK

Kevin Gueco

Position: Founder, Gueco Real Estate

Kevin Gueco

Founder, Gueco Real Estate

Kim Vinh

Position: Senior Learning Experience Designer
Email: kVinh@build.org
Top: 2
: Cali3

Kim brings 15 years of experience in teaching and program development to BUILD. She taught high school English and journalism for over a decade in the Bay Area, and she also served as a teacher educator and graduate school instructor through the Stanford Teacher Education Program. She has experience leading teacher innovation and collaboration through The Education Trust-West and The Teachers Guild at IDEO. Kim earned a B.A. in English and Urban Studies and a M.A. in Education at Stanford University and lives in San Francisco.

Kim brings 15 years of experience in teaching and program development to BUILD. She taught high school English and journalism...

Kim Vinh

Senior Learning Experience Designer

Krystal Johnson

Position: Project Manager, SAP Concur

Krystal Johnson

Project Manager, SAP Concur

Lamar Blackwell

Position: Founding Director, Pittsburgh
Email: lblackwell@build.org

As a former Political candidate, Criminal Justice Reform Program Director & CEO, Educational Administrator, and also an established transformational leader in both the private and public sector, Lamar Blackwell joins BUILD as the Founding Director with a plethora of relevant relationships and invaluable experience. Lamar has had an amazing track record of reforming broken communities through administrative duties. He attended the 9th-ranked dual-degree graduate and law school program in the United States, Georgia State University. Lamar also received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in 2016. Lamar has mastered the ability to maximize equity through creating, influencing, and operating policy that justly allocates resources to under-served residents, students, and communities. He is an accomplished professional with extensive experience advocating and campaigning to mitigate injustice for individuals by leading social justice organizations, schools, and social service agencies. The unmatched ability to connect community partners, potential funders, and regular people to a product has helped Lamar Blackwell establish himself as a “widely-recognized” dynamic leader throughout the region.

Mr. Blackwell was born and raised in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in the Northeast; at one point he attended one of the lowest-performing schools in Pennsylvania, Peabody High School. He states “of all the friends I grew up around, I’m the only one who is currently walking the streets free. Half are dead, half are incarcerated, but it started from the time we were students.” Lamar realized that being born into an unsatisfactory environment, with little resources would lead many to a life of self-destruction. He noticed that many of the friends he grew up with were struggling due to the fact that they were not connected to the work they were doing and didn’t have a chance to create opportunities for themselves. At that point, Lamar dedicated himself to fighting for equity and opportunity for those who are unable to fight for themselves.

Lamar has served numerous low-income communities and transformed the minds of many speaking professionally to over 900,000 people and raising millions of dollars for low-income residents and nonprofit organizations. Lamar has created strong networks, working alongside diverse groups of people, ranging from troubled minority students to formerly incarcerated individuals. Lamar looks forward to serving BUILD and helping change the trajectory of the lives of students through informal education.

As a former Political candidate, Criminal Justice Reform Program Director & CEO, Educational Administrator, and also an established transformational leader...

Lamar Blackwell

Founding Director, Pittsburgh

LaMar Bunts

Position: Chief Transformation Officer, Dartmouth College

LaMar Bunts

Chief Transformation Officer, Dartmouth College

Lars Hens

Position: Executive Vice President, California Bank & Trust

Lars Hens

Executive Vice President, California Bank & Trust

Lauren Balla-Alders

Position: Associate Director, Harvest Properties

Lauren Balla-Alders

Associate Director, Harvest Properties

Lenworth A. Williamson

Position: Program Director
Email: lwilliamson@build.org
Top: 2

Len joins the BUILD Boston team with nine years of experience in education and youth development work. He has most recently worked at the Pingree School outside of Boston, as the Dean of Students for six years. In addition to his role overseeing student life, Len has taught social studies and coached basketball at Pingree. He also serves as a workshop presenter and conference facilitator on the topics of social justice in education and student motivation. He offers professional development webinars for educators in school districts across the state through the Massachusetts Partnership for Youth and works alongside a diverse group of educators from around the country to deliver social justice curricula for high schoolers at the annual NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference.

As a volunteer, Len supports nonprofit organizations around Greater Boston, including serving on the board of directors of Aaron’s Presents, a service-learning program for kids in under-resourced communities on the north shore. His joy in working with young people was sparked after college, while playing pro basketball overseas and coaching local youth teams. Whether it’s on the court, in the classroom, or in life, Len is excited by the process of experiential learning and believes wholeheartedly in the power of a growth mindset. He earned a B.A. in Sociology from Amherst College and an M.Ed. in K-12 Learning and Instruction from Northeastern University.

Len joins the BUILD Boston team with nine years of experience in education and youth development work. He has most...

Lenworth A. Williamson

Program Director

Lindsay Simonds

Position: Managing Director and Principal, Lindsay Simonds Consulting

Lindsay Simonds

Managing Director and Principal, Lindsay Simonds Consulting

Lisa Pham

Position: National Communications & Marketing Associate
Email: lpham@build.org

Lisa Pham is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, who majored in Health and Society.  Because of her lifelong passion for digital art and an interest in social entrepreneurship, she began an internship at BUILD in January 2022, while she was in her final year at university. During her internship, Lisa achieved a sense of fulfillment and support that led to an offer of full-time employment. She is now the National Communications and Marketing Associate!

In her personal life, Lisa is into Dungeons and Dragons, reading novels, and developing enriching stories in various visual mediums.

Lisa Pham is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, who majored in Health and Society.  Because of...

Lisa Pham

National Communications & Marketing Associate

Louis Chang

Position: Founder and Managing Partner, Gavilan Investment Partners

Louis Chang

Founder and Managing Partner, Gavilan Investment Partners

Luigi Lannutti

Position: Blended Finance Officer, IFC- International Finance Corporation

Luigi Lannutti

Blended Finance Officer, IFC- International Finance Corporation

Maggie Georgieva

Position: Managing Direcor, Founder Institute Boston

Maggie Georgieva

Managing Direcor, Founder Institute Boston

Malcom Glenn

Position: Fellow, New America

Malcom Glenn

Fellow, New America

Maria Raftelis

Position: Grant Writer, NYC/CA

Maria Raftelis has more than a decade of fundraising experience in education. Before joining BUILD, Maria served as Associate Director of Foundation Relations at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. In this role, she oversaw fundraising for the Center of Radiological Research (CRR) and worked with medical faculty across the College to raise funds for research. Prior to Columbia University, Maria served as Grant Writer at the City College Fund, the fundraising organization of the City College of New York (CCNY). During my nine year tenure at the City College Fund, Maria expanded the College’s portfolio of institutional donors to double institutional giving. 

Maria resides in the Bronx with her husband and son. A graduate of the New York City public school system, Maria believed every student should have access to an excellent education that inspires them to dream and achieve their full potential.

Maria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Individualized Studies from New York University and a Master’s degree in Social Science from the University of Chicago.

Maria Raftelis has more than a decade of fundraising experience in education. Before joining BUILD, Maria served as Associate Director...

Maria Raftelis

Grant Writer, NYC/CA

Mariana Lopez-Sutherland

Position: Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, Bay Area
Email: mlopezsutherland@build.org

Mariana Lopez-Sutherland joins the BUILD Bay Area team with experience working in the education sector, primarily in economically disadvantaged communities. Through her work as a tutor and substitute teacher Mariana has helped several students reach their academic goals. As a first-generation immigrant from Venezuela, she is very passionate about social justice and education equity. She is excited to join BUILD Bay Area to start her career in the nonprofit sector, and to further her work helping the youth thrive. Mariana also loves arts and crafts, being a dog parent to a little Chiweenie called Maya, travelling, and finding new spots to eat. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Economics from UC San Diego.

Mariana Lopez-Sutherland joins the BUILD Bay Area team with experience working in the education sector, primarily in economically disadvantaged communities....

