Watson Institute Team

Nadeem plays a central role in shaping and implementing the student experience at Watson Institute at Lynn University. He helps design, lead, and execute high-impact student experiences focused on leadership development, community building, professional growth, mentorship, and experiential learning.

Saarika oversees the recruitment of a vibrant and engaged community of Preceptors, Mentors, and Entrepreneurs in Residence for Watson Institute. In addition, she serves as a liaison to the broader South Florida community to build a community to coach and support the students and Fellows.

Brandon manages the Impact Fellowship programs for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Mary oversees the Events Team and manages the foundational aspects of the Fellowship journey, including Watson Institute’s Summits, Basecamps, and immersives. She fosters a supportive and empowering environment and contributes to the overall success of our Fellows as they navigate their entrepreneurship journey.

Cinthia works with the Events Team and manages the foundational aspects of the Fellowship journey, including Watson Institute’s Summits, Basecamps, and immersives. She fosters a supportive and empowering environment and contributes to the overall success of our Fellows as they navigate their entrepreneurship journey.

Lallas manages Watson Institute’s Enlight Fellowship, as well as searches China and the globe for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for our Impact Fellowships. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Selena manages the Impact Fellowship programs for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Nirva works with the Events Team and manages the foundational aspects of the Fellowship journey, including Watson Institute’s Summits, Basecamps, and immersives. He fosters a supportive and empowering environment and contributes to the overall success of our Fellows as they navigate their entrepreneurship journey.

Jordan manages the Impact Fellowship programs for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Evelyn (Evie) works with the Events Team and manages the design and implementation of a world-class Summit experience that showcases the projects, ventures, and initiatives of highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders part of our Impact Fellowship Programs. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Erick leads recruitment of a vibrant community of Preceptors, Mentors, and Entrepreneurs in Residence, builds systems to guide Program Managers/Leads, analyzes program data for continuous improvement, and manages scalable resources to strengthen Fellow impact and ecosystem growth.

Amiya supports the Events Team in producing high-quality, presentation-ready content that brings Watson institute’s programs to life across major virtual events. She fosters a supportive and empowering environment and contributes to the overall success of our Fellows as they navigate their entrepreneurship journey.

Javier oversees the Watson Institute at Lynn University program and Team. He ensures student success by fostering our northstar where students can major in their mission, gain experience as interns with leading organizations in their field, and develop a skill set necessary to create impactful, successful careers.

Lizzy manages the Impact Fellowship programs and team for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Uche manages key elements of the Impact Fellowship programs for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

James oversees the design of our global programming and has a deep seated passion to make our Fellow Journey the best out there. He is a pioneer graduate of our inaugural cohort at Watson Institute at Lynn University and is the Founder and current Board Member of Street Priests, which is an organization that supports street children in Nigeria.

Mayva leads an Impact Fellowship program for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship program includes award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Teal manages the Impact Fellowship programs for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Emanuel manages the core elements of the Watson Institute Career Accelerator program and supports ongoing recruitment efforts. The Career Accelerators include committed mentorship, award-winning training, personal and professional skill development, and an impactful network of peers and resources.

Maria Gracia Agurto is the Founder and CEO of Golden Circle, a Miami-based fundraising strategy and investor readiness firm supporting early-stage founders across the Americas. She brings experience as a founder, venture capital professional, angel investor, and entrepreneurship educator. Her work focuses on fundraising readiness, investor narrative, capital strategy, and founder mentorship.

Eduardo is a passionate leader with 25+ year-experience in finance, management, social innovation, business strategy, product development, human development, partnerships and startups.

Jeremy Callinan is a technology leader and educator with 20+ years of industry experience. As IT Manager at American Refining Group and faculty at University of Pittsburgh Bradford, he blends real-world tech with academic innovation. Jeremy founded ventures in tech, retail, and hospitality, and consulted for 75+ businesses. He’s pioneered VR courses, launched the eSports program, and mentors students in software, networking, cybersecurity, and systems integration.

Ryan Cobbins is an entrepreneur, executive advisor, and growth strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping businesses, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations expand their impact. He has guided organizations in securing funding, strengthening financial strategy, and achieving sustainable growth. Drawing on his experience as a founder and executive leader, Ryan equips entrepreneurs with practical tools, strategic insight, and the confidence to transform bold ideas into lasting impact.

