We handle operations so mission-driven founders can focus on growth

Meet our team of operations experts and nerds

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Christina Salerno

CEO and Senior Advisor
A serial entrepreneur since I was 16, at my core, I’m a maker and a builder. I love to uncover the improvements that make the most impact and then build solutions other people can maintain. I’ve been nicknamed the “all-seeing eye” and love to dive into a focus block and produce something magical that was just what the team needed to be set up for success. I also have a personal passion for finding and empowering hidden gems – the folks who often get overlooked but are secretly wonderful team members if only someone knew how to nurture their potential.
MY MAGIC: Investigative puzzle solver. Coaching that feels easeful yet potent. Builder of systems and experiences. Organizing all the things with a keen eye for aesthetics. Recognition and appreciation of people’s individuality.
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Alex Canedo

Senior Operations Strategist and Client Success Director
I've been building high-growth operations teams – large and small – for over 10 years.
I began my career working with online entrepreneurs who showed me how to hit big revenue goals with small budgets. Eventually I made my way into Silicon Valley where I fell in love with building things from the ground up at mission-driven tech startups. I’m powered by an insatiable curiosity for life and a passion for helping people create magic in their operations.
MY MAGIC: Creating organization out of chaos. Thinking a few steps ahead to align decisions to the larger picture. Balancing nimbleness and innovation with sustainable practices.
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Mercedes Ballard

People Operations Strategist and Team Success Director
Driven by insatiable curiosity and a belief in living authentically, I have a knack for building workplaces where people and businesses flourish. My diverse experience has taken me from the startup world to co-founding my own company focused on equitable and inclusive work environments. I am a Operations with a bias for action and a love for anything collaborative. I'm a guide and an empowerer who loves optimizing processes and helping people unleash their full potential.
MY MAGIC: Strategic vision that aligns people and goals. Empowering leadership that unlocks potential. Creating inclusive and value-driven workplaces. Building genuine connections.
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Cara Parrish

CRO and Senior Marketing Strategist
I’ve helped grow over 40 companies in a wide variety of industries, including as an early stage investor. I founded 5 companies. I’m a philanthropist and an International Marketing Consultant with work in India, England, Estonia, South Africa, Canada, and the US.
MY MAGIC: Obsession with data-driven decisions. Always mapping what comes next. Doing the exact work I was meant to do.
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Ludmilla Wallendorf

CFO and Senior Advisor
Fun and spreadsheets are not mutually exclusive, and if you ever thought so, I am deadset on proving you wrong.

After a stint in corporate as a Chartered Accountant, I traded high heels and pencil skirts for backpacking my way through South America. Along the way, I started a consulting business and helped dozens of entrepreneurs “lift the fog” when it came to business finances.

I’m a certified Director of Operations, which means my advice is grounded in the day-to-day of running your business – not as solely an accountant behind a spreadsheet.
MY MAGIC: Bringing order to chaos in your business numbers. If you’re too afraid to “look under the hood” of your business numbers, don’t worry, you are totally not alone! I’ll partner with you to demystify your numbers and build you a sustainable and profitable business.
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Nick Hamilton

Senior Technical, Compliance, & Strategic Advisor
From working in the intelligence community to over a decade in Silicon Valley to somatic coaching to master certified BBQ judge
 I’ve been told by folks they never know what I will get into next. I’m a deep generalist. I believe what matters most is kindness, playfulness, good food, nature, and movement. I’m passionate about building teams with sustainable longterm strategy so they can be great without me.
MY MAGIC: Narrative storytelling. Distilling complex concepts into simple visual frameworks. Giving and receiving feedback. Expertise and experience across a wide range of industries.
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Dorothy Kolb

Senior Financial Advisor
I’ve combined a decades-long (and seriously fun!) career leading finance, accounting, and operations for Fortune 500 companies, like NBC, CBS, and FOX, with a New York State CPA license and the belief that any business owner can be equipped with the tools and support necessary to take ownership of their own success journey. I've founded two companies, all while being a single mom of 4 sons (no, I'm not totally gray yet!).
MY MAGIC: I truly believe founders deserve the time and attention needed to make sound decisions from a knowledgeable and supportive partner.  I thrive on communicating financial information in a way that a business owner can absorb and act on.
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Christina "T" Licata

