THE MAKE STARTUPS TEAM

Our team represents a diverse range of social identities, lived and professional experiences, and geographies.  Through collective decades of lived and professional experience,  we understand the complexities of turning ideas into profitable, regenerative business models as well as the specific social and economic challenges faced by marginalized groups (BIPOC, women, LGBTQ, justice-involved, disabled, etc.). Make Startups has a demonstrative track record of grassroots organizing and implementing culturally sustaining programs with and for communities that have been denied opportunities for economic advancement.

  • Eric R. Parker

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

  • Grace Belangia

    CO-FOUNDER

  • Eric Harrison

    DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

  • Erika Haskins

    HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS

  • Michael Newton Jr.

    DIRECTOR OF IMPACT

  • Maura Shenker

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

  • Patrick Paige

    PARTNERSHIP SUCCESS MANAGER

  • Vincent Brown Jr.

    PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

  • Kari Turner

    LEAD DEVELOPER

  • Chloe Parker

    GRAPHIC DESIGNER

  • Yulonda Beatty

    STUDENT ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR