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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Erica Baker is a Principal Group Engineering Manager at Microsoft. She is a former Senior Engineering Manager at Patreon, and Senior Engineer at Slack Technologies. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, and expanding access to tech education. Erica’s career in tech began fifteen years ago doing domain administration for the University of Alaska Statewide […]
Noramay Cadena is a Managing Partner at Supply Change Capital, a pioneering venture firm that strategically invests in the convergence of food, culture, and technology. With a distinguished career path deeply rooted in venture capital, Noramay’s expertise spans the realms of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. Previously, she served as a Managing Partner at MiLA […]
Peter Schiff is the CEO and Chief Global Strategist of Euro Pacific Capital, an SEC- registered investment adviser and a full-service broker/dealer. He is one of the few widely known economists and investment professionals to have spoken about the financial crisis of 2008 before it began. As a result of his views on the destructive […]
Peter Vidmar stands as a testament to the heights that can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and excellence. As the highest-scoring American gymnast in Olympic history, Peter’s journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated Olympic champion serves as an inspiring narrative for audiences worldwide. His core message emphasizes the principles of Risk, Originality, and […]
Sheena Allen is a visionary leader and celebrated keynote speaker in the realm of digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. As the founder and CEO of CapWay, a neobank designed to address economic inequities and foster financial literacy, Sheena’s groundbreaking work has revolutionized how technology can empower underserved communities. Her journey from growing up in […]
Pandit Dasa is a highly sought-after expert on mindful leadership, bringing a unique blend of personal insight, practical experience, and academic grounding to his audiences. With years of expertise in promoting mindful workplace culture, Pandit empowers leaders and employees to embrace appreciation, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. As a former monk, motivational speaker, and author, Pandit […]
In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live. This epic story of survival was first showcased in Overwhelming Odds, the book his parents […]
Few writers have done more to bring ancient, timeless wisdom and cutting-edge marketing strategies together than Ryan Holiday. His philosophically driven bestselling books have sold over 10 million copies and spent more than 200 weeks on bestseller lists. His books are taught in colleges and marketing programs around the world, including Trust Me I’m Lying, […]
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