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We are a social
impact company

ESO is committed to uplifting not only  entrepreneurs with a fully-developed  idea, but also people who are willing to grow, create, and become change agents in their community.

​Based in East Oakland, we’re addressing economic, racial, and gender gaps through the work and success of the next thousands of ESO Entrepreneurs  because we know entrepreneurship is the way.

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Founders & Partners

Our Philosophy
Our Team

Team

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Alfredo Mathew III

Co-Founder and Partner

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Alfredo Mathew III is an experienced urban educator, non-profit leader, and business owner. He brings... Read more.

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Ben Wanzo

Co-Founder and Partner

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An Oakland, CA native, Benjamin Wanzo is a founding partner at ESO Ventures. He earned... Read more.

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Martha Hernandez

Co-Founder and Partner

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An East Oakland native, Martha Hernández is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder/and partner at... Read more.

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Akintunde Ahmad

Communications and Marketing Manager

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Born and raised in East Oakland, CA, Akintunde Ahmad is an entrepreneur who centers equity... Read more.

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Ashley Moreland - Mizzi

Senior Director, Capital in the Community Fund

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Detroit born and bred, Ashley is ESO’s Senior Director of the Capital in the Community Fund. She... Read more.

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Dax Moreno

Director of Strategic Partnerships

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A native of San Antonio, Texas, Dax is ESO’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. He has held... Read more.

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Esther Santamaria

Operations and Engagement Specialist

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Esther Santamaria is an multi-faceted entrepreneur with a diverse background in film production... Read more.

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Diana León

Operations Manager

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Diana Leon, a California native, is an established HR Leader focusing on talent management... Read more.

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Marion Araque

EEE and ReEntry Program Manager

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Marion, an East Coast native, is a results-oriented leader with a profound commitment to advancing... Read more.

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Nia Mullen

Capital in the Community Fund Manager

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Munirah Mullen, preferred name Nia, is a native Detroiter, currently based in Metro-Atlanta... Read more.

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Lorena Borrayo

Programs Specialist

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Born and raised in East Oakland, CA with Mexican roots, Lorena Borrayo is a first-generation ... Read more.

Advisory Board

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Sabrina Mutukisna

Senior Director of Programs

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For the last 15 years, Sabrina has worked at the intersection of community... Read more.

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Sascha Brown

Entrepreneur Success Manager, Capital in the Community Fund

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Originally from Long Beach, CA and deeply rooted in Oakland/the Bay Area for nearly two decades... Read more.

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Zakiya Mackey

Senior Program Manager

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A third generation West Oakland, CA resident, Zakiya is a passionate, versatile community... Read more.

Collaborators

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Alberto Torrico

Alberto Torrico joins ESO from the realm of California state government. After nearly ten years in elected office... Read more.

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Jan Owen

Jan Lynn Owen joins the ESO advisory board as a National Advisor - Emeritus for the Law firm of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips... Read more.

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Steve Carnevale

Mr. Carnevale joins the ESO advisory board as the Founder and co Chairman of the UCSF Dyslexia Center... Read more.

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Thurman White

Thurman White joins the ESO board after retiring in 2020 as Chief Executive of Progress Investment Management... Read more.

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Join our team

Our internal culture, resources and infrastructure welcomes new and diverse talents.

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Check out the opportunities to grow with ESO Ventures.

We' re Hiring!
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