A Word From Our FOUNDER
We built the Stella Foundation on the unwavering belief that women entrepreneurs deserve better better resources to launch and scale, more rigorous and practical education to thrive, and greater access to capital to fund their dreams. In 2024, this belief was tested more than ever as we navigated an uncertain economic and political landscape that sought to dismantle the inches of progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve But together, we have persevered, and as we look toward 2025, we know the work ahead is far from over.
Our collective efforts this past year have only strengthened our mission and clarified our vision to "get to even" by building a conSTELLAtion of collaborators, community builders, exceptional founders, and the funders who believe in them. I am profoundly proud of the journey we’ve been on the lives we’ve touched, the companies we’ve served, and the impact we’ve made together.
Despite the obstacles, we have made incredible strides in 2024:
Leadership Growth: Under the leadership of our CEO, Flossie Hall, Stella Foundation has flourished with a clear and bold vision for growth Flossie has spearheaded the expansion of our operations, assembling a strong and dynamic team dedicated to driving operational excellence, amplifying our impact, and sustaining our mission to support women entrepreneurs and investors nationwide.
Philanthropic Partnerships: Foundations like The Impact Seat Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to our vision, enabling us to grow our programming and further engage our virtual community.
Corporate Support: Partners such as Comcast LifetLabs, Dell, Cooley and others continued their sponsorship of our access-to-capital events, including Women’s Fast Pitch, Women’s Venture Summit, and the Oxytocin Tour.
Community Expansion: Our digital platform grew to nearly 2,000 active members who participated in 8 monthly masterclasses, 20 virtual coworking sessions, hundreds of 1:1 and group mentoring sessions with our 500+ mentor network, and over 1K connections to investors, experts, and industry leaders to help founders thrive in their entrepreneurial goals.
As we head into 2025, we invite our community to remain resolute in the fight for equity and innovation:
For Entrepreneurs: Be courageous in standing by the value you bring to your customers. Your journey will demand bold decisions that form the foundation of your vision. Your resilience and belief in the impact of your work are the true building blocks of success
For Investors: Continue to fund deserving, determined, and gritty founders. Build trust through transparency and collaboration, and partner with valuesaligned investors who will walk the mindful investment journey alongside you.
At Stella, the future shines bright. While the past 12 months have been among the most challenging in our 12-year history, they have also been a rebirth a time of necessary transformation as we pivoted, rebuilt, and redefined our path forward. We are more driven than ever to continue the good fight for economic equality for women entrepreneurs and to support the growing number of women investors creating collective wealth and impact
We are a strong conSTELLAtion. Watch us thrive.
With gratitude and determination,
Silvia Mah
Chairwoman and Founder, Stella Foundation
We Are Stella
Stella’s Mission is to inspire, equip, and propel diverse female founders to successfully launch, grow, and sustain their businesses while cultivating a thriving network of investors to increase equality for women-led startups. Founded in 2012, Stella connects women founders and investors to the right resources–at the right time–in their journeys. From ideation to funding to exit, women founders and investors look to Stella for its powerful constellation of support comprising an inclusive community, courses, access to capital events, advisory services, and funding opportunities.
Equal representation of female founders & funders across the venture table. $250M
CON TION
COMMUNITY
Over 10,000 women are in our inclusive community.
COURSES
More than 300 founderfocused courses.
CAPITAL
$250M+ in capital raised by women-led businesses in the Stella community.
CONFERENCES
38 conferences presented, with 10+ planned for 2025.
The stars have aligned.
Our Con tionstella
Our inclusive constellation is comprised of over 10,000 women who converge with a shared purpose: to uplift, empower, and advocate for one another fostering collaboration among female founders and funders alike. The free digital community, provides a safe space for women from diverse backgrounds and industries to exchange insights, share resources, and offer guidance to one another, transcending geographic boundaries and providing meaningful connections. Through mentorship, networking events, masterclasses, and education, Stella champions inclusivity and equality, striving to level the playing field for women in entrepreneurship.
Attendance: 293
Hosted by Stella Staff Attendance: 92
STARTUP OFFICE HOURS 8
Hosted by Stella Staff Attendance: 170 82 Mentors
HOSTED BY STELLA STAFF
HOSTS INCLUDED:
DEMOGRAPHICS
MARITAL STATUS
Our founders, whom 97% identify as female, come from all walks of life. Showing more than half are married, while 51% of our members have children.