Mariana Lopez-Sutherland

Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, Bay Area

Marisol Adriana Burgueño

Position: Senior Manager of Digital Strategies and Innovation

Marisol Adriana Burgueño is the National Senior Manager of Digital Strategies and Innovation. Before BUILD, Marisol dedicated her career to public advocacy and the intersection of design and social impact. Marisol received her Master’s in Product Design & Development from ELISAVA Barcelona School of Engineering and holds a Bachelors in Industrial Design from California College of the Arts. Marisol started her career by working in various roles in product design and visual communications for social entrepreneurship companies. After leaving the for-profit sector, she put her knowledge of design and background in communications to use, working with nonprofit anti-violence organizations and educational programs for under-served youth in the Bay Area. Marisol’s goals are fueled by her passion to bring an end to the cycles of violence and poverty in her community. She is focused on strengthening community partnerships, increasing access to resources and public awareness.

Marisol Adriana Burgueño is the National Senior Manager of Digital Strategies and Innovation. Before BUILD, Marisol dedicated her career to...

Marisol Adriana Burgueño

Senior Manager of Digital Strategies and Innovation

Mark Gallagher

Position: Senior Market Manager (Northeast and Canada), Silicon Valley Bank

Mark Gallagher

Senior Market Manager (Northeast and Canada), Silicon Valley Bank

Mary Prager

Position: Corporate Counsel at Lithic

Mary Prager

Corporate Counsel at Lithic

Matt Doherty

Position: Co-Founder, ResoluteAI; Engineering, ClosedLoop.ai

Matt brings to BUILD NYC a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship and technology leadership. Matt is the founder of ResoluteAI, a venture-backed SaaS startup building
enterprise search solutions for R&D organizations. Prior to Resolute, Matt founded
ZergNet, an ad-tech startup currently serving over a billion ads daily. Earlier in his career, he
was the VP of Engineering for Fina Technologies, where he built trading systems using
machine learning. He has also lectured at NYU on machine learning and other computer
science topics. Matt is passionate about advocating for children and underserved
communities. He is a former board member of the Child Care Resource Center, a nonprofit
helping families find and afford quality child care. Matt has also often served as a volunteer
tutor for high school and middle school children in New York City through organizations
such as New York Cares. Matt received his S.B. and M.Eng. degrees in computer science
from MIT.

 

Matt brings to BUILD NYC a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship and technology leadership. Matt is the founder of ResoluteAI,...

Matt Doherty

Co-Founder, ResoluteAI; Engineering, ClosedLoop.ai

Matt Flanagan

Position: Founding Partner, Fama PR

Matt Flanagan

Founding Partner, Fama PR

Matt Wexler

Position: Managing Partner, Foxhall Partners

Matt Wexler

Managing Partner, Foxhall Partners

Matt Zehner

Position: Founder and CEO, Zehner

Matt Zehner

Founder and CEO, Zehner

Matthew Barton

Position: Art Director, Johannes Leonardo

Matthew Barton

Art Director, Johannes Leonardo

Max Campion

Position: Co-Founder & VP of Business Development, HomeTap

Max Campion

Co-Founder & VP of Business Development, HomeTap

Melinda Moyo

Position: Enterprise Partner Channel Manager, Microsoft

Melinda Moyo

Enterprise Partner Channel Manager, Microsoft

Melissa Mendino

Position: Program Associate, OAK
Top: 15

Melissa Mendino

Program Associate, OAK

Michael Arellano

Position: Program Director, Los Angeles
Top: 19

Michael holds the Senior Program Manager role for the Los Angeles region.  He brings with him over 15 years of experience working for nonprofit organizations dedicated to youth development.  Having grown up in a Boys & Girls Club, he understands the importance of empowering young people through quality programs and engaging mentors.  His personal mission is to support the creation of collaborative communities that generate opportunities for youth to thrive.

Born and raised in Southern California Michael is excited to expand BUILD’s programs in the Los Angeles area and to bring Spark Skills to the area’s diverse student population.

Michael holds the Senior Program Manager role for the Los Angeles region.  He brings with him over 15 years of...

Michael Arellano

Program Director, Los Angeles

Michael Cianciotta

Position: Director of Strategy and Transactions, EY-Parthenon

Michael Cianciotta is a Senior Associate at EY where he consults financial institutions on growth, integration, and business planning through mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. He previously worked as a consultant at Capco focusing on the Capital Markets space. Michael is passionate about entrepreneurship and utilizing his experience to enhance the education of young entrepreneurs.

Michael studied Finance and Economics at the Boston University Questrom School of Business.

Michael Cianciotta is a Senior Associate at EY where he consults financial institutions on growth, integration, and business planning through...

Michael Cianciotta

Director of Strategy and Transactions, EY-Parthenon

Michael Cleary

Position: Huemor

Michael Copty

Position: Managing Director, Silicon Valley Bank

Michael Copty

Managing Director, Silicon Valley Bank

Michael Farb *Chair*

Position: Bay Regional Board Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Neon One
Top: 1

Michael has over 15 years of experience building, running and scaling technology companies and organizations across a wide range of industries. Leading the organization of Neon One brings together Michael’s skills and experience in growing entrepreneurial technology companies with his passion of supporting non-profit organizations to increase their impact in the world. In addition to Neon, Michael serves as Board Chair for Build.org, a national education-based nonprofit that leverage entrepreneurship to empower students in underserved communities.

Michael has a Computer Science Degree from UPenn, and an MBA from the University of Chicago. After starting a career at Accenture where he built global technology systems in New York, London, Singapore, & Seoul, he co-founded CaptainU. Acting as President, he and his team scaled this sports technology platform to millions of customers and organizations. After CaptainU was acquired by Blue Star Sports, Michael joined the Blue Star team as Chief Revenue Office and GM of the Enterprise Software and Payments group, helping scale the organization and combining products to build a product suite for organizations to excel and flourish. Michael is now proud to leverage his background to help nonprofits and other mission-driven organizations drive impact and help them reach their goals more quickly.

Michael has over 15 years of experience building, running and scaling technology companies and organizations across a wide range of...

Michael Farb *Chair*

Bay Regional Board Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Neon One

Michael Farb *California*

Position: California Regional Board Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Neon One
Top: 1

Michael has over 15 years of experience building, running and scaling technology companies and organizations across a wide range of industries. Leading the organization of Neon One brings together Michael’s skills and experience in growing entrepreneurial technology companies with his passion of supporting non-profit organizations to increase their impact in the world. In addition to Neon, Michael serves as Board Chair for Build.org, a national education-based nonprofit that leverage entrepreneurship to empower students in underserved communities.

Michael has a Computer Science Degree from UPenn, and an MBA from the University of Chicago. After starting a career at Accenture where he built global technology systems in New York, London, Singapore, & Seoul, he co-founded CaptainU. Acting as President, he and his team scaled this sports technology platform to millions of customers and organizations. After CaptainU was acquired by Blue Star Sports, Michael joined the Blue Star team as Chief Revenue Office and GM of the Enterprise Software and Payments group, helping scale the organization and combining products to build a product suite for organizations to excel and flourish. Michael is now proud to leverage his background to help nonprofits and other mission-driven organizations drive impact and help them reach their goals more quickly.

Michael has over 15 years of experience building, running and scaling technology companies and organizations across a wide range of...

Michael Farb *California*

California Regional Board Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Neon One

Michael Kesselman

Position: Head of Product/VP Product Management, Forward Financing

Michael Kesselman

Head of Product/VP Product Management, Forward Financing

Michael Springer

Position: FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY, SPRINGER LAW PLLC 

Michael is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Springer Law PLLC, where he represents
entrepreneurs, startups, and creative professionals in a variety of legal areas, including
business law, venture finance, intellectual property, corporate governance, entertainment
law, and commercial litigation. Michael is also an active angel investor in early-stage
companies, focusing on a range of industries, including wearable technologies, software,
fashion, medical devices, and home delivery. Michael holds a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard
Law School and a B.B.A., magna cum laude, from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M
University. He and his wife split their time between New York City and Houston, Texas.

 

 

Michael is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Springer Law PLLC, where he represents entrepreneurs, startups, and creative professionals in...

