
Planting Seeds for Collective Prosperity
Local neighborhoods are the lifeblood of our communities. They’re also where small businesses can drive true social impact. At ESO, we work to uplift the folks investing in impact through local entrepreneurship, promoting economic equity and prosperity with the power of small business.
ESO—an acronym for Entrepreneurial Support Organization and a nod to our birthplace (East Side Oakland)—may have roots in the Bay Area, but we partner with entrepreneurs across the entire state of California. Our team members leverage their diverse skills and strengths to ensure every entrepreneur in our ecosystem receives well-rounded, practical and strategic support. From seasoned marketing strategists to financial wizards, every member of ESO is committed to your business expansion and holistic, professional growth.

Our Team
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Martha Hernandez
Co-Founder and CEO
she/her
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Alfredo Mathew III
Co-Founder and Strategic Partner
he/him
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Ben Wanzo
Co-Founder and CTO
he/him
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Akintunde Ahmad
Marketing & Communications Senior Manager
he/him
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Alejandra Magaña Gamero
Entrepreneur Experience Manager
She/Her
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Arrielle Polk
Operations Specialist
she/her
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Ashley Moreland-Mizzi
Head of Business Services & Fund
she/her
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Daniel Medina
Investment Fund Manager
he/him
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Dax Moreno
Head of Business Development & Operations
he/him
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Esther Santamaria
Operations Manager
she/her
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Kelley Nayo-Jahi
Community Engagement Manager
she/her
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Lorena Borrayo
Business Services Specialist
she/her
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Marion Araque
Project Delivery & Integration Senior Manager
she/her
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Nia Mullen
Fund Operations Manager
she/her
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Victor Pacheco
Performance Analytics & Reporting Manager
he/him
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Zakiya Mackey
Director of Business Services
she/her
Advisory Board
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Alberto Torrico
Government Affairs - Government Relations - Lobbyist
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Jan Owen
Board Member - Senior Advisor - Government Affairs
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Steve Carnevale
Executive Chairman - Managing Partner
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Thurman White
Board Member - Advisor - Angel Investor - Former CEO an Board member
Our Impact
Join Us
As champions of diversity and equity, we actively promote and support Black and Latino entrepreneurs in their journey to success. Join forces with the ESO team and pursue a career path of growth, resilience, and community impact.