Chicago:Blend
I serve on the Alumni Board at Chicago:Blend, a nonprofit that trains underrepresented groups to be venture capitalists through hands-on fellowships at local funds.
I was a Blend Fellow in 2022—part of the first cohort and their first placement. The program changed my career trajectory, and I'm committed to making sure future fellows have the same opportunity.
My work on the Alumni Board
As a board member and chair of the operations and governance committee, I focus on:
- Supporting future fellows: Helping design program improvements and connecting fellows to opportunities
- Alumni connectivity: Building networks across cohorts so fellows have peer support as they advance in their careers
- Strategic initiatives: Advising on program expansion, fundraising, and organizational priorities
- Partnership development: Co-leading Learn AI For Investors, a monthly working group for venture operators that operates under Blend's infrastructure
Blend gave me access to an industry that doesn't always open its doors to people like me. Now I help hold that door open for others.
Grinnell College
I serve on the Alumni Council at Grinnell College, where I help connect students with alumni and support the college's mission of preparing its community for leadership and service.
Why Grinnell matters to me
Grinnell is where I learned to think clearly and write precisely. Its rigorous liberal arts education and emphasis on contributing to the common good shaped the way I approach my career. As a result, I bring intellectual discipline, a bias toward systems thinking, and a focus on solving meaningful problems.
As a first-generation college graduate, I know how critical mentors and networks are for navigating the transition from education to career. My work on the Alumni Council focuses on creating pathways for current students, particularly those interested in finance, venture capital, and impact-driven work.
What I do
My work on the Council includes:
- Career connections: Helping students and recent alumni explore careers in venture capital, operations, and impact investing
- Network building: Connecting Grinnellians to opportunities in Chicago and beyond
- Strategic counsel: Advising the college on alumni engagement and career support initiatives, including fundraising
Grinnell gave me the foundation for everything I've built since—this is one way I give back.
You can find my profile here.