Michael Springer

FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY, SPRINGER LAW PLLC 

Michael Stimmel

Position: Associate Vice President, Citi

Michael Stimmel

Associate Vice President, Citi

Michael Wirth

Position: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CAPE ADVISORS, INC

Michael Wirth

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CAPE ADVISORS, INC

Michael Wurzbacher

Position: Solutions Manager, Sparkfund

Michael Wurzbacher

Solutions Manager, Sparkfund

Michelle Cooprider

Position: We Are All Human Foundation

Michelle Cooprider

We Are All Human Foundation

Michelle Hill

Position: Executive Assistant, Office of the CEO & President
Email: mhill@build.org

Michelle Hill comes to BUILD with over 10 years of experience in Senior Executive support functions, including 7 years of CEO support. Michelle dedicated the early chapters of her career to various roles within the financial sector but found her true calling in the education, association, and nonprofit spaces. Michelle has extensive experience with Board of Directors support and thoroughly enjoys cultivating and nurturing relationships. Michelle’s personal mission statement is to ignite a passion in others to realize their ability to leave this world a better place and she is looking forward to activating this awareness with the students that BUILD serves.

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Wilmington University and resides in Wilmington, Delaware with her family.

Michelle Hill comes to BUILD with over 10 years of experience in Senior Executive support functions, including 7 years of...

Michelle Hill

Executive Assistant, Office of the CEO & President

MICHELLE LACROIX

Position: Curriculum & Instruction Program Manager (E1)
Email: mlacroix@build.org
featured:

Michelle Lacroix is an eight-year veteran teacher from Baltimore. She studied Journalism and Political Science at Penn State before joining Teach for America in 2011. Through her time in Baltimore, she earned her Master’s Degree in Urban Education as well as a Certificate in Supervision. In addition, she helped to establish a non-profit called B’More Global that fundraises scholarships for middle-schoolers to go on trips abroad. She is passionate about providing opportunities to youth and is excited to continue that work with BUILD. She is also an avid traveler has spent time working with teachers in Uganda as well as doing yoga teacher training in Thailand. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, working on her French speaking skills, and (trying) to play the ukelele.

Michelle Lacroix is an eight-year veteran teacher from Baltimore. She studied Journalism and Political Science at Penn State before joining...

MICHELLE LACROIX

Curriculum & Instruction Program Manager (E1)

Mike Portegello *Co-Chair*

Position: NYC Regional Board Chair, Partner, Northeast Region Growth Markets Leader, Ernst & Young LLP
Top: 1

Mike Portegello is an Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, where he brings more than 30 years of international and domestic experience in public accounting serving publicly traded companies with operations in both the US and abroad. Currently, he serves as the Northeast Region Strategic Growth Markets (SGM) Leader to provide services that help companies navigate the various aspects of a growth-oriented enterprise. SGM is a global network of EY professionals advising the full spectrum of dynamic, fast-moving and groundbreaking companies around the world, including VC-backed/private equity companies and their investors, large private and family enterprises, IPO-bound companies, and public companies in the Russell 3000 and 2000 indexes.​

Throughout his career, Mike has worked with clients in New York and California, as well as internationally. He has served US registrants and foreign private issuers on SEC matters including initial public offerings (IPOs), public and private debt offerings, quarterly and annual filings, acquisitions, divestitures, and stock registrations. ​

Previously, he provided overall management and led high performing teams to deliver audit services to New York State and Connecticut area clients. He continues to work closely with multinational organizations as well as high growth phase companies in the software/technology, media and entertainment, and leasing industries.​

Prior to this role, Mike served as Strategic Growth Markets Leader for New York, leading a multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals in providing perspective to and advising our emerging, IPO-bound, entrepreneurial clients on accelerating their growth. In addition, he has served as a Co-Director of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year New York program. ​

Mike graduated Suma Cum Laude from St. John’s University and received his MBA from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at NYU.

Mike Portegello is an Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, where he brings more than 30 years of international...

Mike Portegello *Co-Chair*

NYC Regional Board Chair, Partner, Northeast Region Growth Markets Leader, Ernst & Young LLP

Mike Portegello *NYC*

Position: NYC Regional Board Chair, Partner, Northeast Region Growth Markets Leader, Ernst & Young LLP
Top: 1

Mike Portegello is an Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, where he brings more than 30 years of international and domestic experience in public accounting serving publicly traded companies with operations in both the US and abroad. Currently, he serves as the Northeast Region Strategic Growth Markets (SGM) Leader to provide services that help companies navigate the various aspects of a growth-oriented enterprise. SGM is a global network of EY professionals advising the full spectrum of dynamic, fast-moving and groundbreaking companies around the world, including VC-backed/private equity companies and their investors, large private and family enterprises, IPO-bound companies, and public companies in the Russell 3000 and 2000 indexes.​

Throughout his career, Mike has worked with clients in New York and California, as well as internationally. He has served US registrants and foreign private issuers on SEC matters including initial public offerings (IPOs), public and private debt offerings, quarterly and annual filings, acquisitions, divestitures, and stock registrations. ​

Previously, he provided overall management and led high performing teams to deliver audit services to New York State and Connecticut area clients. He continues to work closely with multinational organizations as well as high growth phase companies in the software/technology, media and entertainment, and leasing industries.​

Prior to this role, Mike served as Strategic Growth Markets Leader for New York, leading a multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals in providing perspective to and advising our emerging, IPO-bound, entrepreneurial clients on accelerating their growth. In addition, he has served as a Co-Director of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year New York program. ​

Mike graduated Suma Cum Laude from St. John’s University and received his MBA from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at NYU.

Mike Portegello is an Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, where he brings more than 30 years of international...

Mike Portegello *NYC*

NYC Regional Board Chair, Partner, Northeast Region Growth Markets Leader, Ernst & Young LLP

Mitch Rubin

Position: Columbia Master of Science in Sustainability Management candidate

Mitch Rubin

Columbia Master of Science in Sustainability Management candidate

Mo Foster

Position: Senior Program Manager, Product Development
Top: 13

Mo Foster is an educator, designer, and entrepreneur. When Mo was 15, they began teaching as an Artist-In-Residence at local schools in their hometown of Los Altos, CA. Mo Foster is a published poet and serial entrepreneur who values vision, voice, and vigor.

Mo Foster is an educator, designer, and entrepreneur. When Mo was 15, they began teaching as an Artist-In-Residence at local...

Mo Foster

Senior Program Manager, Product Development

Mohamed Fahmi

Position: Regional Managing Director at First Republic Bank

Mohamed Fahmi

Regional Managing Director at First Republic Bank

Natalia Villarmán

Position: Founder and CEO, Seen@Work

Natalia is the Founder and CEO of Seen@Work.As Founder and CEO of Seen@Work (seenatwork.com), a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting firm, Natalia Eileen leverages the team she manages to support her clients with all their DEI needs. She develops and facilitates workshops, coaches senior leaders, and builds DEI initiatives related to employee resource groups, executive scorecards, inclusion councils, task forces, diversity reporting, metrics planning, and more.

Prior to founding Seen@Work, Natalia worked as a diversity and inclusion strategist and human capital consultant for over seven years through organizations including Deloitte, Facebook, and Teach For America. Natalia graduated from University of Pennsylvania The Wharton School with an MBA in Organizational Effectiveness with an emphasis in Inclusion in the Workplace and from New York University with a BA in History, which included courses in critical race theory and oppressive political structures.



Natalia is the Founder and CEO of Seen@Work.As Founder and CEO of Seen@Work (seenatwork.com), a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)...

Natalia Villarmán

Founder and CEO, Seen@Work

Naveen Shahani

Position: Principal, Apollo Global Management

Naveen Shahani is a Principal at Apollo Global Management, where he focuses on the firm’s private equity investments. Prior to Apollo, Naveen worked in the Financial Sponsors Group in the Investment Banking Division of Credit Suisse. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Naveen currently serves on the Board of Directors of CEC Entertainment, parent company to Chuck E. Cheese.

Naveen Shahani is a Principal at Apollo Global Management, where he focuses on the firm’s private equity investments. Prior to...

