Camelback Ventures Welcomes 14th Fellowship Cohort: Redefining Social Impact Innovation

At Camelback Ventures, we believe in the power of investing in underinvested entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Every year, we have the privilege of supporting visionary leaders who are tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges. Today, we are thrilled to introduce the 2025 Camelback Ventures Fellows—an inspiring group of founders who are leading the way in education, justice reform, science, technology, and more.

“Investing in and supporting diverse business leaders is about more than uplifting individual ventures. It’s about the multiplying effect those businesses have on our communities. We’re not just invested in helping ventures survive, we’re empowering them to thrive. Going beyond initial funding to provide sustained mentorship, coaching, and connections to experts in critical areas like growth and fundraising is how we all create lasting equity and resilience for the future,” said Shawna Young, CEO of Camelback Ventures.

A Fellowship Like No Other

Over the next 15 weeks, these trailblazing founders will participate in Camelback’s immersive program, receiving $40,000 in investment, mentorship, and connections to a thriving network of over 160 entrepreneurs nationwide. Fellows tackle systemic issues while embodying Camelback’s mission to build a more just and inclusive world.

From conscious tech that bridges health disparities to education ventures fostering empowerment, this cohort’s work spans vital sectors. This year’s cohort represents a broad spectrum of industries and initiatives, united by a shared commitment to equity, innovation, and systemic change. We are honored to welcome these incredible leaders into the Camelback community:

Meet the 2025 Camelback Fellows


Abraxas Higgins— Founder of Parish Tech

MilwaukeeFor-Profit

Parish is a developer of credit-building financial technology that leverages recurring criminal legal system related payments.

Abraxas on becoming a Camelback Fellow:Camelback Fellowship has partnered with and supported many start ups I’m familiar with. Many have gone on to do incredible things, which further ignites my belief in Parish Tec and what we hope to achieve.


Akeem Allen— Founder of Admit

New Britain, CT – For-Profit

Admit is an AI-powered college and career navigation app.

Akeem on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “As the only full-time team member working on Admit, it can sometimes feel isolating, so the idea of joining a community of entrepreneurs and experts who can offer support is truly energizing — especially as I’m in the early stages of rolling Admit out to paying customers.


Angela Lang— Founder of I Dream Big Academy Charter School

Tuscaloosa, AL – Non-Profit

Alabama’s First HBCU Partnered Charter School, delivering a personalized and project based approach to college and career pathways.

Angela on becoming a Camelback Fellow:I am very excited about joining a supportive community and network with fellow entrepreneurs that can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and fostering innovation.


Antoinette BanksFounder of Expert IEP

Sacramento, CA – For-Profit

Expert IEP is the first AI-powered IEP optimization platform that empowers parents of neurodiverse students, reclaiming their time, resources, and their children’s future.

Antoinette on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “What draws me to Camelback is its unique understanding of the founder-to-CEO journey. As we scale our AI-powered solutions, I’m seeking a community that values both technological breakthrough and human impact.


Armin Selak— Executive Director of Youth Justice Alliance

Austin, TX  – Non-Profit

The Youth Justice Alliance (YJA) finds aspiring first-generation lawyers as high school seniors and provides four years of legal training, paid internships, mentorship, and financial support.

Armin on becoming a Camelback Fellow:I’m excited to join a community that I have been watching from the outside as a friend of many Camelback Fellows. I have seen their organizations grow and serve their communities at a much greater scale and I want to provide our support on the level that they are offering their services.


Asha Farrah— Co-Founder of Reducify

Dallas, TX – For-Profit

Reducify is an accountability platform to reduce student loan debt by utilizing the 6 month grace period.

 Asha on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I’m excited about the Camelback Fellowship because of your focus on practical, action oriented strategies for overcoming the unique challenges faced by undervalued entrepreneurs.


Dani Lopez— Co-Founder of Lulo Ventures

New York, NY  – For-Profit

Lulo provides provides free tools empowering low income families of young children to access healthy food, starting with the WIC (Women, Infants, Children) program. 

Dani on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I seek a space of radical healing, collaboration, and abundance, not scarcity, and I believe Camelback is that space.


