Kayla Baker is the Founder and CEO of Ryse Local Ventures, a social enterprise that invests in and supports local businesses that create positive social and environmental impact. With 15 years of experience in the asset-building, economic mobility, and nonprofit sectors, Kayla is passionate about ensuring that the economy works for everyone, especially for underserved and marginalized communities.Prior to launching Ryse Local Ventures in January 2022, Kayla held senior leadership positions at two community development financial institutions, where she leveraged her skills in strategy, data analysis, and economics to produce grassroots solutions for systemic challenges. She also worked as a project manager at George Mason University, where she managed academic innovation and new ventures initiatives. Kayla holds a B.A. in Economics from Bowdoin College and an M.B.A. from Cornell University.