Naveen Shahani

Principal, Apollo Global Management

Naya Samuel

Position: Community Engagement Manager, NYC
Email: nsamuel@build.org

Naya Samuel is a native New Yorker, experienced community organizer, and writer. She joins the Build NYC team with over a decade of experience working across performing arts and digital media industries, including positions at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Intercept, Field of Vision, TOPIC Studios, and more. She’s regularly contributed to Sports Illustrated via Empower Onyx, covering the stories of Black women in sports. She manages the community music collective CORPUS Family, focusing on free community programming, youth initiatives, local artist support, and overall fundraising, through the lens of music education in NYC.

She works with a vested interest in the intersections of Black culture and liberation locally and globally; hyper-local community organizing and amplifying the next generation of New Yorkers; and emergent strategies that mobilize and empower marginalized groups, especially Black femmes, and trans and queer youth. She’s excited to join BUILD to provide tangible access and resources, help young people re-imagine and refine their skill sets; and create truly intersectional, intentional spaces for young folks to foster their communities. She also loves traveling, reading, cooking Trinidadian food, and spending time with her dog Roti.

Naya Samuel is a native New Yorker, experienced community organizer, and writer. She joins the Build NYC team with over...

Naya Samuel

Community Engagement Manager, NYC

Nicholine Bach

Position: Manager, Hubspot

Nicholine Bach

Manager, Hubspot

Nicolas Lirette

Position: Advisor

NICOLAS LIRETTEVice President, American Express
Nic most recently served as President at American Express, serving as Chief of Staff for the head of the Consumer business. He was responsible for a range of business planning and strategic activities and partners with leaders across the organization, from country managers globally to c-suite partners. Prior to this role, Nic worked in the Merchant business where he played a central role in the launch of EMV chip cards and contactless payments and helped improve customer satisfaction globally. Prior to American Express, Nic worked in investment banking at UBS and investment management at Wellington Management. ​

Nic holds an MBA degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree from Tufts University. Originally from Canada, Nic speaks French fluently. Nic lives in New York with his wife, son, and daughter.​

NICOLAS LIRETTEVice President, American Express Nic most recently served as President at American Express, serving as Chief of Staff for...

Nicolas Lirette

Advisor

Nicole Thomas

Position: Director of Strategic Partnership

Nicole Thomas is currently the Director of Strategic Partnership with BUILD Metro DC and has been with BUILD since 2016. In her role, Nicole spearheads all BUILD Metro DC fundraising-related community outreach activities, recruits volunteers and engages new networks and individual donor prospects. Nicole also oversees BUILD Metro DC’s Associate Board. Prior to her work with BUILD, Nicole was with College Summit for four years. College Summit is a college access non-profit where she executed over 100 successful College Summit workshops on 35 college campuses that served 5,000 students and 1,500 volunteers. Before that, Nicole worked for Monumental Sports and Entertainment for more than 10 years where she was the Director of Community Relations for the Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Mystics (WNBA) professional teams. In that role, she managed the community outreach activities including the scheduling, development, and execution of over 400 appearances per year for players, coaches, and front office staff. Nicole graduated from the University of Arizona.

Nicole Thomas is currently the Director of Strategic Partnership with BUILD Metro DC and has been with BUILD since 2016....

Nicole Thomas

Director of Strategic Partnership

Norbert Koput

Position: Budget & Financial Report Analyst
Email: nkoput@build.org

Norbert joins BUILD after several years of experience in analytical roles within the real estate industry. In his last role, Norbert guided his team through monthly forecasts and the yearly budget process. He was also vital in implementing a new FP&A software for 130+ users within the company. Norbert is a numbers-oriented individual who likes to use data to tell a story and drive business decisions.

He is ecstatic to join the BUILD team and looks forward to being part of the “spark” that positively impacts future generations. Norbert loves to learn new things and try new activities. He is currently learning about blogging and how to make latte art, and his favorite things to do in his free time include pickleball, bouldering, and skiing. Norbert holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from Cornell College.

Norbert joins BUILD after several years of experience in analytical roles within the real estate industry. In his last role,...

Norbert Koput

Budget & Financial Report Analyst

Pamela Minetti

Position: DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY
Email: pMinetti@build.org
Top: 2

Pam has spent the majority of her career in the financial services sector where she worked at a range of boutique and bulge bracket firms including Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch and Mogavero, Lee. Her diverse experience encompasses investment banking, institutional sales and marketing. She has always been passionate about educational equity and child and family welfare and has served as a mentor and nonprofit board member for over twenty years. In 2017, Pam joined the BUILD NYC team where she is responsible for all fundraising activities. Pam graduated from the University of Virginia with Highest Distinction and received her MBA from Columbia Business School.

Pam has spent the majority of her career in the financial services sector where she worked at a range of...

Pamela Minetti

DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY

Patrick Van den Bossche

Position: Partner, A.T. Kearney, Inc.

Patrick Van den Bossche

Partner, A.T. Kearney, Inc.

Paul King

Position: Director, Silicon Valley Bank

Paul King

Director, Silicon Valley Bank

Pepper Hayes

Position: Director, Development Operations & Communications
Email: Phayes@build.org

Pepper Hayes loves to crunch numbers and look for patterns in data. She uses these insights to coach BUILD’s development teams to raise the funds we need to support BUILD students. As Director of Development Operations and Communications she maintains our infrastructure for fundraising operations and oversees donor communication and stewardship. As an entrepreneur herself, Pepper knows first-hand how empowering the experience can be and was immediately drawn to BUILD’s mission, which inspired her to leave her career in law in 2014 to join the BUILD team. Pepper is an enthusiastic cat-lover and blogs about her knitting adventures in her spare time. She holds a BA in History, Philosophy, and Gender Studies from Westminster College and earned her JD at the Boston University School of Law.

Pepper Hayes loves to crunch numbers and look for patterns in data. She uses these insights to coach BUILD’s development...

Pepper Hayes

Director, Development Operations & Communications

Pete Van Oot

Position: Director, Dasher Retention Marketing, DoorDash
: 2

Pete Van Oot

Director, Dasher Retention Marketing, DoorDash

Phillip Brannigan

Position: Associate Director, Berkadia

Phillip Brannigan

Associate Director, Berkadia

Rachel Levitan

Position: Deputy Director of Communications, House of Representatives

Rachel Levitan

Deputy Director of Communications, House of Representatives

Rachel Vas

Position: Global Production and Logistics Director, GrainPro

Rachel Vas

Global Production and Logistics Director, GrainPro

Ram Vijayanathan

Position: HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT, PINTEREST 

Ram Vijayanathan is the Head of Internal Audit at Pinterest, a visual discovery engine with
the mission to bring everyone the inspiration to create a life they love. His responsibilities
include helping the organization manage strategic, operational, and financial risk by
providing oversight to the internal audit team, developing and executing on the annual
audit plan, and supporting the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance efforts. Ram
and his team evaluate Pinterest’s systems of internal controls and operational efficiency
and effectiveness. Before joining Pinterest, Ram was an Internal Audit Director at Facebook,
Inc., where he was a part of the corporate audit function and led teams that supported the
company’s SOX efforts along with managing an operational audit plan. Prior to Facebook,
Ram held various positions of increasing scope and responsibility in audit for QVC and
American Standard. He has a background in public accounting from Deloitte. Ram has
previously served as the President and a board member of the Philadelphia Institute of
Internal Auditors and graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in
Business Logistics. In his free time, he enjoys watching all Philadelphia sports teams, riding
his Peloton, and traveling.

 

Ram Vijayanathan is the Head of Internal Audit at Pinterest, a visual discovery engine with the mission to bring everyone...

Ram Vijayanathan

HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT, PINTEREST 

Ramon Simms

Position: Start Up Executive

Ramon Simms

Start Up Executive

Rashaida Melvin

Position: Program Director, National Partnerships
Email: rmelvin@build.org

Rashaida is a lifelong educator who enjoys providing life-changing opportunities to students and coaching and supporting teachers. She joined BUILD as its first Satellite Program Director, supporting partner schools and organizations across the country to implement the BUILD experience with their students. Her support ranged from curriculum development to student event support.  She now serves as Program Director, National Partnerships. Rashaida’s goal is to support teachers and students as BUILD expands across the country.

