My New Role with Grid110: Continuing The Work Within The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem + Other News
--
Here is the low-down on several fronts.
This past month I joined Grid110, an LA based accelerator, as Program Manager, and I am so excited!
In a matter of weeks, Grid110 has welcomed me with open arms and may just have been one of the best [remote] onboarding experiences, ever.
I got back home one night, and what was an expectation of my work laptop, became a whole swag surprise! I was truly overwhelmed (see left).
On my first day, I had a whole orientation with Miki Reynolds (Executive Director, Grid110), “Get to Know You” meetings with each team member and an overview of internal systems.
The entire onboarding experience was important for me because it proved to me that they value creating, building and nurturing a healthy work culture.
❤
In my previous role, I had the privilege of working with the top 3% of Latino founders across the U.S. in a program known as SLEI-Ed aka the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Education Scaling Program. After leaving to take some time to do work in Puerto Rico and working at Stanford University in the office of the CFO, I was very eager to get back into the entrepreneurial ecosystem. When I came across Grid110 on Twitter, thanks to my good friend Jessica Salinas, I knew it was the perfect fit.
Founded in 2015, Grid110 began as a collective of 7 entrepreneurs who shared a similar vision of Downtown LA as the next tech hub. Since the inception of the first program, they have provided 200 early stage startups with access to free programs, mentoring, and other critical resources through cohort-based programs and community. Although Grid110 does not provide funding, founders do not give up any equity or pay any fees to participate in the program!
Intrigued? I was. They have proven their ability to bring remarkable people with great ideas together and to support founders in every way possible.
Their dedication is to founders, this is why I am here. I am grateful to be joining such a credible; respectable and knowledgeable team.
Meet the team for yourself.
Meet the alumni for yourself.
Are you a founder? Interested in applying?
Applications are open for our summer 2021 cohort! After 6 years, it will be the 21st cohort.
Any other questions? Visit our FAQ page here.
Schedule a 15-min calendly call with me or my colleague Elisabeth Tuttass.
Interested in becoming a mentor or partner? Apply here.
In Other News…
My personal and business life, have picked up. Over the past couple of months and most of 2020, I have posted on LinkedIn and Twitter; sharing info regarding events, programs, resources and accelerators.
Last year, many of you followed along for my medium series focused on showcasing entrepreneurs that were affected by the harsh adjustments to the pandemic. This was incredible to witness, as several Latinx founders shifted their business models to survive.
After my lay off from Stanford University, I officially started my own venture as Founder of Me&Co., a marketing consulting agency focused on minority-owned businesses and diverse founders. No website, all referrals! It has been nuts. Thanks to my dear friend, Yacanex for helping to establish the financial and administrative parts of the business.
Lastly, in the summer of 2020, I received a call from a good friend, Marisela, to join Latina Professionals as VP for the first SF Bay Area Chapter and it has truly been rewarding to work with so many amazing Latinas from several industries.
Since launching our chapter in 2020, we have held 2 spotlight events, “Growing Together” and “You Are Enough.” Our upcoming event is on Leading Transformation With Purpose with Margarita Pineda-Ucero, Founder of Women Dignity Alliance.
We recently launched our program, Acelera, a four month virtual program designed to enable working Latinas to advance to the next stage of their careers. Acelera utilizes a social justice centered approach and a holistic educational curriculum.
We are working on several other programs as well, so stay tuned. If you want to become a member, please visit our website here.
For most of us, this last year has meant adjusting and pivoting, almost on an hour by hour basis and I was no exception to that rule. I went through several losses, most of them in the past couple of months. Things are different, but with every season comes a level of fear and excitement. Praying you are doing well and whoever you are, our paths end up crossing.
Please reach out if you are interested in the Grid110 program, need marketing consulting, or any referrals to mentors + investors (I suggest starting with Lolita Taub). :)
Abrazos como siempre,
Melody
Melody@grid110.org
