Sam Brin is a native of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and currently a Maine resident. Prior to launching Pull Up Fund, Sam held various roles in the technology sector. Sam led People Operations at Robinhood where he oversaw recruiting and human resources through several funding rounds and stages of growth. Previously, he was co-founder and CEO of Butter Systems, a restaurant technology startup that was accepted into the Y Combinator accelerator program in 2013.

Sam graduated from the University of Maryland in 2009 with a BS in Computer Science and minor in Physics. He began his career as a software engineer for a research group at MassGeneral Hospital before transitioning to the startup space.

Aerica Shimizu Banks is a tech policy expert and inclusion innovator. Aerica is the founder of Shiso, a consultancy that applies an intersectional equity lens to solve the most pressing challenges in tech, policy, and business. She was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur and a Tech Titan by Washingtonian Magazine. She served on President-Elect Biden’s innovation policy committee, founded Pinterest’s DC office and led federal affairs, led diversity and equity initiatives on Google’s legal team, and served as the Black small business liaison for the DC area. She also co-founded BEACON: The DC Women Founders Initiative, was a political appointee in the Obama administration, and advanced environmental justice policies in Washington state. She holds a MSc in Environmental Policy from Oxford University and a BA in Environmental Studies and Public Affairs from Seattle University. To learn more about Aerica, visit aerica.co.

A native of New York City, and a first-generation college student, Jose Mena graduated from Tufts University in 2011 with a BA in American Studies. Currently, Jose serves as Director for the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation (KDCF) where he oversees foundation programs and operations including: the Durant Center in Suitland, Maryland, and partnership with College Track, BUILD IT AND THEY WILL BALL basketball courts renovation initiative, Team Durant athletic program, strategic grant-making, and foundation partnerships with corporate partners. Additionally, Jose contributes to Thirty Five Venture’s “The Boardroom” platform and brand with research and content for digital and social media properties. Previously, Jose worked at Roc Nation Sports in a philanthropic advisory role for professional athletes.

Based in Maryland, just outside the nation’s capital, Diana Leon Brown has delivered exceptional and measurable public-private partnership results for over 25 years, She previously served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Prince George’s County Executive’s Office and currently serves as Principal for Artem Ventures, LLC. 

Diana’s seasoned knowledge and relationships in the Federal, Maryland State and Local governments allow her to navigate economic development by identifying public and private strategic benefits and outcomes. Known as a compelling communicator and storyteller she is highly sought after for keynote speaking engagements and panel discussions.

Dedicated to her mantra. “Do Good, While Doing Well,” Diana cultivates national and global leadership opportunities, exploring ways for businesses, nonprofits and rising leaders to build generational legacy. Over the last 20 years, Diana has been committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders. She has served on numerous boards and chaired several executive, business and governance committees.

Diana’s national track record is juxtaposed by her extensive global cross-sector leadership roles. As Executive Director of the Artem Leadership Institute, she developed high-level international programs and events with the United Nations, Organization of American States, and the Women’s Global Initiative in Africa and Dubai.

Ms. Brown also had the honor of serving as the appointed political liaison on behalf of the Haitian Diaspora Federation for the Obama Administration’s Office of Public Engagement created to develop partnerships in response to the Haitian Earthquake of 2010. Her efforts raised over 40 million dollars in aid and investments.

(Chee-kay Ah-Goo) currently serves as Chief Innovation Officer (CInO) at the US Department of Labor, appointed by President Biden. His role extends as Senior Advisor for Delivery where he leads efforts to use data, emerging technologies, and innovative practices to advance and protect American workers. Previously, Chike launched the Community College Growth Engine Fund, a national multimillion dollar effort helping community colleges train thousands for careers in high growth fields. He has also engaged in education through the Fulbright Scholar Program in Asia and as the director of corporate strategy and performance technologies at Education Advisory Board. Additionally, Chike served as CEO of a national social enterprise which helped connect 500,000 Americans in 48 states to affordable internet and digital skills. 

Chike holds degrees from Tufts University (B.A.), Harvard Graduate School of Education (Ed.M), Harvard Kennedy School of Government (MPA), and University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School (MBA). He is a former Presidential Leadership Scholar; Council on Foreign Relations term member; 40 under 40 honoree from Wharton and Washington Business Journal; and member of the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Board. Chike, his wife and their two children proudly call Prince George’s County, MD home. 

Jarrid Green is the Co-Director of the Center for Business and Social Justice at BSR. The Center will advance health and economic justice at the intersection of movements working toward greater societal equity and fairness. Among other activities, the Center will sustainably and intentionally connect leaders in movements with private sector allies, identify effective business practices, and provide cross-learning opportunities that inform private sector behavior change as well as systems change through improved public policy outcomes.

Prior to joining BSR, Jarrid worked at Freedman Consulting, where he developed and managed strategic philanthropic initiatives including donor coalitions and nonprofit organizations focused on social justice and climate/sustainability impacts. Jarrid has also served senior research and project management capacities at The Democracy Collaborative and The Center for Social Inclusion.

Jarrid received his M.B.A in Sustainability from Bard College and his B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland. He is also an alum of the Council of Urban Professional Fellowship Institute.