With over nine years of experience in venture capital and innovation, I am currently serving as the Program Director at XLR8HI, Hawaii's entrepreneurship center, and a Senior Associate at Sultan Ventures, a boutique venture firm. I lead various strategic initiatives and programs that support local founders and business owners in their journey to build and scale viable companies, all while fostering a thriving innovation community in Hawaii.I take pride in my contributions to the launch and growth of several nationally recognized and awarded programs, such as XLR8UH, a top 30 venture accelerator, and preX, a virtual investment readiness and business scaling program. Through these initiatives, I've had the privilege of helping over 100 Hawaii businesses across five islands access funding, mentorship, and valuable resources. Furthermore, I leverage my expertise in investment strategies, start-up ventures, and strategic partnerships to identify new opportunities for Sultan Ventures and its portfolio companies.I'm dedicated to raising awareness and driving positive change in the innovation sector through articles, events, and panel discussions. These activities showcase the vibrant activities and success stories of innovative companies and visionary founders in Hawaii. In addition to my professional pursuits, I also dedicate my time to mentoring and inspiring K-12 and college students, as well as minority entrepreneurs. My aim is to encourage the pursuit of innovative best practices and solutions, contributing to a brighter future for underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs.