As we move into 2025, it's clear that a thriving startup community is built by a diverse and dedicated group of innovators. This year, we're celebrating the visionary Black leaders in the Greater Boston and New England startup ecosystem who are not only shaping the future of entrepreneurship but also uplifting the entire community.
These investors, founders, and community leaders are pushing boundaries, sharing their unique success stories, and paving the way for others to follow. Their work is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and ambition in creating a more inclusive and dynamic startup landscape.
The 2024 Black Leaders in the Boston and New England Startup Community
Dr. Charmain Jackman (Founder & CEO, InnoPsych) - Dr. Charmain is the founder and CEO of InnoPsych, a mental health tech company dedicated to increasing access to mental health services for people of color. She offers a directory of therapists of color and provides educational content to address mental health stigma. With over 25 years of experience as a licensed psychologist and training at top Harvard hospitals, Dr. Charmain is a global speaker on mental health, racial trauma, and emotional wellness. She is passionate about disrupting racial inequities in mental health and empowering organizations to create emotionally safe environments.
Christian Williams (Vice President of Startup Banking, JP Morgan) - Christian Williams is a Vice President of Startup Banking at JP Morgan in Boston, where he leads a team providing tailored financial solutions for pre-Series A tech startups. With over 10 years in the financial services industry and a background as a founder of a successful Fintech startup incubated at the Harvard Innovation Lab, Christian combines entrepreneurial insight with banking expertise. He is passionate about supporting underrepresented founders and is a staunch advocate for inclusivity in the startup ecosystem. Christian is always eager to support and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs in the Boston startup scene, helping them navigate financial challenges and achieve growth.
Cvic Innocent (Founder & General Partner, Frankenbuild Ventures) - Cvic founded Frankenbuild Ventures to support founders developing hardtech for sustainability, specializing in green tech, clean energy, automation, and innovative science. They assist startups with strategic partnerships, valuation models, and data-backed insights, leveraging a strong network across academia, industry, angel investors, and innovators. With experience launching international initiatives in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, Cvic excels at translating complex technology into clear concepts and enhancing decision-making for teams.
Flo Nicolas, J.D. (Chief Impact and Community Engagement Officer, ReGen Valley Tech Hub) - Flo Nicolas, Esq. is a lawyer, tech innovation leader, and global author. As Chief Impact and Community Engagement Officer for ReGen Valley Tech Hub, she works to make New Hampshire a leader in biofabrication. Flo is also the Founder and Chief Data Strategist at Get Tech Smart, helping organizations use data storytelling for project success. She co-authored “Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data” and advocates for diversity in tech, earning awards like NH Tech Alliance Tech Professional of the Year 2023. Flo is a TEDx Speaker and board member for various organizations, including the NextGen Valley Resiliency Council and the SEE Science Center.
Hali Smith (Program Manager, Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement) - Hali Smith is the Program Manager at the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement, leading the revival of WeBOS, a program supporting women founders and entrepreneurs in the Greater Boston Area. With over a decade of experience in media and outreach, she specializes in strategic messaging and brand management.
Jae’da Turner (Founder & Manager, Black Owned Bos) - Jae'da Turner is the founder of Black Owned Bos, a platform launched in 2019 that fosters community development, empowers entrepreneurship, and creates impactful opportunities. A Boston native, lifelong creative, and servant leader, Jae'da leverages her lived and learned experiences to drive positive change. She is passionate about service, mentorship, collaboration, and using creative solutions to create lasting change in her community. Jae’da was named Boston Business Journals 40 Under 40 in 2024.
Jennifer Ejeh (Newsletter Writer, Techstars Startup Digest) - Jennifer Ejeh curates the Techstars Startup Digest in Boston, connecting nearly 6,000 founders with key events, programs, and funding opportunities. She also serves on the advisory board for SXSW Pitch and was recently named one of Boston Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Young Professionals. Jennifer was named Boston Business Journals 40 Under 40 in 2024.
Karen Wallace (Vice President of Economic Inclusion, Associated Industries of Massachusetts) - Karen Wallace is the Executive Vice President of Economic Inclusion at Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), the state’s largest business association representing over 3,500 businesses and 650,000 employees across diverse industries. Karen brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and business processes, having transitioned from a career in marketing to focusing on equity and inclusion. She is a passionate advocate for advancing supplier diversity initiatives and creating inclusive, equitable environments within corporate structures. Karen is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of a thriving business ecosystem.
Keisha Greaves (CEO & Founder, Girls Chronically Rock) - Keisha Greaves, diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy at 24, founded Girls Chronically Rock, The GCR Adaptive Project, and Trust Your Abilities Nonprofit for People of Color. Based in Cambridge, MA, Girls Chronically Rock offers adaptive fashion for the disability community. The GCR Adaptive Project equips college fashion students with tools to design inclusively, while Trust Your Abilities helps people of color access resources for disabilities. Keisha has been featured on Good Morning America and The Today Show and campaigned for September 30th to be declared Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day in Massachusetts. She holds a BA in Fashion Design and an MBA.
Kidane Frezgi (Project Director, Minority Business Development Agency) - Kidane Frezgi is an entrepreneur with expertise in relationship management and technology. At the MBDA, he helps minority-owned businesses grow, create jobs, and expand revenue opportunities. An Army veteran, Kidane served over 10 years in the US Army Reserves, including a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a strong advocate for fellow veterans and holds dual degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Dayton.
Sherina McKinley (Co-CEO, Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative) - Sherina is the co-CEO of Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative, a member-owned business accelerator that provides entrepreneurs with hands-on education, resources, and a supportive community to create thriving businesses. She is also the director of Runway, a financial innovation firm dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and reimagining financial policies to close the racial wealth gap. In addition, Sherina serves as a success coach at Babson College's Black Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, helping empower and guide aspiring entrepreneurs.
Stanley Rameau (Founding Partner, A2C Boston) - Stanley Rameau is the founding partner of A2C, Boston's newest founders and funders community, dedicated to amplifying the next generation of tech-enabled ventures across Greater Boston. A2C focuses on increasing the number of underrepresented leaders in tech ventures. Stanley is also the founder and CEO of Renavest, a platform that connects financial therapists with employers to help their employees heal their relationship with money.
Yawa Degboe (Campaign Manager, Global Arts Live) - Yawa Degboe currently the Campaign Manager at Global Arts Live, an organization that highlights artistic excellence from around the world while reflecting Boston's diverse and vibrant community. With over a decade of experience in B2B SaaS (including Vimeo and Avid Technology), she is also a poet, award-winning writer, and art activist. Yawa founded Kids.Think.Art, providing art experiences for children and celebrating artworks by and with people of color. She is active in Boston’s local writing and poetry communities.
Please join us in celebrating these leaders in our startup community - and if you know someone that you think should be highlighted in the (near) future by Startup Boston, please drop us a note here.
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