Rashaida is excited to join the BUILD team so that she can combine her love for coaching teachers with entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur herself, Rashaida has learned how to run and manage her own businesses through trial and error. She recognizes the value that BUILD provides as we teach students the skills early on that allow them to thrive as young entrepreneurs, ready to be successful young adults in the 21st Century. Rashaida finds value in knowing that her work with BUILD provides new opportunities for students that look like her, opportunities that students of color deserve to receive, but often are denied simply due to the color of their skin or where they live.

Rashaida comes to BUILD after serving as a school leader, leading a team of instructional coaches, and teaching in the classroom. Every day Rashaida strives to provide positive opportunities for students so that they may dream big, aim high, and shatter glass ceilings.

Rashaida is a lifelong educator who enjoys providing life-changing opportunities to students and coaching and supporting teachers. She joined BUILD...

Rashaida Melvin

Program Director, National Partnerships

Rashi Singhal

Position: Staff Accountant
Email: rsinghal@build.org

Rashi Singhal joins BUILD as a Staff Accountant. She has a master’s degree in Accounting and Economics from India. In her prior experience, she helped scale the AR team at a medical devices manufacturing company, all the way to help build the new ERP (AR side) and the processes for better customer experiences. She has experience in AR/AP and is skilled in various accounting software and problem-solving.

She is very excited to join a non-profit organization that is in the educational field which she has always been passionate about. Previously, she has helped with after-school hands-on science programs. She is looking forward to the exclusive experiences and making a positive impact.

Rashi lives in Palo Alto, California with her husband and 2 kids. In her personal life, she loves to travel, cook Indian food, work in the garden, and volunteer for her kid’s science and robotics programs.

Rashi Singhal joins BUILD as a Staff Accountant. She has a master’s degree in Accounting and Economics from India. In...

Rashi Singhal

Staff Accountant

Rayna Landa

Position: Program Associate

Rayna Landa is originally from Springfield, NJ and is a recent graduate of the Pennsylvania State University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Public Policy with a minor in Sociology. She is thrilled to join the incredible BUILD DC team as this year’s Avodah fellow. Avodah is a Jewish non profit organization whose mission is to develop lifelong social justice leaders. As the Program Associate at BUILD DC, she facilitates mentoring and helps to aid the student experience. This year, she is excited to have the opportunity to live, learn, and work in D.C. with other members of the fellowship, creating a mindful and impactful community. .

Rayna Landa is originally from Springfield, NJ and is a recent graduate of the Pennsylvania State University. She received her...

Rayna Landa

Program Associate

Renaldo Webb

Position: Founder, PetPlate

Renaldo Webb is Founder and Chief Product Officer at PetPlate. Inspired by his dog Winston, Renaldo founded PetPlate after deciding that he did not want to feed his dog anything less than real food. After making hundreds of batches of home-cooked dog food for Winston and his pup pals, Renaldo decided to launch a pet food brand that he could proudly call his own. 

Renaldo graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Physics, and prior to starting PetPlate worked at LCatterton and McKinsey & Company. He launched PetPlate as a nationwide subscription service in early 2017, following an appearance on the hit TV show Shark Tank.

Renaldo Webb is Founder and Chief Product Officer at PetPlate. Inspired by his dog Winston, Renaldo founded PetPlate after deciding...

Renaldo Webb

Founder, PetPlate

Riley Rodgers

Position: Principal, Valia Ventures

Riley Rodgers

Principal, Valia Ventures

Rob Colenso

Position: Senior Director, RareLife Solutions

Rob Colenso

Senior Director, RareLife Solutions

Robert Glazer

Position: Founder & CEO, Acceleration Partners

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Robert Glazer

Founder & CEO, Acceleration Partners

Robert Saldutti

Position: Financial Analyst, Minkoff Development Corp

Robert Saldutti

Financial Analyst, Minkoff Development Corp

Roger Barton

Position: Managing Partner, Barton LLP

Roger is the founder and Managing Partner of Barton LLP, a law firm of over 30 attorneys practicing across most areas of business law. Roger is widely published and speaks nationally and internationally on law firm innovation, the practice of law as a business, and forming partnering relationships with clients. Barton LLP was recently featured by Law360 in an article entitled Giving Big Law a Run for Its Money as one of “10 boutiques that have established brands on par with the biggest of firms” who are “capable of competing with – and beating – the best big firms at the highest level” and by Acquisition International as among “Ones to Watch: The Best Boutique Law Firms.” ​

Roger’s practice is mostly high-stakes commercial litigation, but he also enjoys his role as outside General Counsel and adviser to many of the entrepreneurial clients of his firm. He is rated by The American Lawyer, Corporate Counsel Magazine and the National Law Journal as one of the Top Commercial Litigators in the United States. He is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, the invitation-only trial lawyer honorary society limited to less than one-half of one percent of lawyers in America and has been selected as a Super Lawyer in Thompson Reuters’ annual survey of the top 5% of lawyers in the New York Metro Area every year since 2013. He holds an “AV Preeminent” rating, the highest rating in the legal profession for professional excellence and ethical standards, as determined by the peer review of judges and lawyers conducted by Martindale.​

Prior to founding Barton LLP, Roger was with Sidley Austin in New York. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, AB Honors College, and has a JD from Fordham University School of Law.

Roger is the founder and Managing Partner of Barton LLP, a law firm of over 30 attorneys practicing across most...

Roger Barton

Managing Partner, Barton LLP

Roger Du

Position: STUDENT EXPERIENCE PROGRAM MANAGER (E2)
Email: rdu@build.org

Roger Du is a dedicated educator with a specific interest in adolescent mental health, immigrant parental involvement, and college access. He brings over 7 years of classroom experience and program development for educational nonprofits. Previously, Roger served as a Youth Job-Readiness Program Director, school counselor, and social studies teacher in Bangkok, Thailand. As a native New Yorker, Roger is devoted to advocating for the youth of New York City. Roger is a graduate of St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s in Adolescent Education with a concentration of History and a Master’s in School Counseling. In his spare time, Roger enjoys playing basketball, scuba diving, and taking his dog, Chance to the dog park.

Roger Du is a dedicated educator with a specific interest in adolescent mental health, immigrant parental involvement, and college access....

Roger Du

STUDENT EXPERIENCE PROGRAM MANAGER (E2)

Rollins Stallworth

Position: Investor, Nava Ventures

Rollins Stallworth

Investor, Nava Ventures

Rosie Johnson Conneely

Position: Vice President, Marketing at Blackstone

Rosie Johnson Conneely

Vice President, Marketing at Blackstone

Roy Hirshland *Chairman*

Position: BUILD, National Board Chairman, CEO, T3 Advisors, A Savills Company
Top: 1
: Director1

Roy Hirshland *Chairman*

BUILD, National Board Chairman, CEO, T3 Advisors, A Savills Company

Roy Suruki

Position: Director of Finance

Roy Suruki

Director of Finance

Ryan McKennie

Position: AV Operations Lead, Accenture

Ryan McKennie

AV Operations Lead, Accenture

Ryan Oliver

Position: Regional Director, California
Email: rOliver@build.org
Top: 1
: Cali1

Ryan Oliver serves as Regional Executive Director for BUILD Bay Area and Los Angeles, holding primary responsibility for leading growth initiatives and directing strategy. Ryan brings twenty years of experience as an innovative educator, leader, and program designer in urban schools, from Boston and Pittsburgh to Los Angeles and East Oakland. Previously, Ryan served as Founding Program Director for BUILD Boston. A Bay Area native, Ryan has lived, learned, and worked on both coasts. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Harvard University, a Master of Arts in Education from California State University Monterey Bay, and Principal Certification from University of Pittsburgh.

Ryan Oliver serves as Regional Executive Director for BUILD Bay Area and Los Angeles, holding primary responsibility for leading growth...