Latasha Adams— Executive Director of Dominion Purpose Academy

Columbus, Georgia – Non-Profit

Dominion Purpose Academy is the first charter school in Columbus, Georgia for students in grades 4-8 with a learning focus in Design Thinking and Servant Leadership.

Latasha on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I am excited about the growth and development that I will experience as an innovative leader. I am also excited about the community of entrepreneurs who will help to challenge me as I can help challenge as well.


Kwamane Liddell— Founder of ThriveLink

Charlotte, NC | Los Angeles, CA | St. Louis, MO – For-Profit

ThriveLink develops telephonic AI enrollment agents that empower families to verbally complete and submit applications for safety-net and healthcare programs without requiring internet access or a smartphone.

Kwamane on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I am most excited to meet other founders in the cohort. There are so many layers to building a company, I always learn new things from other founders.


Kwame Floyd— Founder of Teacher Apprenticeship Network

Irving, CA  – Non-Profit

The Teacher Apprenticeship Network is a nonprofit organization that serves as an intermediary to support aspiring teachers through Registered Teacher Apprenticeships.

Kwame on becoming a Camelback Fellow:It feels like the team at Camelback has sat in this seat before, understands what I’m experiencing, and has prepared a response through the fellowship. I’m excited about everything, including this process, which is allowing me to share my ideas for generational impact.


Meagan Naraine— Co-Founder of Culturally Relevant Science

Atlanta, GA – Non-Profit

Culturally Relevant Science develops K12 STEM curriculum for all students, especially those from underrepresented communities.

Meagan on becoming a Camelback Fellow:I’m most excited about the opportunity to connect with a supportive community and receive expert coaching… and after hearing others speak so highly of their experiences, I’m eager to learn alongside the Camelback community.


Mercy Oladipo— Co-Founder of Birth by Us

Chicago, IL – For-Profit

Birth By Us is an app that empowers and guides parents through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum — crafted especially for families of color.

Mercy on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “Being a Camelback fellow means being pushed to improve and reimagine in order to reshape the world into a place that’s better for everyone, and this is what I feel called to do.”


Natasha Pittman— Co-Founder of Nurturing Roots Parent Academy

New Orleans, LA – Non-Profit

Nurturing Roots Parent Academy (NRPA) empowers parents and guardians by providing them with the tools and education necessary to support their children’s academic and emotional well-being.

Natasha on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “This fellowship is a chance to make a real difference, and I honestly, can’t wait to connect with others who are passionate about creating positive change.


Omari Jeremiah— Founder of Next Generation Language Access

Baltimore, MD  – Non-Profit

Next Generation Language Access aims to train high school students to become professional interpreters to reduce language barrier gaps throughout the United States.

Omari on becoming a Camelback Fellow:Opportunities like the Camelback Fellowship are affirming to the mission of our organization and make me feel more committed to seeing our organization reach its full potential.


Rocio Raña— Co-Founder of Blast

New York, NY  – For-Profit

BLAST empowers Latinx children from all socioeconomic backgrounds to achieve bilingualism and biliteracy through our data-driven literacy assessment platform.

Rocio on becoming a Camelback Fellow: “I’m thrilled about this opportunity! As a woman- and minority-owned, impact-driven startup leader, I’m excited to be part of a cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs.”


“The Camelback Fellowship’s Cohort 14 is made up of dynamic founders who are leading change and innovation to transform their communities. We are excited to partner with these leaders as they grow their ventures and commitment to improving access to education, financial literacy, social services, and healthcare. A tremendous welcome to the newest members of our #Camelbackfam!,” said Elaine Atherton, Vice President of Programs at Camelback Ventures.

Camelback Ventures: A Legacy of Impact

Since 2015, Camelback Ventures has championed underestimated entrepreneurs, investing over $10 million in ventures designed to create lasting societal shifts. Backed by leading philanthropic partners including Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Walton Family Foundation, the organization continues to prioritize fairness and representation in innovation.

You can learn more about the Camelback Ventures’ Fellowship and meet past fellows. Camelback Ventures’ next fellowship application window will open in March of 2025. Interested in joining our next fellowship cohort? Fill out our interest form today!