ESO VENTURES
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.
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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.
Our team
Alfredo Mathew III
Co-Founder and Partner
Experienced urban educator, non-profit leader, and business owner. Over 20 years of experience as a teacher leader in New York City and California public schools, and executive leader of a national youth entrepreneurship organization.
Ashley Moreland-Mizzi
Senior Director of ESO Capital in the Community Fund
Experienced and accomplished leader in financial services, working in both the private and public sectors, with a deep understanding of the market, sector, and competitive trends in entrepreneurial support services.
Benjamin Wanzo
Co-Founder and Partner
Professor of Business teaching entrepreneurship, small business management, and digital marketing. BA in Applied Mathematics from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Martha Hernandez, SHRM-SCP
Co-Founder and Partner
Serial entrepreneur experienced in tech start-ups, retailers, service, hospitality, manufacturing, etc. Martha is passionate about technology as a tool to support people to achieve their life purpose. Martha received her BA from Occidental College, is an alumna of the Coro Fellows Program and earned certifications on AI Business Strategy from MIT and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional.
Sabrina Mutukisna
Director of Programs
Social impact entrepreneur, workforce development specialist & executive coach with a passion for inclusive design and developing the world's best leaders.
Esther Isabel Santamaria
Operations and Engagement Specialist
Multifaceted and passionate about community growth. Before ESO, Esther worked as an experienced camera technician in the film industry.
Alberto Torrico
Strategic Advisor
Representative of a broad cross-section of clients in the business sector, trade associations, and various organizations that represent employees.
Amy Chan
Strategic Advisor
Educator, facilitator, and consultant who guides organizations during start-up, strategic pivot, and expansion phases. Coaches staff and executive management teams to design, implement, and evaluate complex projects with various stakeholders.
Sabrina Teichman
Strategic Advisor
Entrepreneurially-minded leader with public and private sector experience in global policy, community impact, strategy and partnerships. Serves as an Advisor and Board Member to early stage entrepreneurs, and for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Kysha Mitchell
Business Coach
Founder of Elevate your NOW as a platform for inspiration, expert guidance, and community blending creativity and strategy to make dreams real and practical.
Vivian Faustino
Strategic Advisor
Founder of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at City College of San Francisco with the mission of making entrepreneurship education accessible, inclusive, and practical.
Natalia Figari
Marketing Consultant
Advertising strategist, award-winning writer, and co-founder of Devenir for brand communication of international projects.
Sascha Brown
Oakland Growth Manager
Originally from Long Beach, CA and deeply rooted in Oakland/Bay Area for the past 16 years. Sascha is a mission-driven people connector, strategist and entrepreneur. Before joining ESO, they spent 10+ years supporting students to develop leadership skills at Mills College.
Zakiya Mackey
Program Manager
is a passionate, versatile community evangelist focused on developing comprehensive, inclusive efforts and programs with expertise in community development & public relations, corporate responsibility, program management, non-traditional education pathways, curriculum building & facilitation, and social impact.
Manuel Coelho
UI/UX Designer
Illustrator & Graphic Designer
specialized in Branding, UX, and Co-Founder of Nodriza, a transmedia project specialized in storytelling.
