Speakers
Seyi AdediwuraSoftware Engineer at PayPal
Seyi Adediwura is a Software Engineer at PayPal, specializing in experimentation platforms and AI integration. An alumnus of Huston-Tillotson University, where he served as Mr. Huston-Tillotson University, Seyi blends his technical expertise with creativity, also performing as a professional saxophonist. He is passionate about empowering aspiring entrepreneurs by sharing his insights on innovation, problem-solving, and creating meaningful impact.
Careers That Compound: Launching Wealth-Building Careers After College
What really happens after graduation? In this honest and energizing panel, professionals working in tech, finance, and entrepreneurship share how they navigated the leap from college to career—and the bold moves that helped them get there. Whether it was chasing an unexpected internship, starting something from scratch, or moving across the country for a role, each speaker has taken intentional steps to build a career in innovation.
You’ll hear how early experiences—from campus orgs to fellowships to that first internship—opened doors to six-figure roles, founder journeys, and investment opportunities. The panelists will also reflect on how they’re thinking about wealth at this stage of their careers, what they’ve learned about building it early, and how they’re setting themselves up for sustainable wealth and impact. This session is all about turning your first few career steps into a launchpad—and doing it with clarity, intention, and vision.
Jennifer ArguelloDirector of Product Management for the GitHub Education
A visionary product leader transforming educational technology, Jennifer is the Director of Product Management for the GitHub Education team, where she builds AI-driven education products and experiences. With over 20 years of experience across Mozilla, Salesforce, and Microsoft, she has led the development of industry-changing tools including Salesforce's free and fun learning platform, Trailhead, and headed the voice user experience team for the Guinness world record holding Xbox Kinect.
Passionate about using technology to revolutionize education and create equity, Jennifer has championed diversity and inclusion through her leadership roles in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Latinas in Computing. She co-founded Latino Startup Alliance and has lent her expertise to advisory boards for CODE2040 and Silicon Valley Latino, while remaining actively engaged with Women Defining AI. A dedicated family woman and avid soccer enthusiast, Jennifer brings the same strategic vision and collaborative spirit to breaking down barriers in technology education as she does to scoring goals on the field.
The Future Will Be Prompted
AI isn’t just shaping the future — it’s shaping your future. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how we live, work, and build, it’s no longer enough to be consumers of technology; we have to be its creators, its critics, and its conscience.
In this conversation, hear from leading voices at the intersection of AI, education, and innovation. We’ll explore how large language models are changing everything—and why it’s essential that people from historically excluded communities are at the forefront of what comes next. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of where AI is headed, the opportunities it’s unlocking, and how you can prepare to lead in a world that’s being built—one prompt at a time.
Justin BethunePartner at Andreessen Horowitz
Justin Bethune is a partner on the Talent Network team, focused on college talent.
Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he spent several years building and managing professional programs and leading MBA and PhD recruiting at ServiceNow. Before that, he spent 6 years at Dropbox as a full-cycle recruiter on the university recruiting team where he launched Dropbox’s first MBA hiring program. He previously held roles as a diversity program manager for employee resource groups.
Justin is an Oakland native and graduated with a degree in international relations from Saint Mary’s College of California. He is an avid pilot and spends the majority of his free time flying and practicing for aerobatic competitions.
Accelerate Your Startup Journey: Leveraging Early Career Roles
Your early professional roles aren’t just jobs — they’re the launchpad for your future as a founder. In this session, you’ll learn how to turn your first 3–5 years out of college into a personal startup accelerator. This session will guide you in building essential technical skills, expanding your network, and creating a personal timeline for success. Learn how to strategically use your early career experiences to craft a 3–5 year career accelerator that aligns with your startup ambitions.
Kendall CampProduct Marketer
Kendall Camp is a product marketer with experience across technology, media, and venture capital. Most recently, he was part of the Windows Consumer team at Microsoft, where he led go-to-market strategy for Copilot+ PCs. He also led product marketing for the AI-powered video creation tool Clipchamp and launched Microsoft’s first-ever global, developer-focused podcast program.
Previously, Kendall held marketing and brand strategy roles at Robinhood and NBCUniversal. He also held an early-stage VC role at Commerce Ventures and is a former fellow with HBCUvc and Dorm Room Fund. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Morehouse College.
Kendall is passionate about consumer technology, storytelling, and educational equity, as he frequently speaks at nonprofits in his hometown of Modesto, CA, advising college students and early-career professionals on breaking into tech and venture capital. Outside of work, he enjoys watching the NBA, WNBA, listening to podcasts, and traveling.
Boots on the Ground
This isn’t a sit-back-and-listen event — this is boots on the ground time.
In this electric kickoff session, you’ll meet four powerhouse HBCU alumni who are embedded as your hosts for the weekend. They’ll share real stories about the hustle, the wins, the stumbles, and what they wish they’d known in undergrad. But most importantly, they’ll help you gear up to make the most of Startup School: how to introduce yourself with confidence, how to stand out (for all the right reasons), and how to ask questions that get you remembered.
By the end of this session, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running — fully prepped, fully present, and ready to turn this experience into a launchpad.
Play the Long Game
Ryan Nece built a career around knowing what comes next—on the football field, in business, and in life. As a Super Bowl champion turned investor and philanthropist, Ryan believes the most successful people aren’t just focused on winning today—they’re already thinking about how to lift others as they climb.
In this session, Ryan shares why generosity is a strategy, not just a value—and how being generous with your time, relationships, and ideas right now sets you up for something greater later. He’ll invite you to reflect on how the rhythm you build today can shape your future. You don’t need to wait until you “make it” to give back. Your next play starts with how you show up now.
Careers That Compound: Launching Wealth-Building Careers After College
What really happens after graduation? In this honest and energizing panel, professionals working in tech, finance, and entrepreneurship share how they navigated the leap from college to career—and the bold moves that helped them get there. Whether it was chasing an unexpected internship, starting something from scratch, or moving across the country for a role, each speaker has taken intentional steps to build a career in innovation.
You’ll hear how early experiences—from campus orgs to fellowships to that first internship—opened doors to six-figure roles, founder journeys, and investment opportunities. The panelists will also reflect on how they’re thinking about wealth at this stage of their careers, what they’ve learned about building it early, and how they’re setting themselves up for sustainable wealth and impact. This session is all about turning your first few career steps into a launchpad—and doing it with clarity, intention, and vision.
Etosha CaveCo-Founder of Twelve
Etosha (Eee-tah-sha) Cave is the Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Twelve, the carbon transformation company creating a future through the science of electrochemistry. Twelve has raised over 800M dollars for their mission to make fuels anywhere in the world from Air. At Twelve, Etosha leads efforts applying her research skills in electrocatalysis to convert captured carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals, fuels and other essential products. Her discoveries in electrochemistry have led to groundbreaking technology with applications that can disrupt traditional supply chain models across a variety of global industries, including automotive, aviation, fashion, and consumer-packaged goods, among others.
Etosha has been recognized as a visionary by the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as by media like Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. She has spoken at summits, including the Jeff Bezos-hosted MARS Conference, Fortune Brainstorm, and Aspen Ideas Festival. Most recently, CNBC ranked her as a notable woman transforming business on their 2024 Changemakers list. Etosha is a graduate of Stanford University with both a Master in Engineering and a Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering. Etosha spent a summer in Antarctica as a handywoman and conducted research for a NASA Mars Rover mission.
From Here, Go Big: Innovate the Planet
The future generation of iconic entrepreneurs won’t just build apps—they’ll reimagine the systems that shape how we live, eat, move, and survive. Etosha Cave is doing exactly that. As co-founder of Twelve, she’s using science and engineering to turn carbon emissions into everyday products—living proof that deep tech can drive real-world impact.
In this closing session, Etosha shares her path from curious student to company founder. She’ll talk about the leap from research to entrepreneurship, how she built the skills to lead, and what it takes to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. Her story is a reminder that your college years aren’t just about learning—they’re the perfect time to start thinking big and imagining the future you want to help build.
Rachel ClarkDigital Strategist at Google
Rachel is a Digital Strategist at Google, where she partners with e-commerce and lead generation businesses to drive growth through digital marketing—managing over $25 million in ad spend annually. She began her career interning at Northrop Grumman and Cisco, and then pivoted into sales through a year long fellowship and full-time role at Vanguard before joining Google in 2024. A proud Howard University graduate with a degree in Supply Chain Management, Rachel made bold moves to shift industries and cities, embracing discomfort as a path to growth. Her personal experiences with financial instability have shaped her commitment to intentional wealth-building early in her career—from working with a financial advisor to living below her means and maximizing retirement and health savings. Rachel brings a grounded, purpose-driven lens to wealth building and is passionate about helping others break cycles and build sustainable futures.
