Meet the 2025 Ray of Hope Accelerator Advisory Committee
We’re honored to introduce the 2025 Ray of Hope Accelerator Advisory Committee: a group of exceptional leaders whose perspectives span industries, disciplines, and geographies. This diverse and deeply experienced committee plays a vital role in helping us evaluate applications through a holistic lens, drawing from their expertise in science, deep tech, entrepreneurship, impact investing, and beyond. Their insights ensure we remain rigorous and grounded as we identify and support the next generation of nature-inspired startups.
Joanne Rodriguez
Mycocycle
Chris Wohl
NASA
Kirthika Padmanabhan
Climate Capital
Investor, Operator & Startup Advisor
Learn more about Kirthika on LinkedIn
More on KirthikaKirthika Padmanabhan
Climate Capital
Alex Kopelyan
SOSV Indie Bio
Partner & Senior Director
Learn more about Alex on LinkedIn
More on AlexAlex Kopelyan
SOSV Indie Bio
Daniel Kinzer
Pacific Blue Studios
Founder and Expedition Crew
Learn more about Daniel on LinkedIn
More on DanielDaniel Kinzer
Pacific Blue Studios
Shuman Mitra
L'Oréal
Associate Vice President Open Innovation
Learn more about Shuman on LinkedIn
More on ShumanShuman Mitra
L'Oréal
Greta Bertozzini
Regeneration.VC
Sadie Henderson
Elemental Impact
Portfolio Innovation Manager
Learn more about Sadie on LinkedIn
More on SadieSadie Henderson
Elemental Impact
Jim Bunch
COinvest
Deepak Rajmohan
GreenPod Labs
Pilar Carvajo-Lucena
Third Derivative
Head of Investments & Fund Partnerships
Learn more about Pilar on LinkedIn
More on PilarPilar Carvajo-Lucena
Third Derivative
Giulia Guidetti
Tufts University
Research Assistant Professor and Deputy Director, Silklab
Learn more about Giulia on LinkedIn
More on GiuliaGiulia Guidetti
Tufts University
Roger Berry
Sudoc
Natalya Wallin
Vitality VF
Sandra Rey
Anima Biomimicry Venture Studio
Co-founder & CEO
Learn more about Sandra on LinkedIn
More on SandraSandra Rey
Anima Biomimicry Venture Studio
Jared Yarnall-Schane
Penn State University
Alliance Officer
Learn more about Jared on LinkedIn
More on JaredJared Yarnall-Schane
Penn State University
Angela Nahikian
The Biomimicry Institute
Board Member/Advisor
Learn more about Angela on LinkedIn
More on AngelaAngela Nahikian
The Biomimicry Institute
Luciano Della Mura
Bentley Motors
Project Lead – The Bentley Environmental Foundation
Learn more about Luciano on LinkedIn
More on LucianoLuciano Della Mura
Bentley Motors
Dana Lowell
Biophilia Ventures
Jon Smieja
Giorgia Scette
Mass Challenge
Materials Science & Accelerator Partner Manager
Learn more about Giorgia on LinkedIn
More on GiorgiaGiorgia Scette
Mass Challenge
Leon Wang
Sustainable Ocean Alliance
Robin Berry
Arizona State University, Vitality Fund
Former Assistant Director, Biomimicry Center at ASU & Investor/VC Fund Development
Learn more about Robin on LinkedIn
More on RobinRobin Berry
Arizona State University, Vitality Fund