Mentor brings over a decade of experience in leading impactful projects within social entrepreneurship. Mentor has a wealth of experience in launching businesses and crafting effective Go-To-Market strategies, and he is enthusiastic about embarking on this journey alongside you, leveraging his expertise to drive success and create meaningful impact. At his core, Mentor is a conscious leader who enjoys connecting with people and working together for a greater impact. He is a dedicated meditator on a mission to spread compassion and joy to all.

Nikki is a strategist, operator, and ecosystem builder with more than 20 years of experience across corporations, startups, nonprofits, and global development organizations. Her background includes leading corporate communications at Energizer Holdings and consulting for Fortune 500 companies, the World Bank, and USAID. Nikki specializes in building brands, functions, and programs from the ground up and helping leaders navigate change, mergers, and acquisitions.

Melinda F. Emerson, MBA, is an executive educator, entrepreneur, and adjunct professor with more than 25 years of experience developing leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performing organizations. As Founder and CEO of SmallBizLady Enterprises, she designs and delivers engaging training in leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, workforce development, and AI readiness. Melinda has taught at leading universities and advises corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits on building innovative, growth-focused learning programs and is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months.

Hillary Frances is the Founder and CEO of Flying Whale Strategies, with 20+ years of experience supporting nonprofit leaders. She has worked with 125+ national organizations and nearly 300 leaders on fundraising and strategy. Hillary has held leadership roles in state government, higher education, and co-founded Prodigy Ventures. She teaches research methods at MSU Denver and holds a Master’s in International and Intercultural Communication from the University of Denver.

Ali is a dedicated facilitator and strategist with 15+ years of experience, passionate about empowering teams and communities for positive change. She specializes in systems change, well-being, and empowering young changemakers, artists, and movement-builders. Her work is rooted in our shared humanity and guided by creative and spiritual practice, always with a focus on justice and well-being for all.

Cole Hoover, a seasoned transformative facilitator with 15 years of social impact experience, enhances social and environmental impact through business principles. As an entrepreneur and co-founder of Washington state’s first accredited social enterprise certificate program at the University of Washington, he actively teaches related courses. Serving on the board of the Whidbey Institute and an alum of the World Economic Forum’s “Global Shaper” program, Cole’s global influence extends through inspiring professionals in social enterprise, equity, and microfinance.

Rania Hoteit is a multi award-winning serial entrepreneur, global impact leader, author, advisor and speaker with recognitions from The White House, The United Nations, and UK Houses of Parliament, among other prestigious honors. With her outstanding expertise and exceptional success record, she is a sought-after thought leader, executive coach, and boards’ member who guides innovation transformation, human development and business growth for organizations worldwide.

Pearl, a Wharton and NYU Law alumna, is a former attorney, Wall Street banker, corporate executive, and internet entrepreneur. Pearl is now a mindfulness coach, guiding others toward inner growth and resilience. She brings mindfulness and self-compassion courses to schools and corporations, aiming to cultivate meaningful, burnout-free lives. As a Lululemon ambassador and Global Ambassador Advisory Board member, Pearl crafts mind-body approaches to unlock human potential and promote well-being.

Ramsay Huntley is an innovation and sustainability leader with deep experience across sectors including energy, agriculture, and finance. The founder of Tenmile Strategies, he is an advisor to growth companies, helping them successfully scale their businesses. Previously he was a sustainable finance leader at Wells Fargo. His other roles at Wells included leading climate strategy for the bank, developing the bank’s sustainable finance taxonomy, and expanding the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator.

Courtney Jackson is a business operations strategist, CDFI lending professional, and founder of Hire Great Help Inc. and Teen Moms Matter. She oversees a $4 million small business loan portfolio, managing commercial loan operations, underwriting support, compliance, closings, and borrower relations. Through her consulting and nonprofit leadership, she has designed workforce and entrepreneurship programs that equip underserved communities with tools to build sustainable businesses, increase financial capability, and create generational wealth.

Jason is the Founder and Managing Partner of Propellant Ventures, a Seed-stage fund that invests in the growth of Chicago and the greater Midwest. He is also the Managing Director of the Chicago chapter of Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed technology accelerator. With over 20 years of experience, Jason supports entrepreneurs through investor readiness, strategic advisory, and capital formation. Additionally, he teaches business and entrepreneurship at DePaul University as an adjunct faculty member.

William has spent more than twenty-five years as an executive and entrepreneur with rapid growth SaaS and EdTech startups, and has advised over 400 ventures as a subject matter expert and mentor on go-to-market (GTM) strategy. He studied mathematics and computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and English literature and theater at Oberlin College and the California Institute of the Arts, and is a co-founder of cybersecurity startup Foresight Resilience Strategies.