Careers That Compound: Launching Wealth-Building Careers After College
What really happens after graduation? In this honest and energizing panel, professionals working in tech, finance, and entrepreneurship share how they navigated the leap from college to career—and the bold moves that helped them get there. Whether it was chasing an unexpected internship, starting something from scratch, or moving across the country for a role, each speaker has taken intentional steps to build a career in innovation.
You’ll hear how early experiences—from campus orgs to fellowships to that first internship—opened doors to six-figure roles, founder journeys, and investment opportunities. The panelists will also reflect on how they’re thinking about wealth at this stage of their careers, what they’ve learned about building it early, and how they’re setting themselves up for sustainable wealth and impact. This session is all about turning your first few career steps into a launchpad—and doing it with clarity, intention, and vision.
Marlon EvansCEO at Nex Cubed
Marlon's professional career spans Higher Education, Foundations, Fortune 500s, and Startups. The driving force behind all of his career choices has been a desire to create positive Social Impact. In 2018, Marlon was named CEO of Nex Cubed, an investor that creates and accelerates startups with over 80 investments made to date with over 60% of the startups are led by female and minority founders. In an effort to increase Nex Cubed’s impact, Marlon led the launch of the HBCU Founders Initiative, a 501c3 organization designed to inspire entrepreneurship at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Over 1200 students and alums from 80+ HBCUs have participated in its acceleration programs. Finding that many of the teams with venture backable ideas lacked access to pre-seed and seed funding to help grow their business, Nex Cubed launched the HBCU Founders Fund, an accelerator and fund investing in the most promising startups where at least one of the founders is a HBCU student, alum, or faculty member. The fund has raised $9M to date, counting Costco, Bank of America, as well as the state of North Carolina as LPs, and is actively deploying capital with 30 investments made thus far.
Before entering the startup world, Marlon had stints at the KIPP Foundation, All Stars Helping Kids and Hewlett Packard, helping drive social innovation programming. Marlon received his BA in Political Science and a MA in Sociology from Stanford University, where he competed on the football and track & field teams.
From Campus to Capital
What does it take to turn your idea into a funded, scalable company — and how do you do it as an HBCU founder?
In this candid conversation, Marlon Evans, CEO of Nex Cubed, which operates the HBCU Founders Accelerator, shares his journey from athlete to impact-driven investor. He’ll discuss how his team is closing the racial wealth gap by investing in startups led by HBCU students, alumni, and faculty, and how they’ve built a $40 million fund to back bold ideas.
Desireé JonesFounder at HeyFollowUp
Desireé (Dez) Jones is a Creative Tech Founder, Multimedia Producer, and Professional Development Strategist based in Arlington, Virginia. She is the founder of HeyFollowUp™, an AI-powered networking productivity app that helps professionals manage and strengthen their connections. With over a decade of experience in multimedia storytelling and branding, Desireé bridges creativity, technology, and career growth. She is passionate about helping people build meaningful relationships and thrive in an evolving digital world.
Boots on the Ground
This isn’t a sit-back-and-listen event — this is boots on the ground time.
In this electric kickoff session, you’ll meet four powerhouse HBCU alumni who are embedded as your hosts for the weekend. They’ll share real stories about the hustle, the wins, the stumbles, and what they wish they’d known in undergrad. But most importantly, they’ll help you gear up to make the most of Startup School: how to introduce yourself with confidence, how to stand out (for all the right reasons), and how to ask questions that get you remembered.
By the end of this session, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running — fully prepped, fully present, and ready to turn this experience into a launchpad.
Hey, Nice to Meet You: Networking Workshop
Whether you love it or dread it, networking is one of the most powerful tools you have to open doors, build connections, and shape your future. In this interactive, fast-paced workshop, Desiree Jones will break down the art of meaningful networking — from making a strong first impression to asking thoughtful questions and following up in a way that leaves people remembering you. You’ll walk away with practical tips, ready-to-use conversation starters, and the confidence to navigate the rest of Startup School like a pro. Let’s turn “Hey, nice to meet you” into the start of something big.
