Our Team
Isabel Wen, Next Economy MBA
Former VC and startup operator turned executive coach for entrepreneurs navigating the complex journey from innovation to sustainable growth. I’ve worked with hundreds of startups from both sides of the table—as an operator who's built and scaled businesses, and as a VC/grantmaker who's sat in closed-door conversations.
I’m an experienced mentor, coach, and advisor for startups in tech, nonprofits, and service-based businesses. I advocate for developing executive leaders and collaborative innovation ecosystems.
As a former nanomaterials scientist, I’ve commercialized products in many industries including biotech, medtech, SaaS, and services and others - from proof of concept through commercialization. I’ve led and advised nonprofits that serve entrepreneurs and business leaders.
I know what the transition from a scientist to a business executive is like because I’ve done it, and I know what the transition from business to startups is like because I’ve done that too. I love being able to help others make the same transition smoothly and learn the culture that isn’t explicitly taught to be able to thrive as an entrepreneur in a high growth industry.
In my spare time, I like to be outdoors hiking, gardening, or traveling. When the weather is bad, I like to cook and craft with crochet, woodworking, and candles.
Master of Business: Next Economy MBA, 2021
Lift EconomyBachelor of Science: Chemistry (Molecular Synthesis)
University of California, San Diego
Fluent in: English, Mandarin
Service Affiliations
Pitch Coach & Mentor, 2026-present
Korea Innovation Center, Washington DC (KIC DC)Coach, 2026-present
STRIDE Ventures, Tech Metal Transformation Challenge (NSF TIP)Advisory Board Member, 2025-present
SXSW Pitch 2026, 2027Mentor & Speaker, 2025-2026
College of Staten Island (CUNY), Innovation HubPlanning Committee Member, 2026
National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine - Government-University-Industry-Philanthropy Research RoundtableAdvisor, 2026-present
Maryland Innovation CenterResource Navigator & Pathways Builder, 2025-present
UpSurge (Greater Baltimore Committee)Mentor-in-Residence, Fall 2025
VentureWell Aspire MedtechReviewer, 2025-present
Accelerate Investor Conference (George Mason University)Mentor, 2025-present
HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit 2025, 2026 (Howard University)
Awards
Ignite Respect Award, 2021
The Center for Respectful Leadership
Memberships
Member, 2023-2026
Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA)
Certifications & Courses
Rising Leaders, 2025-2026
Leadership Greater WashingtonVC University 2024
UC Berkeley Law, National Venture Capital Association, and Venture ForwardChesapeake Basic Economic Development Course, 2023
Maryland Economic Development Association (IEDC)MIT Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) Training, 2023
Maryland Tech CouncilGRI Certified Training Course based on the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2021
ISOS Group (now Environ Energy)Data Science for Good, 2020
University of San Diego
Jordan Miles, MA Strategic Communications
Speech coaching and strategic communications expert, drawing on my experience as a startup co-founder, my 15 years of teaching experience and completion of a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication at American University. I work with founders to hone their communication skills using evidence-based methods to gain funding, engagement and brand identity.
After a decade of teaching and 6-years managing a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) in China before exiting, my Master's in Strategic Communication provides numerous opportunities in technical writing and research while exploring campaigns that span from marketing to public service. My coursework focused on practical speech-writing and executive communications, as well as, multicultural strategic communication campaigns.
Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping and gardening just as much as loafing inside reading or watching sports/a movie. Not much of a "no" person, I am always curious to learn something new or go on an unexpected adventure.
Master of Arts: Strategic Communication, 2025
American UniversityBachelor of Arts: International Relations, International Relations and Affairs
Minor: Chinese Language
American University
Fluent in: English, Mandarin
Awards, Affiliations, & Certifications:
Pitch Coach & Mentor, 2026-present
Korea Innovation Center, Washington DC (KIC DC)Advisor, 2026-present
Maryland Innovation CenterSpeaker, 2026
Foundervine Accelerator USASpeaker, 2026
R.E.P. Program (National Association for the Advancement of Small Business Innovation, NAASBI)Volunteer, 2025
Accelerate Investor Conference (George Mason University)Freediving Instructor, 2018
Scuba Schools International (SSI)Most Popular Teacher, 2011, 2016
Nanjing University of Finance & Economics
Our Affiliations
