Team
The Impact Seat Foundation is a diverse, female-founded and led team. We have seen firsthand how our woman-led, diverse team embraces creative friction to create better solutions.
Our Staff
If you want ROI, you need DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion)!
Cheryl Contee
Chief Executive Officer
Cheryl Contee is Chief Executive Officer at The Impact Seat Foundation, which is working to create a world in which women can succeed as business leaders. She is also the…
Investing in women propels economic growth and innovation, enriching the tapestry of our global marketplace.
Gabriella De La Cruz
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Communications
As The Impact Seat Foundation’s Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Communications, Gabriella oversees TISF's brand narrative, company voice, and marketing strategy. Passionate about bridging connections and amplifying the voices…
Closing the gap for women isn't just about leveling the playing field; it's about rewriting the rules for success.
Natashia Edwards
Operations Manager
As The Impact Seat Foundation’s Operations Manager, Natashia helps to streamline our financial and operational processes, ensuring productive operations throughout our organization. Passionate about PEOPLE and serving as a catalyst for…
As women achieve power, the barriers will fall!
Sonam Tsering
Communications Associate
As the Communications Associate at The Impact Seat Foundation, Sonam directly assists the Communications Director with tactical support. She effectively leverages her writing abilities to update the company website with the latest…
Our Board
"Embrace diversity, empower brilliance, and watch our collective potential soar.”
Janelle Benjamin
Board Member
Janelle Benjamin is an accomplished serial entrepreneur and investor. She is one of the precious few black female entrepreneurs to raise over $1 million in funding and successfully exit. Previously,…
My goal is to provide women with the networks and systems they need to succeed!
Barbara Clarke
Founder and Board Chair
Barbara Clarke is the Founder and Board Chair of The Impact Seat Foundation. Launched in 2021, The Impact Seat Foundation strives to create a world in which women, particularly women…
"When we invest in women, we are opening up a world of possibility for everyone! When women flourish, economies thrive."
Betsy Fore
Board Member
Betsy has almost two decades of experience as an inventor, CEO and serial entrepreneur. She is currently Founding Partner and Managing Director of Velveteen Ventures, investing in children and the…
"When we channel resources into women-led businesses, we unlock a world of untapped potential."
Juanita Lott
Board Member
Juanita Lott is a director, technology executive (retired), entrepreneur and advisor with specific expertise in enterprise software, governance and human capital management. Juanita currently serves on the boards of Accion…
"Investing in diversity is investing in a better world for all of us."
Jonah Seiger
Board Member
Jonah Seiger is a veteran digital strategist, founder, and CEO with nearly 30 years of experience working at the intersection of the internet and US politics. He is a founder…
To launch a revolution in innovation, start with supporting women. The future is female, and it's profitable!"
Chaitra Vedullapalli
Board Member
Chaitra Vedullapalli is a renowned entrepreneur and a Go-To-Market (GTM) expert, revered for her proficiency in coaching tech founders. Her skills have guided hundreds of tech companies to leverage cloud…