From Campus to Capital
What does it take to turn your idea into a funded, scalable company — and how do you do it as an HBCU founder?
In this candid conversation, Marlon Evans, CEO of Nex Cubed, which operates the HBCU Founders Accelerator, shares his journey from athlete to impact-driven investor. He’ll discuss how his team is closing the racial wealth gap by investing in startups led by HBCU students, alumni, and faculty, and how they’ve built a $40 million fund to back bold ideas.
From Here, Go Big: Innovate the Planet
The future generation of iconic entrepreneurs won’t just build apps—they’ll reimagine the systems that shape how we live, eat, move, and survive. Etosha Cave is doing exactly that. As co-founder of Twelve, she’s using science and engineering to turn carbon emissions into everyday products—living proof that deep tech can drive real-world impact.
In this closing session, Etosha shares her path from curious student to company founder. She’ll talk about the leap from research to entrepreneurship, how she built the skills to lead, and what it takes to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. Her story is a reminder that your college years aren’t just about learning—they’re the perfect time to start thinking big and imagining the future you want to help build.
Javaughn LawrenceCo-Founder and CEO at Drip
Javaughn Lawrence is a Jamaican-born entrepreneur and investor, currently
serving as the Co-founder and CEO of Drip, a live-stream commerce platform
specializing in physical collectibles and NFTs. Established in January 2021,
Drip has been described as “the Shopify for livestream commerce,” providing
tools for users to conduct live auctions, drops, and direct sales through its
marketplace. The company has secured $28.5 million in combined seed and
Series A funding, with backing from investors such as Base10, Kindred, Eniac
Ventures, Harlem Capital, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Lawrence's academic journey began at Yale University, where he earned a
Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He is also an alumnus of the Ron Brown
Scholar Program and participated in the dy/dx program at Stanford Graduate
School of Business . Professionally, he has held roles at Bain & Company and
LinkedIn, and was a fellow at Costanoa Ventures through their Access
Fellowship program, which aims to increase diversity in venture capital.
Before founding Drip, Lawrence was involved in various entrepreneurial and
investment roles, including positions as a board observer and seed investor at
companies like Bleximo Corp., Fuzzy Pet Health, and FortressIQ . His passion
for entrepreneurship and technology, particularly in AI and machine learning,
has been a consistent theme throughout his career.
Lawrence's early interest in collectibles, such as Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon
cards, inspired the creation of Drip. He observed the community-driven nature
of live commerce in these spaces and sought to enhance the experience by
building a more seamless and engaging platform.
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Lawrence has been active in the
venture capital community, serving as a scout investor at Lightspeed Venture
Partners and participating in the On Deck fellowship program.
Build for Culture
Javaughn Lawrence didn’t set out to build a typical tech company—he set out to build something that felt true to who he is and where he comes from. What started with a love for collectibles turned into Drip, a live commerce platform powered by community and culture, and backed by some of the biggest names in venture capital.
In this session, Javaughn shares how his personal story, cultural roots, and creative interests shaped the company he’s building today. He’ll talk about why authenticity is one of a founder’s greatest assets, how to turn what you love into what you lead, and why some of the most exciting startups are the ones that center culture as the product.
Olumide LongeProduct Manager at Amazon Music
Olumide is a product manager at Amazon Music, focusing on user acquisition and subscriptions. Before Amazon, he built a payment platform for Sterling Bank in Nigeria, worked on the public investing team at Goldman Sachs, and was an early member of the product growth team at Ancestry.com.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and is a Class Two Fellow at HBCUvc. Outside work, Olumide writes and performs stand-up comedy, is a devoted Arsenal fan, enjoys playing with new consumer applications, and averages over 20,000 steps daily.
Boots on the Ground
This isn’t a sit-back-and-listen event — this is boots on the ground time.
In this electric kickoff session, you’ll meet four powerhouse HBCU alumni who are embedded as your hosts for the weekend. They’ll share real stories about the hustle, the wins, the stumbles, and what they wish they’d known in undergrad. But most importantly, they’ll help you gear up to make the most of Startup School: how to introduce yourself with confidence, how to stand out (for all the right reasons), and how to ask questions that get you remembered.
