About Us
Dr. Gina Oliver
From building her own lab equipment from scratch to pioneering new fields of research and innovation, Dr. Gina Oliver doesn't let being a first generation college graduate and STEM Ph.D. stop her from relentlessly pursuing positive and impactful change. As an NSF Graduate Fellow, she has presented at conferences around the world, collaborated with researchers across fields, and now has turned her sights on fixing farming, food, and climate change. A year out of her doctorate degree program she received a highly selective and prestigious USDA Phase 1 SBIR grant and has been selected to be part of California's Dream Fund.
Richard Hutchison
Mr. Hutchison dropped out of his Ph.D. program to pursue faster-paced impact projects. While conducting research to improve the optical and thermal efficiency of phosphor converted white LEDs using nanocomposites he led a team to develop and patent an active sports body armor. Post academia he helped rapidly resolve and improve stem cell differentiation factor delivery micro and nanoparticles, led and scaled an innovation lab, built and ran an Engineering Design program for underserved and underrepresented people of all ages, and even founded and ran a tea business, landing himself on the front page of a prominent Silicon Valley news paper.
Mathis Delestre
Mathis Delestre is a trilingual digital marketing and brand strategist with a global perspective and a deep passion for helping purpose-driven organizations grow. With a Master's in Digital Communications and Marketing from USC Annenberg and a strong foundation in international relations and philosophy, Mathis combines creativity, data-driven insights, and strategic vision to deliver outstanding results. He has supported over 15 clients in building brands, launching campaigns, and expanding their digital reach. Known for his leadership, integrity, and innovative thinking, Mathis has been praised as a proactive collaborator and inspiring strategist by professors, peers, and clients alike. From social media growth to go-to-market strategies, Mathis brings a rare mix of technical skill, emotional intelligence, and commitment to excellence.
Isabelle Bart
Isabelle Bart is an award-winning startup advisor, international business strategist, and public speaker whose passion lies in empowering diverse entrepreneurs to create scalable, impactful ventures. As the founder of Impact Innovator and a National Science Foundation I-Corps instructor, Isabelle works at the intersection of business strategy and social impact, helping innovators translate ideas into viable, values-driven enterprises. She brings unmatched energy, a vast international network, and an empathetic approach to mentorship - guiding her mentees with real-world experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by women and underrepresented founders. Isabelle has been instrumental in shaping our venture, connecting us with customers, refining our messaging, and reminding us to lead with both purpose and persistence. Her dedication, strategic mind, and authentic support make her an indispensable force in the impact entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Mihai Patru
Mihai Pătru is the Co-Founder and CEO of Caravanserai Project, a mission-driven nonprofit that empowers underrepresented entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding access, and community-rooted support. A former diplomat and policy expert, Mihai now works across California to connect mission-driven startups with state and private funding-often traveling to Sacramento to advocate with policymakers, while also educating philanthropists and investors in Palm Springs on the value of inclusive entrepreneurship. He doesn’t wait behind a desk for entrepreneurs to show up; instead, Mihai seeks them out where they are, at food trucks, community gardens, and local events, offering support and strategy to those often overlooked by traditional systems. Like the most influential startup mentors, he combines systems-level thinking with direct, personal investment in the people he serves. His leadership has launched and accelerated dozens of ventures, helping build a more just and resilient economic future for the Inland Empire and beyond.
Gail Sefl & Tom McGovern
Gail and Tom have been our mentors, our support system, and truly our family away from home. Gail, with her lifelong dedication as a nurse and her entrepreneurial spirit—from running a coffee shop in Big Bear to continually learning and pouring love into others—embodies care in every sense. Tom, through his powerful photography and steady mentorship, has taught us how art, integrity, and purpose can shape a better world. Together, they’ve not only supported us emotionally, but physically—helping us build, bringing us lunches, showing up with generosity and kindness in ways big and small. Their presence in our lives has been a gift, and we are endlessly grateful.