Ryan Oliver

Regional Director, California

Sahil Mehta

Position: position

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Sahil Mehta

position

Sami Soma

Position: Strategic Partnerships, Google

Sami Soma is a Partner Lead at Google, working on Advertising and Marketing strategies for large clients within the Consumer Packaged Goods industry. Prior to her role at Google, Sami worked at L’Oreal on digital media efforts across the Luxury product division. She has also held roles in Finance and Marketing across L’Oreal Paris, Active Cosmetics Division and Lancome.

Sami graduated from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business with an emphasis in Finance and Marketing where her passion for supporting under-resourced schools began. Since graduating she has volunteered with various organizations such as The Posse Foundation, The Exodus Foundation and iMentor.

Sami Soma is a Partner Lead at Google, working on Advertising and Marketing strategies for large clients within the Consumer...

Sami Soma

Strategic Partnerships, Google

Sandra Fong

Position: Ennovae & Company

Sandra brings more than a decade of leadership in brand, integrated marketing, public relations, and retail strategy across B2B and B2C brands. Her experience spans across Fortune 100 companies, startups, and agency. Currently, Sandra is the Director of Marketing & Partnerships for Ennovae and Co, where she provides marketing and partnerships counsel for SAP, Verizon, and JP Morgan Chase. Most recently she was the Strategic Marketing Lead at Samsung Ads. In this role, Sandra was responsible for leading in-market engagement in North America inclusive of go-to-market strategy, branding, demand generation, and content development.

Prior to Samsung Ads, Sandra was the Integrated Marketing Lead for Dolby, where she led brand strategy and partner marketing for the consumer products division and Dolby Vision. Before that, Sandra spearheaded retail and channel programs at Jawbone introducing new categories in wireless speakers and wearables. She began her career at Ogilvy and Mather in Digital Strategy where she executed award-winning digital programs for Fortune 100 companies.

Sandra graduated with honors with a dual degree in International Relations and Political Science from the University of California, Davis.

Sandra brings more than a decade of leadership in brand, integrated marketing, public relations, and retail strategy across B2B and...

Sandra Fong

Ennovae & Company

Sara Ponzio

Position: Chief Commercial Counsel, County of Santa Clara

Sara Ponzio

Chief Commercial Counsel, County of Santa Clara

Sarah Malonda

Position: Program Associate

Sarah Malonda was born and raised in Queens, New York, and was the daughter of Indonesian immigrants. She graduated from CUNY Hunter College with a degree in Political Science. She’s interested in local politics and community organizing  — and has been participating in outreach events like getting people registered to vote, informing folks about upcoming elections, and visiting local businesses to pass out PPE and other resources. She is committed to helping under-resourced communities such as her own and she is a strong advocate of student engagement in school, so she truly believes in the work BUILD NYC is doing.

Sarah Malonda was born and raised in Queens, New York, and was the daughter of Indonesian immigrants. She graduated from...

Sarah Malonda

Program Associate

Scorpio Rogers

Position: Vice President, Assistant Dean, Mercy College

Scorpio Rogers is an Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor at Mercy College in the School of Business on the Bronx Campus. He is the Director of Entrepreneurship for the School of Business across all campuses where amongst other things he manages the annual Student-Preneur Conference and Business Plan Competition. He is also the Executive Director of the Mercy Business Incubation Center (MIC) tasked with aiding in the growth of start-up and bourgeoning entrepreneurial businesses. Additionally, he is the advisor to the Mercy chapter of CEO, Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a student-run organization that fosters entrepreneurship amongst college students.



Scorpio Rogers is an Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor at Mercy College in the School of Business on the Bronx...

Scorpio Rogers

Vice President, Assistant Dean, Mercy College

Scott Fisher

Position: Partner, Select Management Group

Scott Fisher

Partner, Select Management Group

Scott Friend

Position: Managing Director, Bain Capital Ventures

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Scott Friend

Managing Director, Bain Capital Ventures

Sean Maffei

Position: Director, Siegfried Group

As a Director with The Siegfried Group, Sean works directly with financial executives, across multiple industries, providing them with a combination of accounting and leadership advisory services designed to provide greater professional and personal success. Sean also volunteers domestically and abroad with Digital Divide Data, a social enterprise creating better futures for disadvantaged youth in Cambodia, Laos, and Kenya through an innovative technology driven work/study program founded in 2001. Prior to joining The Siegfried Group, Sean started his career with Deloitte in New York.​

Sean is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and graduated with honors from Bentley University. He currently serves on the Bentley Alumni Board of New York and is an active member of the Robin Hood Foundation. Sean lives in New York City and enjoys traveling, running and skiing.

As a Director with The Siegfried Group, Sean works directly with financial executives, across multiple industries, providing them with a...

Sean Maffei

Director, Siegfried Group

Sean Merriweather

Position: Publicis Media

Sean Merriweather is a strategist focused on the intersection of media, data and technology who is currently the VP of Product Marketing at Publicis Media, a top global agency. Sean also teaches in NYU’s MS in Integrated Marketing program.

I came across BUILD during a time when I was searching for a consistent organization to volunteer with and support. I’ve stayed involved over the past 2 years because of the amazing staff and the work they support. It’s great to see the growth of the students even from freshman to sophomore year; from making eye contact, to speaking with confidence and advocating for their ideas it’s incredible to play even a small part in the journey.

Sean Merriweather is a strategist focused on the intersection of media, data and technology who is currently the VP of...

Sean Merriweather

Publicis Media

Sebastian Hooker

Position: Senior Customer Engineer, Google Cloud at Google

Sebastian Hooker

Senior Customer Engineer, Google Cloud at Google

Shai Goldman

Position: Managing Director, Silicon Valley Bank

Shai Goldman is a Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) and has more than 15 years of experience working with the startup and venture capital community. He moved to NYC from the Bay Area in 2011 to help build out SVB’s New York office and launch a new group serving early-stage founders. His current focus is on engaging the local VC community. Previously, he was a Venture Partner at 500 Startups, where he conducted investing, fundraising, community building, and portfolio management. ​

Shai graduated from Santa Clara University. Similar to the bank he works for, Shai has a global background, having been born in Israel and speaking three languages. He is married to a California native and helps raise their two children and two yorkies.​

Shai Goldman is a Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) and has more than 15 years of experience working...

Shai Goldman

Managing Director, Silicon Valley Bank

Shannon Hayes

Position: Senior Program Manager
Email: shayes@build.org

Shannon Hayes joins the BUILD Boston team with years of experience in youth development and K-12 education in Boston. As former Interim Executive Director of Expanded Learning Opportunities & Partnerships and Director of Expanded Learning Opportunities at Boston Public Schools, Shannon worked with community-based organizations and school leaders to plan and execute summer and vacation week programs across the city that offered students academic support and enrichment opportunities. Prior to that, she was the Afterschool & Summer Learning Program Manager at Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), overseeing the implementation of arts-integrated, experiential learning programs for English Learners in Boston’s South End.

Shannon is excited to join the team at BUILD Boston to support and develop strong school partnerships and high quality teacher and volunteer training for our school partners in Boston. Shannon is a licensed educator and holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education and Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University and a bachelor’s in Critical Social Thought from Mount Holyoke College. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, yoga and cooking, and is currently learning ASL.

Shannon Hayes joins the BUILD Boston team with years of experience in youth development and K-12 education in Boston. As...

Shannon Hayes

Senior Program Manager

Shannon Sloss

Position: Associate Director, EY

Shannon Sloss

Associate Director, EY

Shantu Jain

Position: Lead Technical Product Manager, Venmo

Shantu Jain

Lead Technical Product Manager, Venmo

Shawn Berriman

Position: Grant Writer
Top: 2

Shawn worked as a professional chef straight out of high school before landing his first real office job in international development. In that role, Shawn spent several years working with government clients from Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam, and came to appreciate just how much need there is for community support initiatives around the world. In 2005, Shawn and his wife, Eva, moved to Washington, DC from New Zealand. After working at both the New Zealand and Canadian Embassies to the U.S., Shawn left government work to join the world of social good. Over the past decade, Shawn has worked with several nonprofits to help connect individuals and companies to the causes they most deeply care about. If Shawn’s fundraising experiences were written up as a novel, he believes that the donors and corporate partners would be the heroes of the story – after all, it is they who through their generosity help make change possible.