Dr. Pooja Khosla is Chief Executive Officer of Entelligent and a globally recognized economist, mathematician, and leader in sustainable investing and climate finance. She co-invented Entelligent’s patented Smart Climate® technology and has pioneered methodologies that integrate climate risk into investment decisions. A respected author, speaker, and educator, Dr. Khosla combines expertise in economics, data science, and sustainability to advance innovation in global finance.

Kevin holds a PhD in Machine Learning from Trinity College Dublin. He has extensive experience in machine learning, natural language processing, and applied analytics. As a Tech Entrepreneur, he has founded and led research and innovation ventures and has taught and mentored campus entrepreneurs in both Europe and the US. Kevin particularly enjoys communicating and teaching complex technological aspects in a highly interactive, inclusive, and non-intimidating fashion. Topics of interest include analytical thinking, real-world problem-solving, encouraging curiosity, ethical practice, and continuous professional growth.

Heather Lawver is the Founder & CEO of Perfectly Pitched, supporting early stage entrepreneurs & automating the future of startup branding, marketing & pitch decks. In their first year & a half in business, Perfectly Pitched helped clients raise over $12 million, which went to 97% underrepresented founders. Heather’s been a lifelong entrepreneur and is especially passionate about expanding inclusion and diversity across venture capital for women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled founders.

Brian is the Co-Founder of Roamli, which was launched to help organizations create immersive experiences for any audience and their community. In May 2023, he launched Gildre, an invite-only knowledge community for ambitious founders, providing exclusive access to mentors, events, and tools to help them build successful companies.

An experienced leader in the industrial and distribution sectors, he brings over 25 years of success building high-performing teams and delivering double-digit profitable growth in mid- to large-scale companies. His experience spans building materials, construction chemicals, electronic equipment, and environmental technologies, with deep expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and global expansion. In 2020, he co-founded Casata, a sustainable micro-living developer, and now serves as a board member, operating partner, and advisor to private-equity-backed companies.

Alec Marcellin is a social impact leader shaping Los Angeles’s nonprofit landscape. As Executive Director of Foster Nation, he empowers over 1,000 foster youth annually and chairs The Help Group’s Project Possibility Board, supporting 25,000 neurodiverse individuals. With startup experience at Not Impossible Labs and Bento, Alec specializes in data architecture, organizational strategy, fundraising, and scaling impact teams to build humble, data-driven solutions for vulnerable communities through sustainable, measurable change.

Miriam is the Executive Coach to Founders and Executives around the world. Her client list includes Academy Award winners, Olympians, many Start-Ups that have reached $1B+ valuations, non-profits and public companies. She is familiar with every phase of business and focuses on each leader finding ways to be authentic and effective in each moment.

Adam Mock is a leadership coach, facilitator, and speaker with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations adopt behaviors that improve performance. He has designed programs in communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience for global brands including Nike, Jordan Brand, and PayPal, reaching international audiences. Adam serves as Executive Director of Leadership Development and a Board Member for Triple Threat and is the author of Rescue Your Dreams.

Kimberly Moore serves as a preceptor and facilitator for Ford Philanthropy, Enlight, and Wells Fargo Fellowships powered by Watson Institute, guiding founders through breakthrough thinking on what it means to be the CEO of their growing ventures. As CEO and Cofounder of Go Together, a K-12 student mobility platform, she brings firsthand entrepreneurial experience to her work. Her personal mission is to help entrepreneurs grow successful businesses while building healthy foundations, both personally and professionally, ensuring founders never lose themselves in the entity they create.

Terrance is a dynamic operating executive, startup advisor, and early-stage investor with expertise in venture building, product management, and business development across startups, growth-stage companies, and large corporations.

Chirag is a seasoned executive, board advisor, and startup mentor who helps founders build investable, scalable companies. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience leading growth, go-to-market strategy, and business transformation for organizations ranging from $400 million to over $4 billion, he provides strategic guidance to early-stage startups. Chirag is particularly passionate about supporting ventures advancing sustainability, climate innovation, and youth empowerment.

Lisa has mapped the path from research and statistical methods to evidence-based planning to solve complex organizational challenges. She brings more than 20 years of agency experience serving clients including Nissan, Infiniti, United Airlines, Kaiser Permanente, and SAP, alongside senior leadership roles at CitiGroup, United Way Worldwide, and AT&T. Lisa holds a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.