EDUCATION
Stella's founders are highly educated; over 35% hold a 4year degree with nearly an additional 50% holding a Master’s Degree or higher Members cite that their number one need is access to capital and financial support.
LOCATION
Stella serves communities worldwide, with a special interest in underserved communities. It meets women in their own "backyards" via virtual and in-person programming.
Doctoral Master's Bachelor's SomeCollege ProfessionalDegree Associate's HSGrad DidNotDisclose SomeSchooling
DEMOGRAPHICS Community
ENTITY TYPE
Our Stella members have various entities but traditionally come to us with support for their LLC, transition to C-Corp, or existing C-Corp.
As Stella supports founders at all stages, the companies in the Stella ecosystem are traditionally just starting out with no employees or are scaling and in search of funding with 1-5 employees.
NUMBER OF BUSINESSES STARTED
ONLINE COMMUNITY
Between business and personal lives, female founders historically experience heavy demands on their time and schedules which means they lack the bandwidth or resources to attend in-person trainings. The majority of entrepreneurial support programs are focused on large cities, leaving suburban and rural areas pulling for options that fit them where they are at. Stella’s community consists of nearly 50% suburban and rural demographics collectively, which is why we strive to build accessible, nationwide offerings. Our program allows female founders to access education, curriculum, and masterclasses anywhere - in the comfort of their homes, at any time of the day..
Project + Time Management
Project Management
Time Management + Goal Setting
People Operations + Wellness
Cultivating Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Work
Imposter Syndrome: What it is and How to Overcome it
Employee Health and Wellness
Employee Ethics
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Resiliency
Stress Management
Mentorship
Communication and Empathy
Sales
Customer Discovery
Buyer Personas
Sales
Leadership
Leadership
Leadership Ethics
Entrepreneurship
Getting Started
Legal
Financial
Marketing
Operations + Leadership
Pitching
Marketing
Business Branding
Buyer Personas
Marketing 101
Marketing Analytics
Email Marketing 101
Introduction to Digital Marketing
SEO
Social Media Marketing 101
Social Media Marketing 201
Website Marketing
Product Marketing
Pitching Lab
8 modules offered prior to access to capital events
Our Con tionstella COMMUNITY BUILDING
Launched in 2015, YLAI is an annual exchange program sponsored by the US Department of State that empowers emerging business and social entrepreneurs from across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada 280 young business and social entrepreneurs from 37 countries are matched with businesses and organizations across the United States. Stella was proud to partner with YLAI for the 4th year, welcoming two incredible founders, Diana and Marcela. They joined alongside our accelerator program, gaining 1:1 and group mentorship from Stella's founder, executive team, and network of mentors. Besides the two fellows assigned to Stella, 11 other fellows from the YLAI program were welcomed in and took advantage of Stella’s office hours.
Our Con tionstella COMMUNITY BUILDING
Sponsored by the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the American Councils for International Education Russian Business Leader provides promising young professionals from Russia with the opportunity to gain practical experience in and exposure to innovation ecosystems. Participants are placed in intensive 5–6-week fellowships in nonprofit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience.
In 2023, with the goal of launching a global startup in the field of travel and active leisure, Stella Foundation hosted Elizaveta Grazhdaninova, an American Councils for International Education Russian Business Leader fellow. During her time with Stella, Elizaveta immersed herself in the world of California startups, utilized the opportunity to meet and work with Russian founders from other cities, and learned invaluable skills to amplify her startup.
Our Con tionstella COMMUNITY BUILDING
2024 YLAI FELLOWS
Mariola Urgellés is a chemical engineer and a diploma in cosmetic science, with a strong commitment to sustainability She is the CEO and founder of Sunspectra, a Costa Rican company dedicated to the sustainable production of mass consumer products, following a circular economy model
Mariola Urgellés CEO and founder of Sunspectra
Founder, Amimemima
Liliana Estigarribia is the founder of Amimemima, a company dedicated to designing and producing attractive and highly functional textile products that enhance people’s everyday lives Additionally, she serves as the co-founder and director of Girls Code, where she endeavors to inspire girls and women to explore the realm of technology and assume leadership roles in the future.
Liliana Estigarribia is the founder of Amimemima, a company dedicated to designing and producing attractive and highly functional textile products that enhance people’s everyday lives. Additionally, she serves as the co-founder and director of Girls Code, where she endeavors to inspire girls and women to explore the realm of technology and assume leadership roles in the future.
I am completely blown away by everything I just heard in today’s lab class. I am totally amazed, I loved every word, tone of voice, the respect, the confidence, the assurance, I am falling in love haha”
Liliana Estigarribia
Our Con tionstella RESIDENCE PROGRAMS
Stella’s ConSTELLAtion hosts 2 annual residency programs to serve our founder and funder communities: an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program and an Angels in Residence (AIR) program.
The EIR program serves as a dynamic incubator for seasoned entrepreneurs to share their expertise, mentor emerging startups, and explore new ventures. By embedding themselves within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Stella’s EIRs foster a culture of creativity, resilience, and knowledge exchange, fueling the growth and success of the next generation of disruptors and innovators.
The Angel-in-Residence program is a valuable initiative designed to nurture and empower aspiring angel investors as they navigate the complexities of earlystage investing. The program provides a structured framework for participants to gain hands-on experience, refine their investment strategies, and build meaningful connections within the startup ecosystem through mentorship from seasoned angel investors, educational workshops, and access to deal flow.
Our Con tionstella RESIDENCE PROGRAMS
Being an EIR for Stella has been a tremendously rewarding experience The women in the cohorts are incredible business leaders and creative thinkers who are hungry for knowledge and growth. The EIR program has allowed me to share my knowledge while continuing to grow my business and be supported by the Stella Community For anyone looking to give back to women in business, Stella is the perfect place for volunteering, investing, and growing your female entrepreneurs community.
I'm really fortunate and blessed to have spent the last few years learning about all the resources that are available to entrepreneurs And so I've participated in a couple of programs Um, it's really wonderful to be able to participate in female centered programs. It's just a different vibe as Gen X, but just being around women who are supporting other women and often creating products that are for women or are for children.
Which is not typical. Aside from that, just, you know, a lot of programs focus on literacy, uh, getting your white papers up, but not actually executing on those premises of those white papers, moving the needle forward on whether it be your prototyping. Standing up marketing proposals, I found themselves is that you will actually help people move the needle, which was amazing”
Stella facilitated valuable connections with top professionals spanning the realms of technology, law, finance, graphic design, and beyond. If you're a female-led startup in its early stages, look no further than Stella; it's the program you've been looking for We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Stella team for their unwavering support!
Malvina De Salvo Plateful
Elizabeth Arnold FLIP App
Devon Deangelo Landng
STELLA LABS
Stella Labs is an accelerator program that serves to propel early-stage startups to success by providing them with a 16-week, tailored program aimed at rapid growth and development Run by Stella’s industry experts and a team of seasoned mentor subject matter experts, Stella Labs offers a structured curriculum encompassing education, 1:1 and group mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. The culminating live pitch event, Demo Day, attracts over 100 attendees per cohort resulting in a prize package for the top pitch.
By compressing years of learning into a few months, the program empowers founders to overcome imposter syndrome and challenges, seize opportunities, and scale their ventures more efficiently, ultimately contributing to the vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our Con tionstella
STELLA LABS
C O H O R T W I N S
Lauren Gregor Rent-A-Romper
UPS Grant Finalist
Katie Shahan Yarlow
App downloads reached 40 states
Closed $1M pre-seed round
Dana Le Wander Health
Featured on Times Square Billboard in New York
Forbes 30 Under 30
Richelle Futch Sponsor Match
Actively negotiating pending aquisition
Olivia Rutman Kids Care Finder
San Diego Angels’s Conference Finalist Closed first round of seed funding
Martika Jones BUP
Piloted BUP bands as official networking bracelet at WVS
Our Con tionstella STELLA LABS
LAEL BARRY, Founder of Ecolux Goods (2 Stella Labs completions in 2023 & 2024): I've had a lot of experience with Stella I've actually been in their constellation for over six years - I really am was impressed with, and it always is impressive, um, how hands on the Stella mentors and crew really, really are They don't just like give you stuff to work on They're actually in your business with you getting stuff done And if you can't do it, they hand it off to a team member I think the most incredible part about Stella is how hands on they are because I've worked with other people, other accelerators, and it's not like that they give you the information No one ' s as hands on as Stella is
MALVINA DE SALVO, Founder of Plateful (Lab Alumni 2024): I have been in many pre-accelerators and accelerators, and this is the first one where the people actually cared about me and my company. Not just passive education, but you are helping me move the needle. Thank You!
LILIANA ESTIGARRIBIA: I’ve encountered what I believe to be the next evolution of feminism. In Latin America, our activism often stems from a place of anger, yet through Stella Foundation, my experience in the United States revealed a different approach.I loved seeing that not only does the Stella team raise the bar, but they also continue pushing so the community doesn’t believe that there is a limit <3 I am forever grateful.
Stella Community MENTORS
Stella’s mentors play a pivotal role in supporting our community on their journey towards success. Seasoned professionals and often successful entrepreneurs themselves, provide invaluable guidance, wisdom, and support to the emerging business leaders. Through regular meetings, workshops, and oneon-one sessions, our community receives strategic advice, business refinement, and strategic connections to assist in overcoming challenges. Beyond practical assistance, mentors also serve as sounding boards, offering encouragement and motivation during the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
Joanne Forster Orange County Community Foundation
Maria Stout Knobbe Martens
Courtney Burnett Ad Astra Ventures
Katherine Zacharias Seed Spot + YLAI
Moaz Hamid Mvmt Ventures
Alex Waters Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
Sam Mazzeo Better APC
Seanna Asper Cultivated Strategy Kurling Robinson Fōkcus
Mike Sherbakov The Veteran Fund
Stella Community MENTORS
Andrea Giralt LiBr8
Anna Diaz Corient
Lindsay Helm Empower Employ
Sophia Babbitt How Women Lead
Lael Barry EcoLux Goods
Elizabeth Arnold Flip App
Anastasia Mikhalochkina Lean Orb
Kara Smith Stella Foundation
Flossie Hall Stella Foundation
Angie Schultz Opposable Thumbs Marketing
Jaci Sander Stella Foundation
Silvia Mah
She Invests, Stella Foundation
Amy Tilson-Lumetta Stella Foundation
Vidya Dinamani
Ad Astra Ventures + Product Rebels
Julius Alejandro Village Up San Diego
Karen Deschaine Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
STELLA ANGELS
The Stella Angels Program connects actively raising female-led companies with a curated network of Angel Investors actively deploying capital on a quarterly basis.
In 2021, Stella Angels invested in 14 female-led startups, syndicating over $1.3M via direct investments and indirectly via syndications and crowdfunding. Our minimum check size is $50K and goes up from there depending on investor interest. Since we are not a fund, all of our angels choose to participate on a deal-by-deal basis
Every quarter,10-12 female-led start-ups are selected to pitch in front of a group of 30 to 50 Angel Investors. Founders will pitch for 5-minutes and follow-up with a moderated Q&A session.
Founders will engage with the Stella executive team prior to the live event to make them investor ready. This includes pitch practice sessions, access to free pitching courses offered through the Stella Community, and direct 1:1 feedback from experienced investors and industry experts.
Applications are open to all early-stage female-led companies (pre-seed & seed). We highly encourage applicants to explore the Stella Community resources before applying to get the full experience of what Stella has to offer.
Stella’s Executive team personally reviews each application to choose appropriate candidates for an interview. Upon completion of the interview, candidates are selected and notified
Stella Angels commitment is a 6-month commitment annually from January – December (Initial cohort for 2024 will run from June 1st -December 1st, 2024).
Our Con tionstella STELLA ANGELS
ANGELS SHOWCASE FOUNDERS: JANUARY
ANGELS SHOWCASE FOUNDERS: APRIL
MAY ALBA
RONI CANTORBALAN
USRSULA DE LA SOTTA RUBIO
ANDREA STEPHANY
LIN CHEN
ANNA VON WENDORFF ORLEATHA SMITH
JOANNA SHU OLIVIA RUTMAN
KATIE SHAHAN
CHRISTY LAMKA
DANA LE
ELENA BRIN CHERESE PALONI
SYDNEY ROBINSON
Our Con tionstella STELLA ANGELS
ANGELS SHOWCASE FOUNDERS: DECEMBER
SANDRA SALDANA SHIRA YEVIN
LOREN MOUNTO’BRIEN
RIZALA CARRINGTON
DECEMBER ANGEL BRESKFAST
MANALI YAVATKAR SCOPI MEDICAL ALICE THOMPSON AVERY PIANTEDOSI
DIANA STEIN
SANDRA VELAZQUEZ
SARAH MACK
Our Con tionstella STELLA ANGELS
SHOWCASE SUCCESSES
LIN CHEN, Founder of Pink Moon (Angels Showcase Spring): Tory Burch Foundation Alum
“Stella Pitch Prep was some of the best advice I received Stella is a femalefocused organization that actually helps and is super genuine”
Our Con tionstella STELLA ANGELS
SHOWCASE SUCCESSES
Our Con tionstella STELLA EVENTS
In 2024, the Stella Foundation strengthened its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and investors through a series of impactful events designed to expand access to capital and foster meaningful connections.
Our Women’s Fast Pitch competition selected 26 underrepresented founders from across the nation to compete for a $50K prize package including investment, grants and services. Providing not only critical funding but also the chance to connect with influential investors and showcase their innovative ideas
The Women’s Venture Summit, our signature annual event, brought together founders, funders, and leaders for unparalleled education and networking. Over the past eleven years, this summit has welcomed nearly 7,000 attendees, demonstrating the enduring power of women-led innovation and collaboration
Additionally, our Oxytocin Tour infused cities across the country with women-led and women-focused events in partnership with incredible organizations, offering intimate panels, workshops, and large-scale gatherings that amplified the voices of wo men entrepreneurs and strengthened their networks of support Through these initiatives, the Stella Foundation continued to drive its mission to increase female founders' access to capital and grow the number of female investors funding women-led ventures.
Our Con tionstella STELLA EVENTS
TOUR STOPS
ROCHESTER, NY
LOS ANGELES, CA
NEW YORK CITY, NY
MINNISOTA (PENDING)
PHILADELPHIA, PA
CONNETICUT (PENDING)
Our journey across America continues as we reconnect with friends old and new. We’re thrilled to engage with founders and investors who share our passion for inspiring, equipping, and propelling diverse female founders to successfully launch, grow, and sustain their businesses. Over the years, we have cultivated a thriving network of investors dedicated to increasing equality for women-led startups Our enduring vision remains steadfast: equal representation of female founders and funders across the venture table.
Our Con tionstella STELLA EVENTS
Women’s Fast Pitch is a series of five regional access-to-capital events taking place across America. Finalists advance to compete at the Women’s Venture Summit for a $50K prize package including investment, grants and services. Women’s Fast Pitch receives hundreds of applicants to fill 26 spots (5 per region plus an audience-choice wild card). Twenty investor judges ask questions and provide commentary during the livestreamed Women’s Fast Pitch virtual series each summer
697 REGISTRANTS
23 REVIEWERS
ATTENDANCE
NE: 73
SE: 100 (81 in 2023)
MW: 107
NW: 94
SW: 173 (88 in 2023)
181 APPLICATIONS
26 SEMI-FINALISTS
5 PRESENTERS 10 TECH CHECKS
6 FINALISTS
23 JUDGES
HEATHER LAWER CEEMO KIMBERLYEVANS
JANICEWILLIAMSOLIVER MISTEE
JOANNA SHU FREEZENIT
Our Con tionstella STELLA EVENTS
Our 11th Annual Women's Venture Summit was an unmatched event that builds bridges between female founders and investors. The goals of the conference were to boost female founders' access to capital and to grow the number of investors who invest in female-led startups
Individuals from across the globe met in a vibrant and intimate conference setting to explore opportunities for increased funding and collaboration.
Women’s Venture Summit is our capstone event that has helped Stella facilitate $250+ million in fundraising dollars for women-led companies!
We’ve created an immersive three-day experience that will inspire, empower and equip you to become a changemaker who makes giant leaps for womankind.