Operations Strategist
With over 15 years of experience in business operations, project management, process improvement, and client success, I have a proven track record of building efficient systems and solving complex challenges across the nonprofit and startup sectors. I specialize in helping cross-functional teams align, meet goals, and scale sustainably. Driven by a passion for social impact and justice, I find deep fulfillment in creating operational structures that empower mission-driven organizations to thrive.
MY MAGIC: Turning chaos into clarity. Architect of strategy, workflows, and systems. Connector of data, people, and technology to drive efficiency, innovation, and impact. A catalyst for collaboration—bringing teams together, harnessing diverse perspectives, and solving complex problems to propel organizations forward.
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Julia Richert

Operations Strategist
With over 15 years of diverse professional experience, I bring a blend of people-centered leadership, deep operational experience, and business acumen to everything I do. I’ve guided organizations through complex transitions—from startup scaling challenges to ownership changes—while building systems that empower teams and grow the bottom line.
MY MAGIC: I see the bigger picture without losing sight of the human element. I transform ambiguity into clear action plans that enable teams to achieve and exceed business goals.
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Onis Csadi

Technical Strategist and Tech Director
A strategic partner for technology leaders.
I'm a deep thinker who gets excited about taking on bold challenges. A minimalist who believes less is more and that people make big efforts worthwhile.
  With a background in computer science and software engineering, I've spent the past decade building software with incredible organizations (from early-stage startups to large enterprises). Over the years, I've been fortunate to see the world through different lenses as an engineer, manager, founder, investor and advisor. My biggest takeaway is that things rarely go as planned, and that being able to adapt is the ultimate driver of success. In light of this, I have come to embrace the agile philosophy: human interactions over processes and tools, working systems over comprehensive documentation, collaboration over negotiation, and responding to change over following a plan.
MY MAGIC: Building high-performance agile teams, where people feel valued and empowered.
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Olivia Wirick

Senior Operations Coordinator and Tech Manager
I aim to bring organization, order, and optimization to our daily operations. My passion for people and processes led me to a career in operations, specifically working with small, purpose-driven businesses.

As a generalist, new challenges are my jam — I can't stay in one place for too long! My diverse experience in the real estate, hospitality, health and wellness, and customer service industries allow me to help small businesses thrive, from the inside out.
MY MAGIC: A lover of new challenges, I bring my toolbox of lessons learned, skills mastered, and yearning to make the world a better place with me everywhere. Connecting someone with their dream job. Marketing the latest and greatest ‘built in the basement’ boutique. Blogging the best restaurants in town. Making a house a home. I love it all.
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Ryan Nawal

Bookkeeper and Finance Associate
I am a dedicated Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting graduate with over 7 years of diverse working experience across various fields. My journey began as a bookkeeper, and I have since honed my skills in both academia and the accounting industry. I'm a Certified Public Accountant in the Philippines with two internationally recognized certifications, the Registered Cost Accountant and Certified Bookkeeper. In short, I love accounting.
MY MAGIC: As an educator, I aim to make students love accounting as many consider it difficult. I love making complex things easy and fun. As an accountant, I transmute raw data into golden insights, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow. I reconcile accounts with precision. Assets, liabilities, and equity dance harmoniously under my watchful eye.
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Tori Hennis

Operations Strategist
I am a Communications, Operations & Strategist and Talent expert whose career has spanned industries and roles, from digital marketing for large corporations to managing operations of nonprofit organizations. I am passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technology, authentic communication, and team collaboration to optimize processes, manage complexity, drive efficiency, and amplify results. When I’m not using these skill to help organizations thrive and become more efficient, you can find me enjoying motherhood with my two young boys, live music with my husband, or by the water.
MY MAGIC: Follow-through, nurturing and supporting others, a collaborative mindset, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to mindful work.
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Alexandria Turner

Senior Operations Coordinator
I am an IT wizard with a knack for turning tech challenges into triumphs. With a background as an IT Business Analyst, I've navigated the realms of both enterprise giants and nimble small businesses. Specializing in software builds, platform migrations, and data management, I'm the go-to problem solver for identifying bottlenecks in processes and workflows.
MY MAGIC: I don't just spot problems; I unravel them with finesse, weaving solutions like a coding maestro. Whether it's untangling data conundrums or orchestrating seamless workflows, I'm the architect of efficiency. They say fortune favors the bold! Thus, challenges have been my playground. I’m all about chasing adventures, even if they come with a side of nerves. So, when I’m not deciphering complex data puzzles, you’ll find me conquering the skies while piloting small aircrafts.
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Kate Roy