Jeff Peters helps businesses without technical teams harness AI to automate manual work and operate more efficiently. He specializes in building AI solutions that save organizations thousands of hours each year. With more than 12 years of product leadership experience at TradeStation and Stocktwits. Jeff has taught Product Management at BrainStation and serves on the board of FLIPANY, a South Florida-based non-profit.

Mariia Potupchik is a serial entrepreneur and AI workforce intelligence expert who has scaled EdTech platforms reaching millions of learners globally. She is the Founder & CEO of YourSkills, an AI readiness platform helping enterprises navigate workforce transformation. A Stanford LEAD alumna, Stanford incubator mentor, and Co-Chair of Catalyst Now London, Mariia is passionate about using technology to create economic opportunity for underrepresented communities.

Terrance is an accomplished entrepreneur and product leader with over a decade of experience developing AI solutions for social impact. He began with a startup providing books to low-income communities in sub-Saharan Africa. He later launched Intend, a mental health app, and founded Myndful, an AI-powered well-being platform. Terrance mentors emerging ventures and advises with the Kirchner Impact Foundation, nurturing diverse, socially-conscious entrepreneurs and investors.

Matt Reynolds is a seasoned executive in socially responsible business startups, focusing on fair trade, organics, and ESG practices. He co-founded one of the first B Corporations in fashion, generating over $70 million in fair trade and organic product sales. His leadership spans Cloth Foundry, Higg, Indigenous Designs Corp., and more. Recognized with multiple awards, he exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable growth.

Dr. Paul Rivera, a dynamic strategist and visionary, excels in empowering individuals, organizations, and communities. A resilient leader and a proud Latino, his multifaceted roles span entrepreneur, strategic planner, facilitator, coach, economist, and educator. Dr. Rivera catalyzes sustainable growth and meaningful change, guiding others toward lasting systemic impact. Paul is a polyglot, music lover, and world traveler.

Tali Rosman is a seasoned global business leader. After a successful career in strategy and mergers & acquisitions, she became CEO of Elem Additive, Xerox’s advanced manufacturing subsidiary, where she built the company and the team, scaled operations and sales, and led strategic partnerships, including with the U.S. Navy, resulting in the company’s exit. With her exceptional track record of execution, Tali became a leading business advisor for technology companies, focusing on strategy, go-to-market, operational excellence and M&A.

Earl Talbot helps founders and leaders become successful on their own terms, not just successful on paper. With over 20 years in sales and a track record working with organizations including BT, Aston Martin Aramco F1, and DMG, he has spent the last two decades helping founders and solopreneurs build success that actually feels like theirs. Earl is a Certified Trainer of NLP and the author of Leading with Self-Awareness.

Régine Théodat is a Haitian-American entrepreneur, business strategist, and founder with 15+ years of experience building and scaling ventures. She owns Iman’s House, Anana Consultants, and learn & play brand Isse & Lo, and previously built a farm-to-bottle social enterprise in Haiti employing 21 people and partnering with local farmers. Her expertise spans business strategy, operations, marketing, fundraising, organizational growth, and navigating the practical realities of building businesses in complex environments.

Robyn Tosick is a visionary coach, speaker, and strategist who helps leaders thrive through mindset mastery, emotional intelligence, and conscious leadership. With 25 years of experience across Fortune 500 brands and her own ventures, she blends neuroscience, mindfulness, and bold strategy to unlock lasting success. A Forbes-recognized changemaker and University of Arizona mentor, Robyn empowers purpose-driven entrepreneurs to lead boldly and build thriving, values-aligned businesses from the inside out.

Yulimar Trumbo is CEO and co-founder of HEI Florida, bringing 20+ years of experience in leadership, technology, and international sales. Yulimar has created the “Empowering the American Dream” program, designed for diverse entrepreneurs. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Yulimar is a Certified Public Speaker, Facilitator, Curriculum Designer, trainer and Sales Consultant for Fortune 500 clients. She lives with her husband and two children in Boca Raton, FL.

Jennifer Turliuk is a technologist, climate tech investor, and Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School. She led AI for climate and energy at MIT and has spoken at Davos, COP29, ARPA-E, TEDx, and top universities. A former Partner at Climate Capital Syndicate and Climate Angels, she co-founded and exited through acquisition of an education company. An MIT Sloan Fellow, she’s been featured in major media and serves as a board member, mentor, and advisor for many entrepreneurs.

