Introducing the 2024 PledgeLA VC Fellowship Cohort!
When equity is embedded into the fabric of the venture capital ecosystem, the entire industry thrives. With the support from the Annenberg Foundation, in 2019 we launched a first-of-its-kind VC internship program expanding access to this innovative sector, particularly for those not well-represented in this space. Since then, we’ve placed 70 interns in 10-week, full-time paid internships at LA-based venture firms, and of our alumni, more than 50% are working in VC or tech related roles.
Our fifth-annual program, now called the PledgeLA VC Fellowship, is a core part of PledgeLA’s work to build a more inclusive and representative venture ecosystem in LA. We’re thrilled to continue this work with a new program partner, Cinematica Labs. After a competitive selection process, we are excited to welcome our new cohort — 10 inspiring and impact-driven fellows matched at 9 partner firms and accelerators. The 2024 PledgeLA VC Fellow cohort represents emerging leaders in venture that bring experience in cleantech, education, entrepreneurship, and more. Of this group, 70% are women, 60% identify as people of color (Black or Latinx/e), and 10% identify as LGBTQIA+.
Each fellow candidate completed 3 months of intensive training in venture capital fundamentals, collaborating with founders of high-growth startups and experienced investors. After engaging with local investors, each fellow completed an investment memo project and crafted a personal investment thesis aligned with their vision as the next generation of trailblazers in venture. This summer, they will work alongside incredible venture leaders at firms including VamosVentures, Supply Change Capital, MaC Venture Capital, and more. We look forward to the impact this class will make at their firms this summer and beyond.
Join us in congratulating our 2024 PledgeLA VC Fellows and learn more about them below!
Alan Cortez
University of California, Riverside
Fellow at Supply Change Capital
Alan Cortez is currently a full-time MBA student at the University of California, Riverside — A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management. Following his undergraduate studies, he served as Assistant Director of Career Services at La Sierra University, where he found his passion for supporting individuals and institutions alike in their development. After business school, he plans on working in aiding individuals and organizations through consulting in order propel small and medium businesses towards success.
Sabah Harris
Loyola Marymount University
Fellow at Emmeline Ventures
Sabah is a current MBA student at Loyola Marymount University with a background in education and a keen interest in the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship. Her experience as a teacher and mentor in under-resourced schools equipped her with valuable skills in collaboration, leadership, and strategic thinking. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sabah is passionate about fitness, beauty, and fashion. She is eager to immerse herself in the dynamic startup ecosystem, contributing her unique perspective and expertise while learning from industry leaders.
Jordyn Hill
University of California, Irvine
Fellow at Sunset Ventures
Jordyn is a graduating student studying Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UC Irvine. Prior to business school, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Economics from Howard University. With a particular interest in professional sports, Jordyn is interested in venture capital funds that specialize in sports and entertainment, such as sports-tech, sports media, or entertainment funds overall. Upon graduating, she will be continuing her education at Columbia University to receive her Master’s of Science in Sports Management.
Tatiana Jackson
California State University, San Bernardino
Fellow at Avivar Capital
Tatiana Jackson is currently obtaining a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the California State University San Bernardino while concurrently completing the Reserve Officer Training Corps to commission as a United States Army Officer. A proud native of South Central Los Angeles, she pursued post-secondary education at the California State University Northridge as a first-generation college student who received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child Development and managed to graduate in just three years while remaining debt-free. Her passion has always been to help others achieve their goals no matter their cultural background, financial status or gender, and is the founder of Future Wealthy Minorities, Inc.
Miranda Lee
California State University, San Bernardino
Fellow at Kaya Ventures
Miranda is pursuing her Master’s of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Cal State San Bernardino, deepening her expertise in entrepreneurial endeavors, and is on her way to becoming an accredited investor. She is an accomplished Learning and Performance Manager with over 15 years of experience in operations, training, program design, and business operations. As Founder and Principal Learning Designer at LX Labs, an experiential learning agency, Miranda has collaborated with renowned brands like Cisco, F5 Networks, Southern California Edison, Microsoft, and others.
Siani Mora Mak
California State University, Los Angeles
Fellow at VamosVentures
Siani, a recent graduate of California State University of Los Angeles with a master’s degree in economics, is deeply passionate about economic equity and community revitalization. Her interest in venture capital and investing stems from her work with The Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator & Fellowship (LEEAF) at Cal State LA, where she supported cohorts of innovators, mainly business owners of color, to overcome barriers and catalyze economic opportunity across LA County. Siani aims to champion investments that yield financial returns while catalyzing social transformation, particularly focusing on inclusive investment strategies for BIPOC women-led businesses.
Humnah Memon
University of Southern California
Fellow at MaC Venture Capital
Humnah is a recent graduate of the University of Southern California — Marshall School of Business, where she obtained an M.S. in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She also graduated from Harvard University with degrees in economics and finance, and has experience within startups and small companies, research, and tax consulting. Currently pursuing a career in VC, she hopes to work with early and growth stage startups.
Paxton Paganelli
University of Southern California
Fellow at New Media Ventures
Paxton “Pax’’ Paganelli (he/they), an MBA student at the University of Southern California — Marshall School of Business, is deeply invested in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and representation as the president of Marshall PRIDE. Beyond LGBTQ+ advocacy, Pax is passionate about inclusivity for people with disabilities, drawing from their own experiences as a neurodivergent and dyslexic individual. Post MBA, Pax plans to concentrate on LGBTQ+ and Disability empowerment efforts within the venture capital sector, aiming to foster a more inclusive business environment while leveraging emerging technologies to enhance the social and environmental landscape globally.
Estelle Potdevin
Loyola Marymount University
Fellow at Grid110
Estelle Potdevin is a current graduate student at Loyola Marymount University pursuing her Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation. Prior to this, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Leadership from the same institution. Estelle’s passion for sustainability developed during her involvement in an innovation campus challenge with Deloitte during her undergraduate term. She is particularly drawn to startups working to implement new systems and infrastructure geared towards long-term sustainable growth. Post-graduation, Estelle plans to channel her passion into a career in venture capital, collaborating with startups committed to making a meaningful and sustainable impact.
Bryan Reyes
University of California, Riverside
Fellow at Avivar Capital
Bryan is currently enrolled as a full-time MBA student at the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Riverside. Currently, he holds the position of a sector leader and equity analyst at the Hylander Student Investment Fund, having previously served as the vice president of Hylander Financial Group at UCR in 2022. Recently completing an internship as a Portfolio Analyst, he significantly enriched his investment experience.
About PledgeLA
PledgeLA is a collective of Los Angeles-based venture capital firms and tech companies working to increase access to capital for all Angelenos, launched in 2018 in partnership with the Annenberg Foundation and the City of Los Angeles.
About Cinematica Labs
Cinematica Labs builds entrepreneurial ecosystems through community, capital, connectivity, and culture. Led by 3x founder, venture investor, and USC Professor Shane Kelly together with serial ecosystem builders Marcia Chong Rosado and Trivia Edwards, they have partnered with powerhouse organizations including Black Ambition, New Media Ventures, Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and Black Future House.
About Annenberg Foundation
The Annenberg Foundation is a family foundation that supports the worldwide community through its grantmaking and direct charitable activities. The Foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the United States and globally that have a deep level of community involvement, are led by effective leaders and tackle challenging and timely issues.
