Carolina Martinez is the CEO of CAMEO (California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity), leading a network of over 300 organizations that serve over 50,000 businesses annually. She has experience in economic development and entrepreneurship support and serves on the Entrepreneurship & Economic Mobility Task Force in the California Office of the Small Business Advocate. Carolina also holds board positions with Pacific Community Ventures, Mission Economic Development Agency, and the Association for Enterprise Opportunity. Her leadership focuses on expanding opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs and fostering economic resilience in diverse communities across California.

Marcia Griffin is the Founder and CEO of HomeFree-USA, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to financial empowerment and homeownership. With over 30 years of experience, she has helped thousands achieve and retain homeownership, maintaining a 0% foreclosure rate among program participants. Marcia's expertise bridges financial institutions and communities. Vice President Kamala Harris has praised her work strengthening individuals and communities across America through financial wellness and homeownership initiatives.

Nancy Swift is the Chair of the California Women's Business Center and Founder of JEDI (Jefferson Economic Development Institute). As JEDI's Executive Director, she manages programs, secures funding, and ensures regulatory compliance. Nancy designed the Women's Business Center at JEDI and oversees its operations. A former small business owner, she brings practical experience to her leadership role, focusing on developing prosperity for all and building JEDI's reputation as a responsive, community-focused organization.

Ruth Garcia-Corrales is the Director of NEW Women's Business Center and Board Member of the Association of Women's Business Centers. With extensive experience in supporting entrepreneurs, she previously led the Canterbury Business Center and VEDC Women's Business Center. Ruth has managed programs helping businesses from inception to growth, focusing on underserved women and women of color entrepreneurs. Her networking with policy influencers and business leaders strengthens advocacy for small business owners in local communities.

Pat Heffernan is the Founder of Marketing Partners, Inc., a Vermont-based firm that partners with nonprofits, public agencies, and for-profit companies to disrupt the status quo. Pat is a founding president of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility and Women Business Owners Network and serves as board vice-chair of the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC). Pat served on the SBA Region I Advisory Council on two delegations to the White House Conference and is a leader in our communities.

Jenny Kassan, JD, is a legal and fundraising expert with over 25 years of experience supporting mission-driven enterprises. As the founder of Jenny Kassan Consulting, she helps entrepreneurs raise millions from values-aligned investors. Jenny is the author of "Raise Capital on Your Own Terms" and co-founder of the Force for Good Fund, investing in women and people of color-led companies. She serves on the SEC's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and is a fellow at Democracy Collaborative, combining her legal expertise with a passion for sustainable, equitable business growth.