STELLA EVENTS
100% of respondents would recommend this event to a friend
100% of respondents would attend again
The Stella Summit far exceeded my expectations. I wish it was a 5-day boot camp, to be honest! So much information to digest in a short period of time, however, it worked into my schedule perfectly!
Angela Douglas
This event was one of the highlights of my 2023. It was an AWESOME event where I really got to connect (as in, truly connect) with female founders and investors. I'm very grateful for all of you putting this together and can't wait for this year's event!
Andrea Stephany
Our Con tionstella SPONSORS
In 2024, the Stella Foundation remained steadfast in our mission to support women entrepreneurs and investors at a time when they are fighting harder than ever not just to survive, but to thrive. As we look to 2025, our commitment to driving meaningful change has never been stronger, but we cannot do this vital work alone. Our sponsors play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Stella and, in turn, the lives of countless women striving to build and grow their businesses.
Beyond financial support, our sponsors provide invaluable mentorship, guidance, and access to powerful networks resources that are often critical for female entrepreneurs navigating traditionally male-dominated industries. Their investment in Stella extends far beyond our programs and events; it contributes to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem where women can lead, innovate, and succeed.
As we step into the new year, we remain committed to collaboration and community. Together with our sponsors and partners, we will continue to break barriers, amplify women’s voices, and build a future where all women have the opportunity to thrive. This work is not just ours it belongs to all of us who believe in a world where equity and empowerment are the standard, not the exception.
PARTNERSHIPS Advocacy and
Stella Foundation is proud to collaborate with more than 150+ funds, 50+ community partners, and 30+ corporate sponsors who share our mission of increasing the number of women who launch, scale, and grow successful businesses. These partnerships are the backbone of our efforts, amplifying our message and helping us drive real change in the entrepreneurial landscape.
We count on our partners not only for their fiscal support but also for their commitment to creating equal opportunities for women in business. By aligning with Stella, our partners contribute to a stronger, more inclusive ecosystem where women founders can access the resources, networks, and capital they need to thrive. Together, we are breaking down barriers and building a future where equity and empowerment are not just goals they are realities.
OUR PARTNERS
Scan to view the 2025 Stella Prospectus
PARTNERSHIPS
OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS COUNT ON STELLA TO:
Help them carry forth their own initiatives for women and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Provide a conSTELLAtion of support to founders and investors in the startup ecosystem.
Do meaningful, challenging work year-round; the kind of work it takes to effect positive change for women across the globe.
HIGHLIGHTS Media
Impressions: 25k
Impressions: 93k
KPBS Midday Edition Podcast
How pushback against DEI impacts businesses owned by women of color (also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc )
Impressions: 172k
She Owns It
MeetJaniceWilliams Oliver,Founderof MisTeePRO
Impressions: 1.8M
Post Reach: 835K
Forbes Magazine
Two organizations dedicated to empowering marginalized entrepreneurs, Fearless Fund and Hello Alice, were sued by activists over their grant programs
Televisedsegment
Sept 26, 2024
Websitefeature Sept. 27, 2024
Featured Stella's Founder and Chairwomen of the board, Silvia Mah, and Women’s Fast Pitch Finalists, Janice Williams Oliver, Founder and CEO MisTee Wants To Know, and Haley Marie Keith, Founder and CEO MITO Material
Solutions
BROADCAST REACH
1M+
San Diego adults 18+ each week
Our Con tionstella BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chief Executive Officer
Flossie Hall
Chief Financial Officer
Jaci Sander
Our Con tionstella
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
Stella CEO, Flossie Hall, was named a finalist for San Diego Business Journal’s CEO of the Year Award
At Stella Foundation, our lean but mighty core team is the driving force behind our mission to support women entrepreneurs and investors While we are supported by a vast network of dedicated volunteers, it’s our core team that steers our day-to-day operations, drives innovation, and builds meaningful partnerships.
In 2023, we made strategic hires to ensure we have the right talent in place as we pivoted into the national spotlight These key additions strengthened our ability to seize new opportunities, foster a dynamic and inclusive remote culture, and advance our long-term goals.
