The BALSA Foundation Team
The BALSA Foundation is an organization of volunteers. As the philanthropic arm of The BALSA Group, many of our members are its alumni. We are entrepreneurs, scientists, community leaders, and young professionals working to make St. Louis a better place. Learn more about our members:
Officers
Gabriela Ramírez-arellano, ExeCutive DIRECTOR
I believe in the transformative power of first-time entrepreneurs and recognize the vital role they play in driving local economies forward. Through collaborative efforts and tailored support, the BALSA Foundation volunteers strive to cultivate an environment where innovative ideas can take root and grow into successful ventures. I am committed to promoting social equity and prosperity in the St. Louis region by empowering first-time entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
I believe the BALSA Foundation is important because it provides a no-cost avenue for entrepreneurs to gain a valuable set of skills and have a number of fantastic resources at their disposal, and of course, an opportunity for capital for organizations just starting their journey. I am excited to be able to contribute to the success of this region through this organization.
Matt Wyczalkowski, Secretary
When I joined the BALSA Foundation as a founding member over 10 years ago, I was drawn to its mission of promoting social equity through entrepreneurship. I think that the services we provide - grants, mentorship, and networking - can really make a real difference in the lives of those we work with. I am proud of the work we do and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of the BALSA Foundation.
Maxim Schillebeeckx, Founding Member
I'm thrilled to be supporting The BALSA Foundation and its mission to help first-time Saint Louis entrepreneurs, especially those from underserved communities, get their ideas off the ground. There is nothing more motivating and empowering than to pursue your own ideas, but starting a business can be terrifying.
We want all first-time entrepreneurs - whether they see themselves as entrepreneurs or not - to know that we see them and are here to help. We firmly believe that these first-time entrepreneurs are the mountain movers who will effect change in their local communities.
Chico Weber, Technology director
Past Officers
We are grateful for the countless volunteers and their commitment to promoting social equity and prosperity in the St. Louis region by empowering first-time entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano, President
Matt Wyczalkowski, Founding Member and Secretary
Jovany Otero, Program Director
Chico Weber, IT Director
Open Position, Finance Director
Tom Cohen, Founding Member
Maxim Schillebeeckx, Founding Member
Advisory Committee
The role of the advisory committee is to serve as champions for The BALSA Foundation, connect the Foundation with leaders in the community, and provide their perspective and support in making strategic decisions.
Betsy Cohen, Executive Director, St. Louis Mosaic Project
Aimee Dunne, Senior VP National Programs, Prosper Institute
Jason Hall, Greater St. Louis Inc.
Marlon Lee, Account Executive, Mediplex Healthcare Professionals
Lisa McLaughlin, Managing Member, Muhm & Reilly
Neelu Panth, Federal Reserve St. Louis
Sara Stock, Founding Member, Khazaeli Wyrsch Stock
Cheryl Watkins-Moore, YWCA
Jeffrey Whitford, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Merck - MilliporeSigma
Idea Supporters
Idea Supporters are individuals with significant business or entrepreneurial experience who read and give feedback on business ideas. Their time and expertise are the backbone of our Idea Support program.
Tami Bowman
John Brenner
Kevin Brooks
Mike Bynum
Bud Carlson
Anil Cashikar
Cynthia Cipolla
Kathleen Cook
Mark Denk
Sriram Devanathan
Ben Filas
Casey Gardonio-Foat
Marilyn Green
Lydia-Ann Harris
Pamela Hesker
Cole Johnson
J.R. Johnson
Jamie Kwasnieski
Minn Kyaw
Natalie LaFranzo
Steve Lawler
Emily Lewis
Justin Lipner
Erica Majumder
Kinjal Majumder
Suman Mondal
Andrew Mutka
Alina Oltean
David Razafsky
Michelle Robinson
Paris Rollins
Maxim Schillebeeckx
Neem Serra
David Silva
Renatus Sinkeldam
Tom Spudich
Paul Steensland
Trevor C. Thompson
Aziz Traore
Chico Weber
Kate Wilson
Jie Zhang