People Ops Coordinator
I've spent the last decade building thoughtful, people-first systems inside creative, fast-moving companies. With a background in psychology and a career in HR that has spanned agencies, retail, and hospitality, I bring a grounded, strategic lens to every phase of growth. Whether scaling a team from 5 to 50 or tightening the foundation of a brand in transition, I thrive in the in-between - where a little structure and a lot of empathy go a long way.
MY MAGIC: Turning ambiguity into action plans and building people operations foundations that support creativity, growth, and real human connection.
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Ton Omagtang

Operations & Executive Associate
Hey there! I'm Mark Anthony Omagtang, and I prefer to be called by my nick name “Ton”. I’m a passionate team player with a knack for driving success. With expertise in quality analysis and team management, I bring a unique blend of skills to the table.
MY MAGIC: As an individual who has worn many hats – from instructor to sports director, call center manager, and quality analyst – my journey has been defined by a single magical factor: the unwavering ability to inspire and lead. Across varied landscapes, I've cultivated a talent for nurturing growth and excellence in every endeavor. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or within the structured environment of a call center, my leadership prowess has consistently shone through. Guiding diverse teams toward success, I've honed the art of fostering individual and collective development, weaving a tapestry of achievement that transcends boundaries and contexts.
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Nikia McCoon

Operations & Executive Associate
I am wide and varied experienced Administrative and Marketing Assistant!
I navigate the office landscape with finesse, from hospitality to finance. Need a jack of all trades? That's my specialty! I thrive on rapid learning, strategic navigation, and excel at handling tricky situations, particularly in a pinch. Meticulously detail-oriented, and radiating positive vibes, I'm enthusiastic about advancing my career and adding a touch of magic to every step of my professional journey!
MY MAGIC: I am open to attempting any task, even if it is not in my realm of experience. I am dedicated to delivering positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved. No challenge is deemed too much, and I am committed to investing my utmost effort in successfully accomplishing any assignment, regardless of its complexity or difficulty.
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Reginal Borja

Operations & Executive Associate
Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than a master of one. As a continuous learner who thrives in a dynamic environment, I find bliss in learning new things. From discovering new places to travel, new cuisines to eat, new games to play, to discovering new tools and technology, I always dig into whatever I can learn from those and enjoy them to the fullest. I am more of a generalist than a specialist, embracing a wide array of interests and skills that enable me to adapt and grow continuously. My journey has been marked by a diverse range of experiences that have shaped my multifaceted skill set.
MY MAGIC: I am not a fan of the spotlight. I prefer working behind the scenes to ensure I provide the best quality of service. My strength lies in providing robust support across various domains, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes. My commitment to quality and behind-the-scenes diligence makes me a reliable and invaluable resource for the team.
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Trey Wheeler

Operations Coordinator
A certified Project Management Professional and Operations leader with experience managing $150M+ operations, leading large-scale implementations, and delivering a wide range of projects. I specialize in building strong teams, applying Lean Six Sigma, and driving change management to achieve business objectives. With a proven record of delivering projects on time, under budget, and aligned with strategic goals, I combine cross-functional leadership, data-driven insights, and process improvement to drive growth, reduce costs, and increase profitability.
MY MAGIC: I bring a unique blend of operational excellence, cross-functional leadership, and technical expertise. With deep experience in high-risk implementations, Lean Six Sigma process improvement, and PMP-driven project management, I align vendors, stakeholders, and teams to deliver on complex milestones.
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MaitĂȘ Mota

Tech & Operations Coordinator
I thrive at the intersection of technology, people, and process, where complex technical goals transform into clear, human-centered operational plans. Throughout my career, I’ve balanced being a methodical planner with a creative problem-solver, equally at ease designing detailed systems or unblocking teams with inventive workflows.
MY MAGIC: I’m a corporate chameleon! Shifting seamlessly from technical prompter to AI facilitator to team builder is a piece of cake to me. I specialize in translating complexity into clarity, connecting big-picture AI strategy with the hands-on, human work of ensuring data excellence. Above all, I’m deeply passionate about mentoring and empowering teams, fostering collaboration that consistently raises the bar on quality and impact.
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Calli Evans

People Operations Coordinator
I'm a Certified Human Resources Professional (CPHR) with a strong foundation in generalist work and a passion for building efficient, people-focused HR operations. I’ve supported teams across a range of industries, including hospitality, retail, biotechnology, and media, which has given me a well-rounded perspective on how to tailor HR solutions to different team dynamics and business goals.
I specialize in developing and fine-tuning HR programs that make things run more smoothly, whether that’s onboarding, performance reviews, or day-to-day policies. My focus is always on improving the employee experience while helping teams work more efficiently and effectively.
MY MAGIC: A drive to create something out of nothing by solving meaningful challenges, restoring and improving what was once broken. Uncovering the vision of what could be and exploring all of the possibilities in between.
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Kayleen Sabino