By the end of this session, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running — fully prepped, fully present, and ready to turn this experience into a launchpad.
The Future Will Be Prompted
AI isn’t just shaping the future — it’s shaping your future. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how we live, work, and build, it’s no longer enough to be consumers of technology; we have to be its creators, its critics, and its conscience.
In this conversation, hear from leading voices at the intersection of AI, education, and innovation. We’ll explore how large language models are changing everything—and why it’s essential that people from historically excluded communities are at the forefront of what comes next. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of where AI is headed, the opportunities it’s unlocking, and how you can prepare to lead in a world that’s being built—one prompt at a time.
Build for Culture
Javaughn Lawrence didn’t set out to build a typical tech company—he set out to build something that felt true to who he is and where he comes from. What started with a love for collectibles turned into Drip, a live commerce platform powered by community and culture, and backed by some of the biggest names in venture capital.
In this session, Javaughn shares how his personal story, cultural roots, and creative interests shaped the company he’s building today. He’ll talk about why authenticity is one of a founder’s greatest assets, how to turn what you love into what you lead, and why some of the most exciting startups are the ones that center culture as the product.
Ty MontgomeryAssociate, Network & Investments at Next Legacy Partners
Ty helps lead relationship development and investment support at Next Legacy. As part of both the network and investment teams, he focuses on building meaningful connections across the ecosystem, engaging athletes, LPs, GPs, and founders, while contributing to deal sourcing, diligence, and strategic community initiatives. Ty also plays an active role in advancing the firm’s signature programs and supporting athlete engagement across the platform.
Before joining Next Legacy, Ty spent nine years in the NFL, beginning his career with the Green Bay Packers where he became widely known for his versatility on the field. During his playing career, he developed a deep passion for finance, sparked by the Parable of the Talents in the Book of Matthew. What began as angel investing soon evolved into a full-time calling.
Ty graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Political Science. He grew up alongside more than 17 foster siblings and now serves on the board of Connections Homes, continuing his mission to support youth aging out of foster care through redemptive relationship, service, and mentorship.
Outside of work, Ty is grounded by his faith and energized by adventure, sports, and helping others grow. He's always down for a trip, a conversation about Jesus, a round of golf, or discovering a new favorite restaurant.
First Down: Opening Night at Next Legacy Partners
We’re kicking things off with intention. In this opening session at Next Legacy Partners, Ty Montgomery welcomes you to Startup School and sets the tone for the days ahead. A former NFL player and now an investor, Ty brings a unique perspective on what it means to take the first step toward something bigger.
Like a first down in football, this moment is about progress and positioning—being on the right path and ready for what comes next. This session marks the official start of your Startup School experience. You’re here. You’re in position.
Ryan NeceManaging Partner at Next Legacy Partners
Ryan’s unique experience as a pro athlete and entrepreneur has been instrumental to his success as a disciplined investor and leader at Next Legacy. Since founding Next Play Capital in 2015, Ryan has created a strong investment platform that affords non-traditional diverse communities access to venture capital and company investments. Now that Next Play Capital and Legacy Venture have joined forces, Ryan’s leadership and vision continue to play an integral role in the combined firm.
After seven years in the NFL (including a Super Bowl Championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Ryan launched his investing career as a Principal at DeBartolo Development. A few years later, he co-founded StraightCast Media, a mobile app designed to empower athletes to create their own HD content. The company was sold to FOX Sports in 2014, allowing Ryan to pursue his dream of starting Next Play Capital.
Ryan built his track record from notable investments including Pure Storage, StemCentrix, and ONEHOPE wines. He’s also led funding projects for Peloton, Impossible Foods, Flexport, Hims, Bytedance, and Rubrik. In addition, Ryan has served on the Advisory Board for Docusign, Tonal, and Most Days.
Ryan holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from UCLA. He is a member of the Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow Program. Since its inception in 2006, he has been actively involved with The Ryan Nece Foundation, empowering teens to embrace the #PowerofGiving. He currently serves as its Chairman. Ryan enjoys cold showers, knowing what makes a perfect blueberry muffin, and spending time with his son and wife.
