Mara Zepeda is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of Zebras Unite, an international and intersectional hybrid cooperative creating the capital, culture, and community for the next economy. This global community of founders, investors, and are creating a more ethical, inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable approach to building businesses.
Prior, Mara was the founder of a venture-backed software company, Switchboard (now Hearken). It was through her experience as an entrepreneur of a different stripe that led her to co-found Zebras Unite, along with Jennifer Brandel, Astrid Scholz, and Aniyia Williams. Their manifesto,“Zebras Fix What Unicorns Break,” launched this timely, necessary, culture-shifting movement that has garnered broad recognition. It now boasts an online community of 10K+ strong, 100+ member-owners, and over 25 chapters around the world.
Mara Zepeda is a systempreneur and serial social entrepreneur. She has also co-founded and was the founding board chair of Business for a Better Portland and XXcelerate. BBPDX is a next-generation business organization 350+ members strong that forges public-private collaborations to advance systemic change, shared prosperity, and social justice and equity in Portland. XXcelerate provides business support, education, peer mentorship, and funding to 200+ Oregon womxn entrepreneurs.
She speaks about and leads workshops on education, trust, social networks, and the future of business internationally. Mara has spent her career at the intersection of community building, economic empowerment, and movement building.
Mara Zepeda speaks from her experience as an economic reporter for NPR, calligrapher, and child of bohemian and spiritually curious artists. She holds a BA in Russian from Reed College and an MS in Journalism from Columbia University where she graduated with honors. She grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Alternative Funding, Entrepreneurship, Startup, Business, Community Building, Economic Empowerment, Movement Building, Social Change & Issues, Journalist
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In the realm of professional emcees, there are few who embody the essence of warmth, authenticity, and charisma quite like Melanie Lawson. With a career spanning over two decades in the television industry, Melanie has not only garnered acclaim as an Emmy Award-winning journalist but has also established herself as a sought-after professional emcee, moderator, […]
Born in Northern California, Jeff Krapf is considered one of the most versatile television hosts in the business. With a proven background in hosting local and national TV shows or on a microphone hosting international Live events Jeff exudes energy, personality, charm and brings a sense quality and charisma that very few people can pull off. […]
Richard Fowler is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Richard Fowler Show, a Fox News Channel contributor and democratic messaging and millennial engagement expert. Positioned at the intersection of news, politics and the cultural issues facing everyday Americans, Richard’s fresh style and non-traditional spin on populism have taken audiences by storm. He pushes all […]
Matt Mayberry is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker and a leading global expert in leadership development, culture change, and organizational performance. With a background as a former NFL linebacker for the Chicago Bears, Matt transformed his career from the football field to the business world. His ability to inspire and motivate both leaders and teams […]
Never afraid to go try new genres, DJ BritLee emotive musical selections are his own therapy. Having grown up on his father’s eclectic combination of funk music (George Clinton, Morris Day), European electronica (Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream), synth-infused 80s music (Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, Human League)… all which became infused with his own love for various […]
Bonnie Bernstein is recognized by the American Sportscasters Association as one of the most accomplished female journalists in her field. After spending 17 years covering some of the nations’ most prestigious sports events on-air for ESPN and CBS, she is now helping build a network both in front of and behind the camera. Bernstein is […]
Dr. Eric Thomas, affectionately known as “ET, The Hip Hop Preacher,” stands as a beacon of inspiration in the world of motivational speaking. With a Ph.D. to his name, Dr. Thomas transcends traditional boundaries, seamlessly blending the roles of author, speaker, educator, pastor, and Audie Awards Finalist. His journey from adversity to triumph has captivated […]
PartyLikeaMotha has been DJ’n for over 10 years, formally known as ‘Wendi Cakes’ but now I go by the name PartyLikeaMotha. She has gone on tour with POP group sensation, Far East Movement better known for their hit single “Fly like a G6”. She was also a resident DJ for TAO group for many years […]
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