Compliance & Regulations Strategist
I am a scientist turned operations strategist with over a decade of experience working with early stage start ups. I am inspired by companies with groundbreaking ideas that are on a mission to positively transform the world, and thrive on bringing these visionary concepts to life. As a mom of 3 young kids, chaos, constant change, and Murphy’s Law are simply part of my everyday reality - so rest assured I am well equipped to navigate those challenges within your organization!
MY MAGIC: Quickly learning and leveraging a company’s strengths, challenges, resources, and opportunities. Uncovering and untangling the unique and complex web of processes, people, and problems that an organization is experiencing. Creating and championing systems and cultures that foster cross functional collaboration and connection.
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Nadia Harris

HR Strategist
I’m a third-culture kid who’s been a non-conformist since I remember. This approach has led me to work with innovative companies all around the world
 literally! I’m passionate about people, intercultural communication and designing unique working environments in both start-ups and corporations. My keyword is always “people-centric”. I hold a legal degree, specializing in employment law and an MBA in Intercultural Managerial Communication. I also speak 5 languages and I travel the world
 extensively!
MY MAGIC: “Good enough” is never enough for me. I make things happen, against all odds. I proudly design HR processes, policies and company culture to make the world of work a better place. My secret sauce is the human touch with a bit of automation to help everyone flourish at work!
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Anubhuti (Ana) Swarup

Operations Strategist
I am a strategic startup operator that rocket fuels your company. Being a 2x entrepreneur, I enjoy building creative + sustainable solutions for maximum impact. I began my career building a bootstrapped fine jewelry company from the group up. Since then I have closely partnered with mission-driven founders to help bring their vision to life. I have 10+ years of experience building successful businesses in various industries from fashion to tech.
MY MAGIC: Described as an Activator, I excel at breakingdown big ideas into an actionable roadmap & aligning (+energizing) teams for execution.
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Zadok Taylor

Operations Coordinator
I love figuring out how to make systems work for people, which I’ve done in some very disparate environments. This includes helping train classroom facilitators and build engaging community ESL programs, working with nonprofits, faith organizations, and immigrant communities. I also have experience in more structured settings, such as learning the intricacies of insurance as a dental admin and being a Chief of Staff for an innovative, fast-paced small startup. Being a part of small, mission-led teams is where I have built my career and what I love to do.
MY MAGIC: I love being in community and helping people achieve their goals through a dedication to empathy and a natural patience. I also love analyzing and building systems, with a particular fondness for intricate and beautiful spreadsheets. Together, we can weave the magic of growth, understanding, and achievement.
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Renata Leo

Senior Operations Coordinator
Hey hey! I'm Renata and I'm a generalist through and through - I can trace my generalist roots back to high school and college where I took classes in as many different disciplines as I could. After working in the corporate logistics and supply chain industry for 5 years (working 3 different jobs, of course), I pivoted to working with startups. CPG startups are my absolute favorite, especially those that go out of their way to be weird and funky. I like to joke that CPG startups are my bread and butter (sometimes literally!). As a certified Chief of Staff, I'm obsessed with learning new things and taking all kinds of tasks off of founders' plates from operations to marketing to supply chain to sales to customer service. My scrappiness knows no bounds!
MY MAGIC: I love to say that I go out of my way to "minimize founder dread." This means being proactive about recognizing when the founder is the bottleneck in a process that is continuously stalled and taking over responsibility so that they no longer have to worry about those tasks that would gum up the works.
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Joe Battaglia

Senior Technical Coordinator
Driven by curiosity and growth, I’m a collaborator, connector, and problem solver with an eye for the big picture and constant desire to better understand the “why” for everything. I consider myself a joyful generalist and take pride in my ability to learn new skills and adapt to challenging situations. My background is in cyber security R&D, where I’ve spent the last ten years working in various roles across research, engineering, and product teams, focused on finding new and creative ways to level up teams and products. I am a systems thinker and believe strongly in the importance of creating organizations and systems that respect and nurture the humans interwoven within them.
MY MAGIC: Creative and emergent leadership and problem-solving. Connecting the dots across teams or domains, especially at the intersection of technical, product and management. Building and growing human-centered teams, and the individuals within them, through communication and empathy.