As we look to 2025, we are excited to expand our team to further amplify our impact, grow our initiatives, and continue building a future where women-led businesses thrive
Kara Smith Chief Operating Officer
Jaci Sander Fractional CFO
Amy Tilson-Lumetta Creative Director
Rylie Jennings Events Director
Allie Hall Marketing Associate
Liberty Klingbiel Marketing Manager
Angie Schultz Technology Director
Sadie Crabb Hiring Our Heroes Fellow
Our Con tionstella TEAM BUILDING + EDUCATION
At Stella Foundation, we recognize that building a strong, connected team is essential to supporting the women we serve. To foster unity and shared purpose, we intentionally bring our nationwide remote team together several times a year for events, conferences, and team retreats.
These gatherings are designed to cultivate a sense of belonging, collective energy, and renewed focus. By stepping away from daily tasks and immersing in a collaborative setting, our team members have the opportunity to engage in meaningful interactions, build trust, and strengthen their bonds.
These moments of connection empower our team to return to their work with fresh perspectives, deeper relationships, and an even stronger commitment to our mission of advancing women entrepreneurs and investors.
Our 2025 Goals: Expanding Our Reach and Amplifying Our Impact
As we enter 2025, the Stella Foundation is focused on bold expansion and deepening our impact to support women entrepreneurs and investors like never before. Our commitment to equity, access, and advocacy drives our goals as we continue to grow and foster lasting change.
KEY INITIATIVES
FOR 2025:
Launch a New Chapter Model: Establish local chapters in key cities to strengthen our national footprint and provide targeted, regional support to women founders where Stella is needed most.
Expand the Oxytocin Tour: Bring our unique, womenfocused events to additional cities across the country, creating more spaces for connection, collaboration, and inspiration
Enhance Educational Offerings: Expand our curriculum to include investor-specific content that empowers women to become investors and leaders in venture capital.
Launch Stella Labs Alumni Program: Foster an engaged community of graduates from our accelerator with ongoing mentorship, networking, and exclusive resources.
Elevate Media Exposure: Secure mass media opportunities to showcase the businesses, products, and services of our members, helping them gain visibility and recognition
Blaze New Trails for Funding: Continue creating innovative pathways for female founders to access capital and increase funding opportunities
We are proud of the work we’ve accomplished over the last decade and remain deeply grateful to those who support the fight for equality for women across the venture table. As we continue to expand our offerings globally, we will rely on our incredible ecosystem of founders, investors, team members, and partners to help us drive progress.
Our eleventh year is shaping up to be our best yet, and we are excited to show you what’s in store for 2025. As women and allies standing shoulder to shoulder, we are truly stronger together
Advocate for Legislative Change: Continue our advocacy work to influence policy changes that support women entrepreneurs and close the funding gap
Expand Founder Perks: Increase access to discounted resources, tools, and services to support our founders in growing and scaling their businesses
Host Signature Events: Celebrate our 12th annual Women’s Venture Summit and continue the success of our Women’s Fast Pitch competition, spotlighting groundbreaking founders.
Foster In-Person Connections: Host in-person events that create meaningful opportunities for founders and investors to connect, collaborate, and grow together
Grow Stella Labs Accelerator: Host additional Stella Labs cohorts, culminating in Demo Day presentations that showcase our founders’ growth and potential
Scale Stella Angels: Host five additional Stella Angel events and prepare for the official membership launch of Stella Angels in 2025
Expand National Presence: Strengthen Stella’s presence across the U.S. and beyond by growing our partnerships, programs, and community engagement
A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S
Stella is a true conSTELLAtion. We could not do the work that we do without the support of our corporate and community partners, our fearless team, our board of advisors, and our founders. We want to give a special thank you to the following:
Our Stella Team, who put in the work, day in and day out, supporting founders and funders side by side. Our team is the lifeblood of the work Stella does. For women, by women.
Our Community Partners, who support Stella in all that we do, and together, we work to bridge the gaps needed for female founders globally.
Our Donors & Sponsors, without whom none of our work here at Stella would be possible As a 501(c)3, we lean on incredible donations to support the work, provide the services and keep us running. We thank YOU truly.
Our conSTELLAtion of members, founders, and investors. Thank you for trusting Stella as your guidepost. We promise to continue to serve you with educational content, programs, events, services, and a team dedicated to your success. We will not let you down. We will continue to fight for you, with and alongside you, shoulder to shoulder
we thank you for your continued support in our programs
Foundation