Raviv is a product-driven founder working at the frontier of Physical AI and Earth intelligence. He’s CEO & Co-Founder of a GeoAI startup redefining how we see Earth from space. Previously, he co-founded CaliberMind and NatureX, scaling AI products and nature risk tools. Raviv also contributes to TNFD’s nature data working group and mentors at TechStars, bridging deep tech with real-world applications in climate, risk, and geospatial intelligence.

Tim Turner is an AI and data analytics leader with more than 10 years of experience using market research, data science, and strategy frameworks to help organizations identify and pursue growth opportunities. He completed his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University. His career has spanned many organizations including Walgreens, GoHealth, Stax Inc., and most recently Thresholds, a Chicago nonprofit where he is Vice President of Business Insights & Data Analytics.

Erick Watson helps AI labs, Web3 protocols, and venture studios transform frontier research into products people use. As a fractional Chief Product Officer through SproutVest, he partners with founding teams to define product strategy, build go-to-market plans, and successfully launch new ventures. A member of the Toptal network, representing the top 3% of freelance product managers, Erick brings deep expertise in innovation, product leadership, and startup growth.

Rhys Williams has over 30 years of experience in venture finance, entrepreneurship, and not-for-profit management. He has served as Managing Director of FAU Tech Runway, Co-Founder of New World Angels and several biotech companies, Research Director for the Angel Capital Institute, Chairman Emeritus of the Cox Science Center, and Commander of an Army Special Forces unit. He’s testified before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee and was named one of the “50 Power Leaders in Technology.” Rhys holds degrees from Harvard and the University of Florida (J.D., MBA)

Sarah Windrum is a technology business founder and investor who is leading the development of MIRA Tech Park’s future mobility cluster in the UK. The park hosts 40+ global tenants specializing in zero-emission and cyber resilience technologies. A leader in regional innovation, she serves on multiple boards and was formerly Chair of the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership. She is Deputy Chair for the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Innovation Board, a Regional Fellow at the University of Warwick, and a recent MSc graduate from Coventry University in Data Science. Sarah also wrote a book, The Superhero I Was Born to Be, sharing how she manages her mental health as an entrepreneur, published in 2017.

Tim is a 4-time startup founder as both CTO and CEO, and always as product visionary. He has raised millions of dollars in venture capital and exited the first three businesses via acquisition. Tim holds two patents in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Father of two amazing kids and a fan of the future, even in these chaotic times.

Kaila Wright is the Founder and CEO of Blueprint University, where she is pioneering the nation’s first trade school for entrepreneurship. Drawing on experience in biology, building business, workforce initiatives, and community partnerships, she equips founders with practical strategies for funding, growth, and long-term sustainability. Kaila is passionate about helping entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into thriving ventures that create jobs, expand opportunity, and strengthen communities.

Dandan Wu is an educator, leadership coach, and entrepreneur based in Silicon Valley. After earning her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, she has focused on helping founders, students, and emerging leaders grow with greater self-awareness and purpose. Passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences, Dandan empowers people to develop their leadership, transform ideas into action, and create lasting positive impact.

Dr. Esther Zeledón, known as Dr. EZ, is a resilient Latina immigrant and trailblazer. Her diverse roles include entrepreneur, speaker, coach, diplomat, activist, mother, mentor, travel guru, scientist, and author. In her book “Creating Your Limitless Life,” she guides others toward authentic fulfillment. Dr. EZ bridges cultural gaps, fostering transformational change and collective power based on purpose, joy, peace, health, love, and prosperity. She inspires others to live a limitless life.

Jenny Zhao is a global marketing strategist with 14 years of experience across Europe, China, and Singapore. Fluent in English, French, and German, she holds both an MBA and an EMBA. Beyond her professional career, Jenny is deeply committed to mentoring emerging leaders through organizations including China Youth of Tomorrow, SMU, SIM Career Center, BestTop Career, the Singapore Leaders Network, and Advisory Singapore. An avid traveler, she has solo backpacked to more than 90 countries.

Amanda Zheng is Founder and CEO of Impact Bread, named Best Impact Investment Boutique China in 2024. She co-founded China Impact Ventures, investing in carbon-neutral ventures backed by top-tier VCs. Driven by her passion for advancing China’s impact investing ecosystem, she has worked with multiple impact investment organizations. She began her career at Morgan Stanley and led Shell Foundation’s first energy incubator in China.

Milena manages the Search & Admissions Team and leads our global search for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for the Impact Fellowship programs. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Jefferey Li manages our global search for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for the Impact Fellowship programs. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Ana manages our global search for Watson Institute at Lynn University to bring together a cohort of innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs from across the globe to build careers that align with their values and contribute to solving the toughest challenges facing the world.

