Camelback Ventures Announces Its 12th Fellowship Cohort Kicking Off In the New Year!
Camelback Ventures is proud to welcome our 12th cohort of education and conscious tech innovators as part of our rigorous fellowship supporting undervalued entrepreneurs leading social impact ventures across the United States. These 12 Founders are leading unique ventures focused on pressing societal issues such as literacy, women's health, amplifying diverse cultural heritage, child caregiving, mental health accessibility, and financial prosperity. The 2024 cohort proudly joins our community of 140+ entrepreneurs (and counting!) - a group we lovingly call the #CamelbackFam!
2024 Camelback Fellows
Education
Fellows are listed alphabetically by Founder name, and share details as provided by leaders. Education Fellows may be nonprofits, for-profits, hybrids, or schools.
ERIN WASHINGTON founder of SoulCenter
Atlanta, GA - For Profit - https://soulc.org/
SoulCenter is a digital creative studio focused on the development of blk and brown creatives ages 18-35.
Erin on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I'm super excited to be a part of the Camelback Family. Looking forward to continuing to do the work of uplifting queer Blk and Brown creatives 18-35 in the Deep South and connecting with other cohort members who can reflect back to us deeper questions for us to ask in our work. We are really honored to be in community.
JASON HERNANDEZ executive director of La Tiendita
McKinney, TX - Hybrid - https://joinatlast.org/la-tiendita/
La Tiendita provides access to healthy and affordable food options in an underserved community deemed a food desert, as well as a place of empowerment and workforce development for at-risk Latino youth through internships.
Jason on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I feel Camelback Ventures has created more than a Fellowship, but a true family of advocates, activists and liberators. To be part of such amazing Fellows/family from past, present and future would help me fulfill my mission of not just changing, bettering or saving one or two lives, but thousands.”
JORDAN HANKINS founding executive director of Southern Nevada Black Educators Initiative
Las Vegas, NV - Nonprofit - www.snbei.org
The Southern Nevada Black Educators Initiative (SNBEI) is reducing Clark County's racial educational attainment gaps by focusing on the recruitment and retention of culturally responsive, highly-skilled Black teachers.
Jordan on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I feel elated to have been selected as a finalist. I've heard so many great things about the Camelback Fellowship and am honored to have been selected.”
MUREWA OLUBELA founder of Erudyte
Tampa, FL - For Profit - https://erudtion.com
Erudyte enables educators and admins to provide accelerated learning, especially STEM learning, to students who are not proficient in English or have a learning disability.
Murewa on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I'm thrilled at the prospect of joining the Camelback Fellowship! I'm feeling incredibly inspired and eager to collaborate with fellow changemakers who are dedicated to addressing pressing societal challenges. This opportunity aligns perfectly with our mission at Erudyte, and I'm excited to learn, grow, and contribute to a community that shares our vision for a more inclusive and equitable future in education.”
SHAKIMBERLY COOPER executive director of AES Literacy Institute
Dallas, TX - Nonprofit - https://alihsedu.org
AES Literacy Institute helps disadvantaged minority individuals that did not graduate high school earn their high school equivalency diploma and industry recognized certifications by providing comprehensive support in earning a GED certificate, enrolling in college, and obtaining a living wage job.
ShaKimberly on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “Right now, I'm super excited about the potential of joining the Camelback Fellowship. I'm totally grinning ear to ear as I write this! I'm inspired by the organization's commitment to supporting diverse and innovative leaders, and I'm looking forward to the opportunities that it could bring. I want to learn more about Generational Inheritance and how we can build wealth across multiple generations. The Fellowship's track record is impressive; supporting over 130 fellows and investing millions of dollars in direct investment, coaching, support, and resources. I'm eager to learn more about the program and its focus on promoting entrepreneurship. Being a part of the Camelback Fellowship excites me because I believe in the power of cooperative investment to create fairness and help BIPOC leaders and communities succeed.”
VICKY GARALINA founder of Inspiring Futures
New York City, NY - Nonprofit - www.inspiringfutures.us
Inspiring Futures improves high school and college educational outcomes for youth with current or past involvement in the child welfare, homeless, and juvenile justice systems through comprehensive and flexible mental health and academic support.
Vicky on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “It's an honor be even be considered for a place among this incredibly diverse and passionate group of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The prospect of tapping into the wealth of resources, guidance, and the tight-knit community that Camelback offers fills me with immense enthusiasm. These invaluable connections and support will propel the growth of Inspiring Futures to new heights!”