Ask me about:
Why pain has taught me everything
What makes a perfect blueberry muffin
How my wife got on Dancing with the Stars
Play the Long Game
Ryan Nece built a career around knowing what comes next—on the football field, in business, and in life. As a Super Bowl champion turned investor and philanthropist, Ryan believes the most successful people aren’t just focused on winning today—they’re already thinking about how to lift others as they climb.
In this session, Ryan shares why generosity is a strategy, not just a value—and how being generous with your time, relationships, and ideas right now sets you up for something greater later. He’ll invite you to reflect on how the rhythm you build today can shape your future. You don’t need to wait until you “make it” to give back. Your next play starts with how you show up now.
Tori OrrInvestor
Tori Orr is a venture investor and former operator. Most recently, she was on the investment team at JetBlue Ventures, where she led sourcing, diligence, financial analysis, and portfolio support. She previously held early-stage VC roles at Vera Equity, Harlem Capital, and Dorm Room Fund. Before VC, Tori worked at Intel as a Mechanical Design Engineer in Assembly & Test Technology Development and later as a Product Manager in Data Center Supply. She also had a stint at Tesla, contributing to the Model 3 launch. Tori earned her MBA from The Wharton School, where she majored in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and was awarded the inaugural Hettie Simmons Love Fellowship and the Edward B. Shils/Leonard L. Zeidman Fellowship in Entrepreneurship. She is also a proud HBCU graduate of Spelman College and the University of Michigan, where she earned dual degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering. Above all, she is deeply committed to creating opportunities for minorities in entrepreneurship and tech.
Boots on the Ground
This isn’t a sit-back-and-listen event — this is boots on the ground time.
In this electric kickoff session, you’ll meet four powerhouse HBCU alumni who are embedded as your hosts for the weekend. They’ll share real stories about the hustle, the wins, the stumbles, and what they wish they’d known in undergrad. But most importantly, they’ll help you gear up to make the most of Startup School: how to introduce yourself with confidence, how to stand out (for all the right reasons), and how to ask questions that get you remembered.
By the end of this session, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running — fully prepped, fully present, and ready to turn this experience into a launchpad.
You Are in the Right Room
What if you could increase your chances of success—not by luck, but by design? Michael Seibel has done just that. As co-founder of Twitch (acquired by Amazon for $970M) and Socialcam (acquired by Autodesk for $60M), and a former Partner at Y Combinator, he’s seen how success often comes down to being in the right place, around the right people, at the right time.
In this fireside chat, Michael breaks down how students can create their own “serendipity engines”—by putting themselves in environments that spark opportunity. He’ll share lessons from his journey as a serial founder and investor, and why your early choices—where you go, who you build with, what you say yes to—can shape the trajectory of your entire career.
Michael SeibelPartner Emeritus at Y Combinator
Michael Seibel is a Partner Emeritus at Y Combinator, where he served as a group partner and leader of the early stage accelerator from 2014 - 2024. Michael also serves on the board of two public companies, Reddit and Dropbox.
He moved to the bay area in 2006, and was a co-founder and CEO of two Y Combinator startups Justin.tv/Twitch (2007 - 2011) and Socialcam (2011 - 2012). In 2012 Socialcam sold to Autodesk Inc. for $60m (link) and in 2014, under the leadership of Emmett Shear (CEO) and Kevin Lin (COO) Twitch sold to Amazon for $970m (link).
Before getting into tech, Michael spent 2006 as the finance director for a US Senate campaign in Maryland. In 2005, he graduated from Yale University with a bachelor's degree in political science. Today he spends the large majority of his free time cooking, reading, traveling, and going for long drives. Michael lives in San Francisco, CA with his amazing wife Sarah, son Jonathan, and daughter Jessica.
You Are in the Right Room
What if you could increase your chances of success—not by luck, but by design? Michael Seibel has done just that. As co-founder of Twitch (acquired by Amazon for $970M) and Socialcam (acquired by Autodesk for $60M), and a former Partner at Y Combinator, he’s seen how success often comes down to being in the right place, around the right people, at the right time.
In this fireside chat, Michael breaks down how students can create their own “serendipity engines”—by putting themselves in environments that spark opportunity. He’ll share lessons from his journey as a serial founder and investor, and why your early choices—where you go, who you build with, what you say yes to—can shape the trajectory of your entire career.
