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

© 2016 The BALSA Foundation

© 2023 The BALSA Foundation

725 Kingsland Ave.

University City, MO 63130