Sandra manages our global search for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for the Impact Fellowship programs. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Angelique manages our global search for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for the Impact Fellowship programs. In addition, she manages an Impact Fellowship program. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Maria Pamela manages our global search for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for the Impact Fellowship programs. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Mariana manages regional search for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for the Impact Fellowship programs. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources.

Lilian plays a crucial role in the Search team by supporting the logistical preparations needed for successful recruitment cycles. She provides world-class technical, logistical, and organizational structure to the team’s recruitment, admissions, and marketing functions.

Monica manages our Search Operations Team and provides world class technical and operational support to the team’s recruitment, admissions, and marketing functions. Monica also supports our global search for highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders for the Impact Fellowship programs.

Tyler ensures Watson Institute fosters an inclusive, high-performing, and mission-driven workplace by leading strategic talent recruitment efforts that attract and activate impact-driven individuals aligned with the organization’s principles and long-term impact.

Rachel manages the daily operations at Watson Institute. This includes but is not limited to leading team benefits, managing/tracking program budgets, team culture initiatives, and supporting org-wide projects.

Daniela manages the daily operations at Watson Institute. This includes but is not limited to leading hiring operations, Fellow financial operations, IT support, team culture initiatives, and supporting org-wide projects.

Maggie supports the Strategic Partnerships Team by building and growing partnerships with corporate and foundation partners to expand Watson Institute’s impact. This includes identifying new opportunities, developing compelling proposals, and supporting the creation of Fellowships that deliver meaningful impact.

Kayla supports the Strategic Partnerships Team by building and growing partnerships with corporate and foundation partners to expand Watson Institute’s impact. This includes identifying new opportunities, developing compelling proposals, and supporting the creation of Fellowships that deliver meaningful impact.

Sarah nurtures, strengthens, and grows Watson Institute’s current partnerships with corporate, private foundation, and individual partners.

Maeve strengthens Watson Institute’s brand and partnerships and impacts highly promising rising entrepreneurs and leaders through effective storytelling, communications, and strategic prospecting.

Ariana leads our Strategic Partnerships team with the goal to build long-term multi-faceted relationships with our partners required to expand our impact. This includes the co-creation of new programs, compelling writing of grant proposals and serving as lead for some of our corporate and foundational partners.

Isabel leads our global Search & Admissions Team with the goal to strengthen our search strategy and impact worldwide. In addition, she oversees our Career Accelerator program. In this capacity, she advises program design, identifies and assesses technical and operational requirements, and ultimately translate those requirements into an implementation strategy that meets the needs of both our partners and Watson Institute.

Recognized as an Ashoka fellow, Echoing Green fellow, and one of Forbes 30 under 30 social entrepreneurs, Eric’s work is driven by a simple belief: to solve the toughest challenges facing humanity, the place to start is within the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Dwayne leads the Programs and Design teams for Watson Institute’s Impact Fellowship programs and ensures the highest level of programmatic quality and impact. The Impact Fellowship programs include award-winning training, venture development stipend opportunities, committed mentorship, and a vast network of resources. He is a pioneer graduate of our inaugural cohort at Watson Institute at Lynn University.

Alberto leads our strategic hiring operations, team expansion, employment compliance, payroll, and benefits. He also manages the People & Operations Team to ensure seamless internal processes, maintains regulatory compliance, and supports the infrastructure necessary for Watson Institute’s mission-driven programs to thrive.

Andrew serves as the internal lead of the organization and oversees our Programs, People & Operations, Search & Admissions, and Strategic Partnerships functions. He supports each team in achieving ambitious goals while building the culture and operational foundation that enable Watson Institute to become the highest performing team our employees have ever been part of in the social impact sector. He is known as a GyShiDo Master and is committed to helping Watson Institute become a hundred-year institution.

Recognized as an Ashoka fellow, Echoing Green fellow, and one of Forbes 30 under 30 social entrepreneurs, Eric’s work is driven by a simple belief: to solve the toughest challenges facing humanity, the place to start is within the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Partner in the Private Equity and Independent Sponsor practices at McGuireWoods, Jason has extensive corporate, pro-bono, and non-profit expertise. From the board, he supports Watson Institute with legal and strategy questions, among others.

Mike is a retired Microsoft executive where he led high profile, global products and most recently the Community Development program that supports 50+ global communities. Mike is an early-stage investor, advisor and board member of numerous non-profit and for-profit start-ups.