Conscious Tech
Fellows are listed alphabetically by Founder name, and share details as provided by leaders. Conscious Tech Fellows may be nonprofits, for-profits, or hybrids.
DR. BRANDI KENNER co-founder and CEO of Village Nanny
Atlanta, GA - For Profit - https://villagenanny.com
Village Nanny matches families with caregivers of diverse backgrounds, languages, and customs, and provides social and economic mobility opportunities for caregivers or nannies.
Dr. Kenner on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I’m excited about the potential of joining the Camelback Fellowship because I look forward to having an opportunity to be in community with, and continue to innovate with, so many mission-aligned social sector transformation entrepreneurs, in service of making our world a better place for future generations.”
CARY WHEELOUS founder and CEO of Hayti
Durham, NC - For Profit - www.hayti.com
Hayti is the largest Black-owned news and podcast app, providing a transformative platform that empowers Black content creators and offers diverse news, stories, and voices often underrepresented in mainstream media.
Cary on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I'm super excited about the potential of joining the Camelback Fellowship. This opportunity will provide networking with other entrepreneurs, access to resources and mentorship, and opportunities for growth and development. It also gives me a chance to learn from others' experiences and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share the goal of building successful ventures.
JESSICA KING ceo of FlowInTell
Orlanda, FL - For Profit - https://flowintell.org
FlowIntell offers a non-invasive at-home screening kit for endometriosis.
Jessica on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I am genuinely excited about the potential of joining the Camelback Fellowship for several compelling reasons. I am deeply passionate about breaking the silence surrounding women's menstrual and reproductive health. Female and minority founders often face challenges advocating for themselves and discussing their innovations. I tend to be reserved in nature, so I see this Fellowship as a valuable opportunity to develop my skills in engaging with mentors and learning how to assertively advocate for my vision and mission. It's about learning how to secure a seat at the metaphorical table when one isn't readily available.
Camelback's approach to fostering relationships is particularly appealing to me. The prospect of attending noteworthy conferences and gatherings within the sector is also enticing as it can facilitate valuable networking and exposure opportunities. One of the most significant challenges FemTech entrepreneurs face is the lack of education on women's health issues. This knowledge gap is a critical issue that affects us all as we strive to create innovative tech solutions to address these pressing problems. Advocacy and education are paramount, and the Camelback Fellowship offers a platform to not only advocate but to also learn and grow as we work towards collecting data, advancing research, and building the necessary foundation for FlowIntell.
KORTNEY ZIEGLER founder and CEO of WellMoney
Oakland, CA - Hybrid - https://well-money.com
WellMoney is a community-driven financial platform designed to provide immediate, no-strings-attached support for life's small financial emergencies.
Kortney on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I am absolutely thrilled and honored to have reached the finalist stage of the Camelback Fellowship. I'm feeling a profound sense of excitement, mixed with a deep appreciation for the opportunity that lies ahead. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of learning from fellow entrepreneurs of color, who have blazed trails in the world of entrepreneurship. The knowledge and insights I'll gain through this network will undoubtedly be invaluable in advancing the mission of WellMoney while amplifying its impact.
KUKU RICHARDS founder and CEO of Museum of Diversity
Atlanta, GA - Nonprofit - https://museumofdiversity.com
Museum of Diversity educates and celebrates the cultural diversity of communities of color through the use of immersive technology.
Kuku on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I'm feeling very excited and optimistic about the possibility of becoming a Camelback Fellow.”
NISALA KALUPAHANA founder of baseline health
Nashville, TN - Nonprofit - https://getbaseline.app
baseline is a journaling and mood tracking service designed to help people understand their brains and improve their mental health.
Nisala on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I'm incredibly excited at the prospect of joining this incredible community of founders and leaders. I'm looking forward to growing as an entrepreneur, and giving back to others in the program however I can.”
“We are so excited to announce our next cohort - the visionary and expansive work they are doing is truly a love letter to the communities they represent,” said Michaela Ceja, Camelback Fellowship Search & Align Associate. “Each selection cycle, we are always grateful to connect with so many entrepreneurs demonstrating exceptional creativity and commitment; we are continually finding new ways to provide them support.”
Since 2015, Camelback Ventures has invested more than $10-million into emerging entrepreneurs across the country. The 2024 Camelback Fellowship is grateful for the generous support of the Ballmer Group, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Kenan Charitable Trust, Margulf Foundation, McCance Foundation, and Walton Family Foundation.
You can learn more about the Camelback Ventures’ Fellowship and meet past fellows. Camelback Ventures’ next fellowship application window will open in February of 2024. Interested in joining our next fellowship cohort? Fill out our interest form today!