Shawn holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies form Massey University in New Zealand and is blessed to have two amazing children: Anna (6) and Owen (3).

Shawn worked as a professional chef straight out of high school before landing his first real office job in international...

Shawn Berriman

Grant Writer

Shelbi Svoboda

Position: Director of Account Management, Kit Check

Shelbi Svoboda

Director of Account Management, Kit Check

Smita Topolski

Position: Owner, Page Street Studio

Smita Topolski

Owner, Page Street Studio

Stamatis Kakleas

Position: Tiger Global Management, LLC

Stamatis Kakleas is currently an Operations Associate at Tiger Global Management and joined our associate board at the beginning of 2019. Stam has previously worked at Highbridge Capital Management and Stelliam Investment Management and on the Pastry Team of Gramercy Tavern, one of the best restaurants in America.
Stam has a passion for entrepreneurship and has co-founded two businesses of his own; a seasonal gourmet cookie company and a cold brew coffee delivery service. He is a graduate of the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University and studied Pastry and Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC.

Stamatis Kakleas is currently an Operations Associate at Tiger Global Management and joined our associate board at the beginning of...

Stamatis Kakleas

Tiger Global Management, LLC

Stephanie Calderon

Position: Senior Program Manager, LA
Email: scalderon@build.org

Stephanie comes to BUILD with almost a decade of experience as a college access and success practitioner across several schools in her hometown of Los Angeles. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and is the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants.

As a college success practitioner, she helped develop programs to support predominantly first-generation BIPOC youth in Los Angeles to prepare for their postsecondary education and careers. She is excited to join the LA team to support teachers and students in becoming the CEO of their own life. Stephanie is also an entrepreneur supporting digital media and the operations of her family business. She enjoys traveling, dancing, and event planning in her free time. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA in Women’s Studies with a Minor in Education Studies and a master’s from California State University, Long Beach.

Stephanie comes to BUILD with almost a decade of experience as a college access and success practitioner across several schools in...

Stephanie Calderon

Senior Program Manager, LA

Stephanie Salzman

Position: Franchise Development Manager, Threshold Brands

Stephanie Salzman

Franchise Development Manager, Threshold Brands

Steve Mea

Position: Operations Manager

Steve Mea joined BUILD in 2016 and currently serves as Operations Manager for the National Shared Services team. In this role, he supports our organization by keeping tabs on our technology, government filings, insurance coverage, external vendors and contractors, and student program operations. Before stepping in to this position, Steve was a member of the Boston Program team as a Youth Engagement Coordinator and Student Experience Program Manager, in which he supported students, teachers, mentors, and staff in all aspects of the BUILD program. Prior to his time with BUILD, Steve worked for the Germantown Historical Society in Philadelphia and led educational tours of historic homes for 4th and 5th graders. Steve attended Millersville University of Pennsylvania where he studied History and Governmental & Political Affairs, and currently resides in Philadelphia with his Fiancé, rabbit, and two cats. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the drum kit for his band at local Philly-area venues.

“I BUILD because of the incredible impact the program has on students, school communities, and families. I saw this first hand as a member of the Boston Program team, and am fortunate enough to continue this work remotely in Philadelphia. An education in business provides a young person with 21st century skills that their normal course load does not have the time to cover. It empowers them to realize their dreams, and graduate from high school with a vision for the future.” -Steve Mea

Steve Mea joined BUILD in 2016 and currently serves as Operations Manager for the National Shared Services team. In this...

Steve Mea

Operations Manager

Steve Mortenson

Position: Senior Management Consultant at Sia Partners

Steve Mortenson

Senior Management Consultant at Sia Partners

Steven Mack

Position: Partner, PwC

Steven Mack

Partner, PwC

Sue Dalelio

Position: Interim Regional Executive Director
Email: sdalelio@build.org
Top: 2

Sue has over 25 years’ experience as a regional and national nonprofit executive, successfully building and leading cross-functional, inclusive, high performing teams. Sue began her career with audience development work for Shear Madness/Cranberry Productions, one of the nation’s longest-running theatrical productions. She moved into the nonprofit sector with her role as the Director of Registration and Student Services at the Boston Center for Adult Education and eventually as its first Director of Development. She then became Director of Posse Boston at The Posse Foundation, an acclaimed national college access and diversity program. After transforming the Boston site to a revenue self-sustaining and programmatically successful one, Sue rose to Regional Vice President, implementing the strategic plan and ensuring overall health of the organization while overseeing numerous chapters. During her subsequent tenure as a member of the executive team at Health Leads, a social enterprise, she led in several areas including national program and revenue and helped to position the organization to capitalize on market changes through greatly increased programmatic efficiency and productivity. Later, at Peace First, Sue served as a Senior Advisor to the executive team in a variety of functional and strategic areas, and, more recently, as Chief Operating Officer for Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. Sue also served as Chair of the board of directors for Y2Y Network, an innovative, student-run, overnight shelter which provides a safe and affirming environment for young adults experiencing homelessness.

Sue has over 25 years’ experience as a regional and national nonprofit executive, successfully building and leading cross-functional, inclusive, high...

Sue Dalelio

Interim Regional Executive Director

Sue Dalelio

Position: Senior National Director, Offices of the CEO and President
Email: sdalelio@build.org
Top: 1

Sue has over 25 years’ experience as a regional and national nonprofit executive, successfully building and leading cross-functional, inclusive, high performing teams. Sue began her career with audience development work for Shear Madness/Cranberry Productions, one of the nation’s longest-running theatrical productions. She moved into the nonprofit sector with her role as the Director of Registration and Student Services at the Boston Center for Adult Education and eventually as its first Director of Development. She then became Director of Posse Boston at The Posse Foundation, an acclaimed national college access and diversity program. After transforming the Boston site to a revenue self-sustaining and programmatically successful one, Sue rose to Regional Vice President, implementing the strategic plan and ensuring overall health of the organization while overseeing numerous chapters. During her subsequent tenure as a member of the executive team at Health Leads, a social enterprise, she led in several areas including national program and revenue and helped to position the organization to capitalize on market changes through greatly increased programmatic efficiency and productivity. Later, at Peace First, Sue served as a Senior Advisor to the executive team in a variety of functional and strategic areas, and, more recently, as Chief Operating Officer for Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. Sue also served as Chair of the board of directors for Y2Y Network, an innovative, student-run, overnight shelter which provides a safe and affirming environment for young adults experiencing homelessness.

Sue has over 25 years’ experience as a regional and national nonprofit executive, successfully building and leading cross-functional, inclusive, high...

Sue Dalelio

Senior National Director, Offices of the CEO and President

Suzanne Roske

Position: Partner, PwC Washington Metro Government Contracts Practice

Suzanne Roske

Partner, PwC Washington Metro Government Contracts Practice

Sybil Mimy Wells

Position: Regional Executive Director, NYC
Email: swells@build.org
Top: 1

Sybil Mimy Wells

Regional Executive Director, NYC

Tchad Cort

Position: Operations Coordinator, Boston Public Schools Department of Transportation
Phone: Associate Board Member
Top: 1

Tchad Cort

Operations Coordinator, Boston Public Schools Department of Transportation

Temisan Shebi

Position: Senior Consultant, Deloitte

Temisan Shebi

Senior Consultant, Deloitte

Thais Rezende

Position: President
Top: 1
: National2

Thais comes to us from BizWorld, having formerly spent the last eight years as BizWorld’s CEO, where she grew the organization to become the largest teacher-led entrepreneurship education non-profit in the world, serving over 850,000 students worldwide. She launched BizWorld’s innovative YES! Program to support young entrepreneurs to gain access to tools, mentorship, and capital needed to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

Thais holds an unwavering commitment to making economic opportunities and entrepreneurship education accessible to all students, particularly those from traditionally underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. She started her career in the non-profit world, focusing on micro-enterprise development. For eight years, she led the growth of innovative programming and the organizational expansion at Women’s Initiative for Self Employment. As the lead developer of the successful business propulsion program “SuccessLink,” she set a new national standard for entrepreneurship support services that became a national model. Thais worked for the Mexican Consulate as part of The Mexican Communities Abroad Team, where she helped implement and develop health, education, and business trade programs. Her background also includes journalism work in both TV and print, covering the tech industry. She resides with her husband and three daughters in Seattle.

