Dr. Mariela Salas serves as the Executive Director of SomosVC, where the focus is on enhancing the presence of Latinx professionals in venture capital and fostering their career growth. As the Founder and CEO of Eleva Ventures, Dr. Salas leads initiatives to empower Latinx venture investors. Previous roles include Portfolio Manager at Verizon Enterprise Solutions and Chief of Staff to a Venture Capital Analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Further experience encompasses serving as Director of Research and Operations at JSK Investor Solutions and Director of Lending at the New York City Financial Network Action Consortium. Dr. Salas holds an Executive Doctor of Business Administration from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, a Master’s in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from The New School, and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Paul Quinn College.