ABOUT

Since 1993, Paul Zelizer has worked with and led programs for 30,000+ leaders working for positive change in and through their organizations. He started his business in 2008, making him one of the first business coaches to focus on the needs of social entrepreneurs and impact business leaders. In 2017, he founded Awarepreneurs as a way to amplify the practices successful social enterprise leaders use. Today he is best known as host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, the world's longest running social entrepreneur podcast. Paul maintains a busy coaching and consulting practice working with impact focused founders, leaders and companies.

Vicki Apodaca is a serial entrepreneur and founding member of several tech startups (StellarFi, Joust, and Soply). She's been through two exits as the Head of Marketing (Joust acquired by ZenBusiness, Starship HSA acquired by Optum), and one as a Growth Lead. Currently she's a founding member and CMO of Phalanx, a document intelligence software for startup founders and consultants. She also advises on go-to-market and marketing strategies for portfolio companies of Fiat Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. Locally in New Mexico, she's the Chapter Director & Co-Founder of Techqueria NM and NMClimate, and is passionate about helping underserved communities.

Michael Zbrozek is a developer and community organizer committed to growing inclusive and collaborative tech spaces in New Mexico. As a lead organizer for Google Developers Group ABQ and co-founder of Software Social Club, he brings together developers, designers, and innovators through events, workshops, and community-building initiatives.

John Chavez is the Managing Director of the New Mexico Start-Up Factory (NMSUF) I, II, and III, where he drives innovation by launching and supporting technology-based startups. With over 15 years of experience as an active investor and a successful tenure as President of New Mexico Angels, John has played a pivotal role in expanding early-stage funding and supporting high-growth companies in New Mexico.

Stefany brings together data, technology, community, collaboration, and systems thinking to address wicked problems in health and social systems. A former founder and current doctoral student researcher, she explores how innovation happens—and why it often doesn't. She co-founded a health analytics company (acquired in 2021) and now leads education and collaboration efforts at HealthInno, an innovation hub advancing health tech and community-based innovation in New Mexico.

Angelica Maestas leads Strategic Partnerships and New Mexico Expansion at Builders VC, a Bay Area-based venture firm investing in the modernization of healthcare, agriculture, and industrials. With 15+ years in healthtech and a deep commitment to health equity, she's a founder, investor, and ecosystem builder working at the intersection of innovation and inclusion. She also leads HealthInno, a hub for healthcare innovation, and hosts She's Ambitious AF, a podcast amplifying fearless women founders and funders.

Methika Nithimatechakorn (May) is a Product Designer & Front-End Developer at GILZ, where she helps bring innovative ideas to life through web and mobile design. With a background in UI/UX design and content creation, she enjoys contributing to community-driven tech projects in Albuquerque. She is also part of the organizer team at Google Developer Group Albuquerque, supporting local events that empower the tech community.

Rudy Parra is a Mechatronics & Lab Technician at GridFlow, where he helps pioneer the world's first lithium-sulfur hybrid flow battery. With a background rooted in IoT, robotics, and lab automation, Rudy brings science and technology together to solve real-world energy challenges. Whether he's prototyping a new sensor system or refining processes in the lab, he's driven by a love for innovation, efficiency, and building things that matter.

Solomon Gbara is an Albuquerque-based student entrepreneur and the founder & CEO of ValidSync, an AI-powered compliance platform that helps real-estate professionals instantly verify contractor licenses and credentials. A Business Administration major in the University of New Mexico and is involved with the Honors College. Named to Albuquerque Business Journal's 'Inno Under 25,' Solomon combines technology, community impact, and financial literacy to build products that solve real-world problems.