Thais comes to us from BizWorld, having formerly spent the last eight years as BizWorld’s CEO, where she grew the...

Thais Rezende

President

Tiffany Reaves

Position: The Madison Square Garden Company

Tiffany Reaves is the current director of social impact and fan engagement for the New York Knicks. In this role, she sets the strategy for all community activation, youth basketball programming, and fan engagement platforms. She directs the philanthropic contributions and fundraising efforts and oversees a team that works directly with nonprofits, youth basketball organizations, corporate partners, and players to develop programs and initiatives that address local community challenges and meets business objectives.

Tiffany received her bachelor’s degree in health, recreation, and tourism management from George Mason University in 2009 and went on to attend Columbia University where she obtained her master’s degree in Sports Business. Tiffany worked at the Madison Square Garden Company for five years in marketing and corporate partnership management before leaving the company in 2014. For two years, she worked for licensing company Haddad Brands, where she managed global marketing for Levi’s and Converse Kids. Tiffany returned to The Garden in her current role in February 2016.

A native Virginian, Tiffany has lived in New York for ten years and enjoys traveling, writing, and staying active through biking, running, and volleyball. She volunteers for youth development organizations, including Girls on the Run, and serves on the associate board of youth entrepreneurship organization, BUILD NYC. She is also a board member of Manhattan Community Board 10 in central Harlem, where she currently resides with her husband, Duncan (married in 2018).

Tiffany Reaves is the current director of social impact and fan engagement for the New York Knicks. In this role,...

Tiffany Reaves

The Madison Square Garden Company

Timothy Garnett

Position: Managing Director, The Avascent Group

Timothy Garnett

Managing Director, The Avascent Group

Timothy Ruffin

Position: Senior Program Manager
Email: truffin@build.org

Timothy Ruffin joins the BUILD NYC team after years of classroom and curriculum writing experience at the high school, college and non-profit levels. As an entrepreneur and educator himself, Timothy believes that success in the 21st century will be achieved by those students who have learned the essential skills to develop their own businesses, while constantly pursuing academic achievement because they will be able to adapt to life’s challenges regardless of any societal issues. As a person who was able to overcome the many pitfalls of growing up in an underserved community, Timothy is committed to ensuring that every BUILD student has the opportunity to grow, prosper and make systemic changes in their communities. Timothy holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in African American history and two master’s degrees, one in the social sciences and the other in education.

Timothy Ruffin joins the BUILD NYC team after years of classroom and curriculum writing experience at the high school, college...

Timothy Ruffin

Senior Program Manager

Toiell Washington

Position: Program Manager
Email: twashington@build.org

Toiell Washington joins Build with several years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As a Boston native, she has worked with a number of different organizations in the city doing violence prevention work, such as Casa Myrna and Mothers for Justice and Equality. While working with this demographic, she found a love for community building.  In more recent years, she has become involved in education-based organizations centered around mentoring and empowerment, including Strong Women Strong Girls Boston.

Outside of her work as a nonprofit leader, she is the founder and creator of The Master Tools, a game company that starts conversations around systems of oppression. Toiell is committed to exploring and introducing topics in social justice education in a non-traditional way. Both her experience in the nonprofit field and work as a social entrepreneur make her a great fit for BUILD. She believes it is important that we, as a collective, are accommodating all different kinds of learning styles and encouraging the younger generation to be creative.

Toiell also runs a community organization and digital platform called Black Boston to keep young Black people in the city politically engaged. As someone heavily involved in her community, she has been recognized for her leadership in many different capacities. In 2020, she was the recipient of the Boston Celtics Heroes Among Us Award. She was also awarded Best Social Justice Advocate of the year by Boston Magazine in 2021.

Toiell Washington joins Build with several years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As a Boston native, she has worked...

Toiell Washington

Program Manager

Tom Axbey

Position: Investor, Advisor

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Tom Axbey

Investor, Advisor

Tomas Dicpinigaitis

Position: Investment Banking Director, UBS

Tomas Dicpinigaitis

Investment Banking Director, UBS

Tony Bordon

Position: Managing Director, Spinnaker Analytics

Tony Bordon

Managing Director, Spinnaker Analytics

Tony Shavers III

Position: Assistant Director of Donor Engagement
Email: tshavers@build.org

Tony Shavers III joins the BUILD National team as the Assistant Director of Donor Engagement. Before joining BUILD, Tony was the Development Officer at the University of Maryland and previously served as the Leadership Annual Giving Officer at San Jose State University. In these roles, he secured several impactful gifts supporting campus-wide initiatives. Prior to working in higher education, Tony was a Youth Advocate for Community Works West-Project WHAT! (a leadership development program for children of incarcerated parents.)

As an alumnus of BUILD (Class of 2010), Tony is excited to come full circle and credits the program for giving him the confidence to believe in his abilities. He recently authored his first book: Is Your Dream Really Worth It? Tony holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, East Bay.

Tony Shavers III joins the BUILD National team as the Assistant Director of Donor Engagement. Before joining BUILD, Tony was...

Tony Shavers III

Assistant Director of Donor Engagement

Tre’ Scott

Position: Strategist, Microsoft

Tre’ Scott

Strategist, Microsoft

Trent Houston

Position: Assistant Manager, Cambridge Associates

Trent Houston

Assistant Manager, Cambridge Associates

Trevor Kempner

Position: Assistant District Attorney, San Francisco District Attorney’s Office

Trevor Kempner

Assistant District Attorney, San Francisco District Attorney’s Office

Trish Walker *Chair*

Position: Founder @my_daily_dash
Top: 1

Trish Walker *Chair*

Founder @my_daily_dash

Trish Walker *Boston*

Position: Boston Regional Board Chair

Trish Walker *Boston*

Boston Regional Board Chair

Vanessa Welch

Position: Anchor, Boston 25 News

Vanessa Welch

Anchor, Boston 25 News

Venkat Srinivasan

Position: Managing Director, Innospark Ventures

Venkat Srinivasan

Managing Director, Innospark Ventures

Virginia Duke

Position: Project Manager
Email: vduke@build.org

Virginia Duke is proud to be in her eighth year, as part of the BUILD family. She currently serves as BUILD’s Project Manager, a role that draws heavily from her previous positions as both a grant writer and program manager, teaching BUILD juniors in Oakland how to run their own businesses and prepare for the college application process.

Before joining BUILD, Virginia taught English in Nepal on a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant fellowship and taught eighth-grade math in rural Alabama through Teach for America. Born and raised in Montana, she is a 2011 University of Oklahoma graduate (Boomer Sooner!). Virginia lives in Billings, Montana is an avid reader, and is writing her third novel.

Virginia Duke is proud to be in her eighth year, as part of the BUILD family. She currently serves as...

Virginia Duke

Project Manager

Wanda Lee

Position: Assistant Vice President, Temasek

Wanda Lee

Assistant Vice President, Temasek

Wickel Titalom

Position: Head of Partnerships, Grailed

Wickel Titalom

Head of Partnerships, Grailed

Will Hawkins

Position: Senior Associate, Founder Collective

Will Hawkins

Senior Associate, Founder Collective

Zach Riedy

Position: Technology Crossover Ventures

Zach Riedy is a technology investor at TCV, a $15B+ growth equity fund based in Silicon Valley with additional offices in New York and London. Previously, Zach worked in the technology investment banking group at William Blair in Chicago. Zach joined BUILD’s Associate Board in early 2019. Zach received a B.S.B.A. in Finance and Economics with honors from Ohio State University and studied at the London School of Economics.

Zach Riedy is a technology investor at TCV, a $15B+ growth equity fund based in Silicon Valley with additional offices...

Zach Riedy

Technology Crossover Ventures

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