Start or grow a business for good.

Who We are

We are on a mission to EDUCATE, ACCELERATE, and INVEST in entrepreneurs who are creating solutions to social problems.

SEED SPOT is an organization deeply rooted in the community. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting all social entrepreneurs creating a product, service, or technology that improves lives or makes the world a better place. We support entrepreneurs by surrounding them with the right access to resources, mentors, business fundamentals, community partners, capital sources, and anything they need to succeed.

SEED SPOT core values

Entrepreneurs First, Always

We center entrepreneurs' needs, voices, and lived experiences in everything we do. From early ideation to scaling impact, we show up with flexibility, optimism, and deep respect for the journey. We exist to serve and elevate entrepreneurs, especially those underserved by traditional systems and programs. Their goals and impact drive every decision we make.

Equity in Action

We believe entrepreneurship should be accessible to all, and we recognize that systemic barriers make it harder for some to participate and achieve success. Our programs are intentionally equitable, inclusive, and designed to expand access and support to all, but especially those who have historically faced the greatest obstacles.

Community-Driven Impact

We build meaningful relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and mutual support. Whether through mentorship, cohort experiences, or shared celebrations, we foster belonging and believe real change happens when people connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Integrity with Accountability

We lead with integrity, honesty, and transparency—in our team, our work, and our relationships with founders, mentors, and partners. We strive to do what we say we’ll do, hold ourselves to a high standard, and create a supportive community where entrepreneurs are encouraged to do the same.

Learning & Growth

We create welcoming, celebratory spaces that invite entrepreneurs of all stages and backgrounds to show up as they are, embracing mistakes and fostering a safe space for learning through failure. Our programs are hands-on, energizing, rooted in educational excellence, and built for real-world impact. We learn by doing, stay open to change, and hold ourselves accountable to continuous growth and measurable outcomes. We educate so that ventures accelerate impact, and we invest resources into ensuring entrepreneurs succeed. 

Meet the Team

Everyday we each ask ourselves, “How did I help an entrepreneur today?” We are a team of dreamers and doers fueled by coffee and passion to work with entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. We unequivocally believe that entrepreneurs will lead the charge of innovating and solving the toughest problems facing our cities, our states, and our world.

Astrid Arias

Director of Program Management

Tristan Gandolfi

Vice President of Programs

Zach Leverenz

Chief Executive Officer

Regina Molina

Grant Writer

Jamie Rodriguez

Senior Communications Associate

MIRANDA WILLIAMSON

Director of Recruitment

Maddy Chong

Operations Manager

Dr. Millicent A. Hollingsworth

Youth Program Facilitator

Desiree Martinez

Youth Program Facilitator

Linda Norquist

Marketing & Recruitment Manager

Drew Shaw

Youth Program Facilitator 

Sherika wynter

Program Facilitator

Sherrod Crum

Program Manager

Seth Kenton

Youth Program Facilitator

Lauren McDanell

VP of Strategy & Growth

RIDWAN OMAR

Youth Program Facilitator

Sandra Waithaka

Mentorship Program Manager

TESSA ZIMMERMAN

Mentor in Residence

Board of Directors

Comprised of leaders in their field, the SEED SPOT board sets the vision for success for SEED SPOT. They are visionaries. Big thinkers. Dreamers. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo. They believe in a society where inspired and supported entrepreneurs are solving big problems.

Sentari Minor

Board Chair

Chief of Staff + Head of Investor Relations, evolvedMD

Erin O'Shea

Treasurer

Financial Consultant, Brillect

Savannah Onwochei

Secretary

Product Marketing Manager,
Facebook (Meta)

Janine Davison

Board Member

Senior Leader,
Intel Corporation

JOHN GAYLORD

Board Member

Partner,
Ernst & Young

Russell Goldstein

Board Member

U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management

Brian Hill

Board Member

Executive Director,
Phoenix Fashion Week

Courtney Klein

Board Member

SEED SPOT Co-Founder

Shaun Mayo

Board Member
Chief People Officer,
Arizona Cardinals

Joronda Montaño

Board Member
SEED SPOT Alumnus; Prevention and Wellness Consultant

rashad_moore_seed_spot

Rashad Moore

Board Member

Managing Partner,
G11 Technology Partners

Nahla Salem

Board Member

Head of Product,
Haven Energy