Kelly Ramirez

Results-driven, early leader and entrepreneur in the field of social impact, domestically and internationally. 20+ years of experience and a successful track record in building complex problem-solving initiatives and organizations, from vision to strategy to execution. Ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders including academics, policymakers, business and nonprofit leaders, and grassroots entrepreneurs. SUCCESSFUL MISSION-FOCUSED ENTREPRENEUR: Co-founded and built numerous social impact initiatives from the ground up including Social Enterprise Greenhouse, the WDI Social Enterprise Initiative, the SEEED Summit, Buy with Heart, and Best for RI. TEAM LEADER: Built and inspired a team of 20+ to develop and execute programs and services tailored to diverse community needs. PARTNERSHIP BUILDER: Led the development of the first ever statewide coalition of 12 RI based business support organizations with diverse leadership. Built strategic partnerships with institutions such as RI Commerce Corporation, Brown University, Harvard Business School Alumni Association. EQUITY CHAMPION: Increased employee (from 10% in 2015 to 47% in 2022) and client (from 19% in 2016, to 41% in 2021) diversity as a champion for equity across internal and external initiatives and programs. SOUGHT-AFTER THOUGHT LEADER: Invited to lead and speak in courses and conferences at institutions and organizations such as Brown, Harvard, Notre Dame, NYU, the Social Enterprise World Forum, the University of Michigan, and Yale. PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATOR: Developed hundreds of successful grant proposals. Built a robust pipeline of hundreds of entrepreneurs, volunteers, and funders. AREAS OF EXPERTISE Building New Ventures & Initiatives | Business Development | Program Development | Strategic Planning & Execution | Fundraising & Sales | Public Speaking | Team Leadership & Mentoring | Grant Writing | Event Planning