Mussa SeidFounder at Stealth Startup
Mussa Seid is a startup founder and finance professional with over 7 years of experience across the worlds of banking, tech, and entrepreneurship. He studied Finance at Virginia Tech.
Most recently, Mussa worked at J.P. Morgan, where he advised fast-growing tech startups on everything from fundraising to scaling their operations. Before that, he spent several years at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in roles spanning International Startup Banking, Corporate FP&A, and Investor Relations—helping startups grow from idea to impact.
Mussa got his start as the first employee at an advertising startup, where he built the business development and marketing function from the ground up—closing deals with major brands like Boeing, iHeartRadio, Whole Foods, and Tito’s Vodka.
Today, he’s the co-founder of a startup and passionate about helping the next generation of builders navigate their own career and entrepreneur journeys.
Careers That Compound: Launching Wealth-Building Careers After College
What really happens after graduation? In this honest and energizing panel, professionals working in tech, finance, and entrepreneurship share how they navigated the leap from college to career—and the bold moves that helped them get there. Whether it was chasing an unexpected internship, starting something from scratch, or moving across the country for a role, each speaker has taken intentional steps to build a career in innovation.
You’ll hear how early experiences—from campus orgs to fellowships to that first internship—opened doors to six-figure roles, founder journeys, and investment opportunities. The panelists will also reflect on how they’re thinking about wealth at this stage of their careers, what they’ve learned about building it early, and how they’re setting themselves up for sustainable wealth and impact. This session is all about turning your first few career steps into a launchpad—and doing it with clarity, intention, and vision.
Laurie YolerVenture Partner at Playground Global
Laurie Yoler is a Venture Partner at Playground Global. An ambitious problem-solver and prolific connector by nature, Laurie has decades of experience building, scaling, and advising companies from seed-stage startups to multinational corporations.
Previously, Laurie was a board member and active strategic advisor for autonomous mobility leader Zoox from its earliest days until it was acquired by Amazon in August 2020. Prior to that, Laurie was President of Qualcomm Labs at Qualcomm, focused on organic internal growth and inorganic growth for the world’s mobile technology leader. Before that, she was a founder and Managing Director at GrowthPoint Technology Partners, a pioneering technology investment bank, where she helped entrepreneurs and their boards complete strategic M&A transactions and fundraises.
The first years of her career were spent as a computer scientist in artificial intelligence developing and launching new innovations and products for Accenture, PwC, and Visa. At Visa, Laurie helped create a new division focusing exclusively on debit cards, which eventually yielded the groundbreaking Visa Debit Card.
Next, she was at Sun Microsystems, where she helped the company emerge as the go-to server platform for software in the internet age. Start-ups became increasingly important customers and partners for Sun and Java, so Laurie helped start and build Sun Microsystems Ventures, an early corporate venture capital group.
Laurie liked startups so much that she left Sun in 2001 to dive full time into early-stage ventures, learning company building, fundraising, and being part of a founding team at six companies, including Tesla, where she was a founding investor and board member for almost a decade. Laurie was also a founding executive at Packet Design, focused on building new networking and security companies. Packet Design created a network performance management software company which was later acquired by Ciena.
Throughout her career, Laurie has served as a director and advisor on more than 25 boards spanning public companies, startups and nonprofits. Currently, she serves on the boards of Church & Dwight, and the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Northern California Chapter, and on the technical advisory boards for Aptiv, Accenture, and AI4All.
Dedicated to a lifetime of learning, Laurie enthusiastically continues her education at Stanford in subjects such as board governance, biotechnology, biochemistry, neuropsychology, neuroscience, and geology. She also guest lectures for the Engineering, Law, and Business Schools at Stanford.
The Future Will Be Prompted
AI isn’t just shaping the future — it’s shaping your future. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how we live, work, and build, it’s no longer enough to be consumers of technology; we have to be its creators, its critics, and its conscience.
In this conversation, hear from leading voices at the intersection of AI, education, and innovation. We’ll explore how large language models are changing everything—and why it’s essential that people from historically excluded communities are at the forefront of what comes next. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of where AI is headed, the opportunities it’s unlocking, and how you can prepare to lead in a world that’s being built—one prompt at a time.
